Cardhu has a generous spirit which flows from two pioneering women, Helen and Elizabeth Cumming who cofounded and built up the distillery. Two hundred years ago, when rural communities were close knit, Helen Cumming warned neighbouring distilleries of the approach of revenue officials by hoisting a flag. Later Elizabeth Cumming's entrepreneurial drive enabled her to build a new and much larger distillery. She was also known for her acts of kindness and for her "hospitable home". When Elizabeth retired she entrusted her cherished Cardhu to John Walker & Sons. This, their first distillery has become the spiritual home of Johnnie Walker while it's own generous spirit echoes the character of THE CUMMINGS of CARDHU.