One of the great single malt scotch whiskeys. Diageo bought the distillery, and couldn't keep up with the demand. Their solution? They changed the Cardhu label from "single malt" to "pure malt," then began making the whiskey by adding product from other distilleries, hoping no one would care.
The other distilleries went ballistic, saying that this threatened the entire industry, muddying the water, so to speak, of the individuality of each distillery's product.
Currently, Glenfiddich has 20.9% of the market for single-malt scotch; Glen Grant has 10.8%, The Glenlivet 9.8%, Cardhu 7.9%, The Macallan 7.1%, Glenmorangie 7.0%, Aberlour 5.2%, and all the other brands, of which there are myriad, 31.3%.
Over the years, I have tried to learn to like scotch, but simply can't get past the powerful burn. Beer is as far as I go, about 1 every month: I hate the sleepiness and cloudy-headedness that follows. Wine: a rare glass, if I'm out.
The thing is - and this goes for drugs as well - I feel totally ready to do anything anytime 24/7: I've been that way since college. So, if I'm not gonna lose my inhibitions because I don't have any, why bother drinking?
Much better to be with others who do, so they can play on my field.
Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
dude, you need to add a little water to a good single malt.
it takes away the burn and enhances the flavor.
on the other hand, it will save you a lot of money in the long run if you stay away from this stuff.
2 - cjones
Nothing beats Cognac. Its like liquid crack.
3 - Gautam Patel
Sorry to hear you don't like single malts. As Mark says a splash of water is needed. For one thing it brings out the flavour. Another trick. Alternate every drink with a full glass of water. Keeps the head clear and doesn't damage the flavour in the least! BTW, have just discovered the magical Ardbeg - looks lighter in colour than the Glenlivet but is peaty and smoky enough to give Lagavulin (my personal favorite) a good run for its money.
4 - Mark Saleski
i've only been in the single malt 'game' for a few years. on the peaty end my favorite is Laphroig...on the other end it's The Balvenie Portwood.
unfortunately (or maybe it's a good thing), The Balvenie isn't exactly cheap.
best 'utility' scotch: Balmore Islay...only about $20.