Cardhu Gold Reserve House Targaryen is part of the celebrated Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection, the 2018 to 2019 collaboration between HBO and Diageo that paired iconic Scotch distilleries with the great houses of Westeros. This release represents House Targaryen, the dragon riding dynasty whose words are Fire and Blood, and the striking packaging carries the house's three headed dragon sigil. The pairing draws a fitting parallel between the fierce female leadership of the Targaryen line and the real pioneering women behind Cardhu: Helen Cumming and her daughter in law Elizabeth, who built the Speyside distillery into one of the most iconic names in Scotch during the male dominated whisky world of the 1800s. The whisky inside is Cardhu Gold Reserve, a no age statement single malt from one of Speyside's oldest distilleries, drawn from toasted oak and ex bourbon casks and bottled at 40 percent ABV. It offers a clear, approachable expression of the gentle, fruit forward Cardhu house style. The nose leads with candied malt, warm honey, orchard fruit, and a touch of cocoa, while the palate brings apricot, banana, baked apple, toffee, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and spice, finishing soft, sweet, and lightly oaked. Easygoing and elegant, it is an excellent everyday Speyside single malt and an essential piece for Game of Thrones collectors, particularly fans of the dragon riding House Targaryen. Now that the Game of Thrones collection has been discontinued, this limited edition has become an increasingly sought after bottle, prized as much for its display worthy packaging as for the smooth dram within.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Cardhu |
| Distillery |
Cardhu Distillery, Speyside, Scotland |
| Producer |
Diageo |
| Category |
Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
| Expression |
Cardhu Gold Reserve, Game of Thrones House Targaryen |
| Age Statement |
No age statement (aged minimum 3 years) |
| Mashbill |
100% malted barley (single malt) |
| Maturation |
Toasted oak and ex bourbon casks |
| Bottling |
Limited edition; chill filtered, with caramel coloring |
| ABV |
40% |
| Proof |
80 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Scotland |
| Region |
Speyside |
Tasting Notes
Color: Amber gold.
Nose: Candied malt, warm honey, orchard fruit, and a hint of cocoa, with roasted nuts and a touch of oak.
Palate: Light and sweet, with apricot, banana, baked apple, vanilla, toffee, and gentle cinnamon spice.
Finish: Soft, sweet, and lightly spiced, with lingering oak.
FAQ
Which house does this whisky represent? House Targaryen, the dragon riding dynasty whose words are Fire and Blood, marked by the three headed dragon sigil.
What is the connection to Cardhu? The release honors the pioneering women behind Cardhu, Helen Cumming and Elizabeth Cumming, paralleling the fierce female leadership of House Targaryen.
What proof is it? 80 proof, or 40 percent ABV.
What distillery is it from? Cardhu, one of the oldest distilleries in the Speyside region of Scotland, known for its smooth, fruit forward single malt.
Does it have an age statement? No. It is a no age statement single malt, aged a minimum of three years in toasted oak and ex bourbon casks.
Where can I buy Cardhu House Targaryen online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
