anCnoc 12 Review

Distiller: Knockdhu. ABV: 43%. Age: 12 years. Region: Highlands. Price: $40-45.

For the price, is there a better straight-ahead Highland out there than the anCnoc 12? Even if I find one, I’ll still love this bottle.

anCnoc (pron. a-nock) is the brand name for single malt from the Knockdhu Distillery. It was previously known as Knockdhu, but changed names to avoid confusion with Knockando. Still following?

This standard 12-year-old release is the cornerstone of a quite broad current range, which includes age-stated whiskies up to 35 years, vintage-dated releases, four peated expressions, and multiple special releases.

The 12 is an excellent introduction to the line. Robust enough at 43% ABV, and non chill-filtered, the way it should be. Nose: Reisling! Light, bright, acidic grapey notes, then apple, peach & apricot. First the fresh fruit, then the fruit tree blossoms.

Palate: candied grapefruit. Wildflower honey. (Very lightly) smoked honeycomb. Nice malty core. Further on, buttery toffee. Finish: baklava with a toasty bottom.

Easy daily drinker, great value. Hats off, anCnoc!

Slàinte, friends–and stay tuned for more anCnoc reviews coming soon. – BO

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