Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Alcohol Level: 40%
Size: 700ml
Description:
House Targaryen & Cardhu Bottling Note
This is a special limited-edition bottling of single malt Scotch whisky that was released as part of a collaboration between Diageo and US TV network HBO, producers of the enormously successful Game of Thrones series. The show served as inspiration for each of the whiskies, which were paired with one of the iconic Houses of Westeros.
In this case the fab Cardhu Gold Reserve was bestowed with the House Targaryen. They're the ones with the dragons and stuff, as well as Daenerys Targaryen (played by Emilia Clarke), who you'll probably recognise as she's a major character in the show. Their house words are 'Fire and Blood', but they can now update them to 'Fire, Blood and lovely Scotch'. Did I mention this is the house with the dragons? It's worth saying twice. There's even a dragon on the label, in case you don't believe us.
Cardhu Gold Reserve is a no age statement single malt that was crafted using hand-picked toasted oak casks and first released in 2014.
Tasting Note
Nose: Honeyed tinned stone fruits, toffees and a hint of strawberry with red apple and ginger coming through with a little water.
Palate: Fairly dry with biscuity oak and a little cinnamon as well as some development of those toffee and apple notes.
Finish: Gentle oak and (milk chocolate) caramel digestives.
Overall: Described as a "generous" whisky, it's a description that matches both the nose and its general easy-drinking nature.