Review: Game of Thrones House Targaryen – Cardhu Gold Reserve
The second expression under review from the Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection is Game of Thrones House Targaryen – Cardhu Gold Reserve. This expression is new to the United States, but has been available in select European markets since 2014 and has simply been repackaged for the Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection. Cardhu Gold Reserve is an NAS (No Age Statement) single malt Scotch whisky from the Cardhu distillery, located in the Speyside region of Scotland.
Game of Thrones House Targaryen – Cardhu Gold Reserve Specifications:
- Spirit: Scotch.
- Classification: Single Malt.
- Region: Speyside.
- Age: NAS (No Age Statement).
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof).
- Cask Type: Toasted oak casks.
- NCF (Non-Chill Filtered)? No.
- Natural Color? No.
- Price Paid: $33.99 for 750 mL.
Tasting Notes:
- Color: Amber.
- Nose: Light and malty. Fruit (red apples), slightly grassy and yeasty, a hint of oak.
- Palate: Thin and watery. Sweet. Concentrated apple juice, vanilla, a hint of honey. Milk chocolate, toffee, faint baking spices, and bitter oak.
- Finish: Short. More apple juice, baking spices, toffee, and bitter oak.
This is my least favorite release in the Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection. I don’t mind light bodied whiskies, but Game of Thrones House Targaryen – Cardhu Gold Reserve is too light. The nose is dominated by the malt notes, the mouthfeel is thin and watery, and the finish never develops. There are no off-notes or offensive aromas or flavors, but there’s nothing exciting or compelling enough to make you want to come back. I have no problem drinking this, but it’s the last bottle I’d reach for when in the mood for a dram. If you’re looking for a light bodied Game of Thrones single malt to sip on as you watch season eight, seek out Game of Thrones House Tully – Singleton of Glendullan Select or Game of Thrones House Stark – Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost instead.
Rating: C- (70–72%).
A Second Opinion:
My cousin Jayson and I frequently participate in bottle splits and share samples of new releases. When possible, I’ll share his tasting notes alongside mine.
Jayson’s Notes:
- Color: Amber.
- Nose: Sweet. Basic. Caramel apple. Green apple. Mild vanilla.
- Palate: Sweet. Somewhat watery mouthfeel. Juicy fruit. Canned peeled oranges on cheap vanilla ice cream. Cinnamon.
- Finish: Short. Sweet, almost artificially so. A little spicy. Some vanilla and pepper. A weird metallic note at the end.
I didn’t expect much from this because even Cardhu 12 is lackluster to me. This is a step back from Cardhu 12 and a huge drop from the Game of Thrones House Tully – Singleton of Glendullan Select. The nose was basic, the palate was watery and boring, and the finish was also boring yet somehow managed to disjoint from the rest of the pour. I’d reach for a Chivas 12 or even a White Walker by Johnnie Walker before I’d reach for this. This wasn’t a proper representation of the house that gave us the Mother of Dragons.
Jayson’s Rating: D (60–69%).