anCnoc 24 Review

Distiller: Knockdhu. ABV: 46%. Age: 24 years. Region: Highlands. Price: $140-160.

Rounding out our recent series of anCnoc single malt reviews, here’s the heavy hitter of the unpeated line: the 24-year-old.

Bottled at a healthy 46% ABV, this is a rare value buy among older single malts. (Any idea what a 24-year-old Macallan would set you back–if they made it?) Interestingly, this bottling is a combination of ex-bourbon cask and sherry-seasoned cask maturation. As a result, it has loads of flavor, but more nuance than you’d likely get from all-sherry maturation.

I think anCnoc hit this one just right. The nose is a huge ripe berry basket, sweet and luscious and just wild enough. The palate is rich and dense, with wild strawberries, raspberry jam, vanilla custard, and a lovely full mouthfeel. The finish is wonderfully long. Along with the fruit come the brambles and branches now. At the end, fragrant black fruit teas and the bottom of a barrel of cherry wine. Very satisfying.

The 24 fulfills the promise that began with anCnoc’s very good 12-year-old, and leaves me feeling all warm and fuzzy about this Highland distillery. Just two questions: 1) Can anCnoc’s peated releases be as good as their unpeated? Can’t wait to find out. 2) Is 24 years too old to be a daily sipper?

I won’t tell if you won’t.

Cheers, friends! – BO

A company representative graciously provided a sample for review. As always, our opinions are 100% our own.