Maybe my palate is evolving but I increasingly find myself passing over the peaty or sherried whiskies for fruiter pasture. Whatever the reason, I may prefer this Cardhu a smidgen to the Talisker and Lagavulin contributions to the Diaego 2020 special releases. The nose is warm honey, malt and apple. In the mouth it’s oily with flavors of red apples and nutmeg. The finish takes a turn to spiced chocolate. A surprisingly strong showing for this workhorse distillery.