anCnoc 18 Year Old & anCnoc 24 Year Old Review

First time, won’t be the last

At the Knockdhu distillery in Aberdeenshire, we meet a variety of highland single malts called anCnoc.  In the distillers own words, a modern whisky which is contemporary in both taste and design.  It was my first try of these highland malts and I was lucky enough to sample the 18 and 24 Year Old expressions.  Here are my notes.

AnCnoc 18

Matured in Spanish oak ex-sherry casks and American oak ex-bourbon barrels, and neither chill-filtered nor coloured.  Light in colour.

Nose – Very light and refreshing and my nose is immediately met with dominant notes of lemon and pears.  Sweeter notes come through with golden syrup and brown sugar. 

Palate – More of the lemon zest up front and some spicy malts.  Not too overpowering and the lightness in colour and nose transfer through to the mouth.

Finish – A big surprise, as I was expecting a short finish.  It was medium to long and a real winter warmer.  Vanilla and spices.

AnCnoc 24

Matured in Spanish and American oak, ex-sherry casks then a period of final maturation in first fill Spanish oak, ex-sherry butts.  Vintage amber in colour.

Nose – A much more dominant nose compared to the 18.  Rich and full-bodied.  Notes of corn and wheat.  I can also get some fruits like apricots and peaches. 

Palate – Heavy fruit with nutty accompaniments.  There’s definite walnut and almond there.  Milk chocolate and light caramel.

Finish – A woody finish with a lot of those Spanish and American wood flavours present.  Spicy and sweet.  Mince pies doused in sherry and sugar.

This will certainly not be my last time trying AnCnoc.  The 24 Year old was the star of the show with its prominent flavours.  Check them out!