AnCnoc 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

"A dram that deserves to be better known." Editors' Choice - whiskyadvocate.com

A long time darling of Jim Murrays, AnCnoc have returned two big age statements. The 'new and improved' incarnation of the 18 year old sports a significantly deeper colour, delivering a full bodied, juicier, sherry heavy expression. Our tasting revealed orange zest, dried apricots, vanilla oak, dark chocolate, sprinklings of cinnamon and pepper as well as leather and rancio at the finish, mixed in with the fruity malt, giving this a 'noble', venerable feel beyond its already considerable age. Complex enough to enjoy uncut, but also amenable to water, at a fraction of the price of Macallan et al, this is a fabulous new option for lovers of sherried styles. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... This whisky spends 15 to 16 years in bourbon barrels before a final maturation in oloroso sherry casks. The nose is sweet, with tropical fruits, nutty spices, almonds, orange marmalade, and worn leather. The orange theme continues on the luscious, lively palate, with spicy toffee, cinnamon, vanilla, and honey. Drying and lightly spiced in the finish. A dram that deserves to be better known. Editors' Choice. 92 points - Gavin Smith, Winter 2019, whiskyadvocate.com

...This is not quite as creamy as their 12 Year, however the flavor is more robust. Tangy berries and nuts get some residual smokiness from the bourbon oak. Toffee richness, orange peel and leather rounds it out. Perfect for fans of sherried whiskies who enjoy a more subtle approach. 90 points - distiller.com

AnCnoc is produced at the Knockdhu Distillery which was founded in 1894 following the discovery of several springs of particularly pure water on the southern slopes of Knock Hill. When production first started, the Distillery was a showpiece. Two pot stills could turn out 2500 gallons of spirit per week, motive power being supplied by a 16 horsepower steam engine. Cottages were built for the workers and their families, creating a new community around the Distillery. Much has been done to modernise the buildings and machinery since, but very little has changed in the distillation process. The two originally designed pot stills remain, giving Knockdhu the same traditional, distinctive flavour as was first tasted almost 100 years ago.