Building upon the success of its peated range, anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky introduces two new expressions: anCnoc Sherry Cask Finish, Peated Edition and anCnoc Peatheart Batch 3. Crafted by Knockdhu Distillery Manager Gordon Bruce and his skilled team in Aberdeenshire, these whiskies showcase the traditional tools and techniques used to create their renowned unpeated drams.
Staying true to the heritage of Knockdhu, the whiskies pay homage to the distillery's founders by utilising locally sourced barley smoked with Aberdeenshire peat. This distinctive peat imparts a sweeter and woodier character compared to other peats found in the Highlands and Islands, resulting in remarkably approachable peated single malts.
"Many whisky enthusiasts claim they cannot appreciate peated whiskies, until they try anCnoc's peated expressions. These new releases are an enticing proposition, offering a modern take on hand-crafted single malts. They combine our light, fruity spirit with a dark, smoky twist, all crafted with the integrity, craft ethos, and local resources for which our single malt is renowned. These whiskies truly offer something unique in the world of peated whisky." ~ Knockdhu Distillery Manager Gordon Bruce
The Sherry Cask Finish, Peated Edition presents a delightful balance between an appealing ashy smokiness and light, honeyed anCnoc notes. This luscious single malt provides the best of both worlds, departing from the medicinal flavours often associated with peated whiskies. On the other hand, Peatheart Batch 3 builds upon an already dedicated fan base, offering subtle differences and fresh flavours that are sure to captivate whisky enthusiasts.
With their distinctive character and expert craftsmanship, anCnoc's peated whiskies provide a captivating exploration of the peat-influenced whisky landscape, enticing both seasoned peat lovers and those new to peated expressions.
anCnoc Sherry Cask Finish, Peated Edition
Introducing anCnoc Sherry Cask Finish, Peated Edition, the newest addition to the esteemed range of single malts from Knockdhu distillery. This permanent expression delivers a remarkable fusion of anCnoc's signature soft, sweet, and fruity flavours alongside the enticing notes of vanilla, warm spice, and a sherry finish. What sets this whisky apart is the subtle yet captivating presence of lingering campfire smoke, adding a rich and distinctive dimension to the overall tasting experience.
Upon nosing, delightful aromas of sweet honey and tropical fruits greet the senses, accompanied by gentle hints of cinnamon and toffee. This enticing bouquet is beautifully intertwined with a delicate waft of campfire smoke. On the palate, a luscious and indulgent experience unfolds, revealing flavours of toffee-coated apples, enticing warming spices, deep vanilla undertones, and a subtle presence of peat smoke. The journey culminates in a satisfying and enduring finish, characterised by the lingering embrace of wood smoke, notes of caramel, and the continued sweetness of vanilla.
Crafted with a blend of both peated and non-peated spirit, anCnoc Sherry Cask Finish undergoes initial maturation in American oak casks. It is then carefully transferred to sherry butts sourced from Jerez, Spain, where the whisky further develops its character. The interaction between the smoky spirit and the sweet, spicy wood of the sherry casks results in a harmonious marriage of flavours.
Originally introduced exclusively for the Swedish market in 2020, anCnoc's peated sherry expression quickly gained popularity among whisky enthusiasts. Recognizing the growing demand from consumers worldwide, anCnoc decided to create this expression for its key global markets, offering whisky drinkers an opportunity to explore the world of peated whiskies.
Bottled at 43% ABV, anCnoc Sherry Cask Finish, Peated Edition is attractively priced at £45.00 for a 70cl bottle. With its unique combination of flavours and enticing smoky profile, this expression is sure to captivate both seasoned whisky enthusiasts and those venturing into the world of peated malts for the first time.
anCnoc Peatheart Batch 3
An eagerly anticipated release for anCnoc enthusiasts, Batch 3 of the limited-edition Peatheart series has finally arrived, following the successful launches of Peatheart Batch 1 in 2017 and Batch 2 in 2020.
Crafted by the skilled team at the distillery, Peatheart whiskies strike the perfect balance of peated barley and maturation in American oak ex-bourbon casks. This meticulous process brings together anCnoc's characteristic light, honeyed, and citrus notes with the indulgent flavours of soft, ashy barbecue smoke.
In Batch 3, these desirable qualities abound, but with a delightful twist. A slightly more pronounced fragrant grassiness emerges, accompanied by heightened hints of green apple and citrus that cut through the velvety smokiness.
The nose of this whisky reveals an enticing blend of sweet barbeque and earthy peat, harmoniously intertwining with the inviting notes of honey and sweet spice. Together, they create a delightful and fragrant bouquet, accompanied by a distinct grassy character. On the palate, the smoky and peaty elements take centre stage, gracefully layered over the flavours of green apple, citrus, and luscious vanilla bean sweetness. Hints of oily smoke emerge, lingering on the palate and seamlessly transitioning into the long-lasting finish, where they are accompanied by a subtle touch of sweet spice.
This latest batch also introduces a novel approach to help whisky enthusiasts gauge the level of peatiness in their bottle. It showcases two ppm (phenol parts per million) values: one for the barley and another for the finished whisky. The use of peat smoke during production imparts a distinctive phenol level to the barley, and for Peatheart Batch 3, anCnoc's Master Blender has chosen barley with a 34ppm level. It's important to note that phenols are lost during the whisky-making process, making the ppm of the whisky itself the most relevant measure of peatiness. In the case of Peatheart Batch 3, this value stands at 13.3ppm, making it a bold yet elegantly smooth peated dram.
Bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, and with its natural colour intact, only 1535 cases of anCnoc Peatheart Batch 3 will be made available. Each 70cl bottle is priced at £60.00, ensuring that enthusiasts can savour this exceptional expression while stocks last.
About anCnoc
anCnoc is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky brand known for its distinctive and approachable expressions. The name "anCnoc" (pronounced 'a-nock') is derived from the Gaelic term for the nearby Knock Hill, which overlooks the Knockdhu Distillery where anCnoc whisky is produced.
The Knockdhu Distillery, situated in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1894. It embraces traditional production methods and craftsmanship to create their range of whiskies. The distillery takes pride in using locally sourced barley and pure Highland water from nearby springs, ensuring the whisky captures the essence of its surroundings.
anCnoc whiskies are celebrated for their versatility and wide appeal. They offer a diverse range of expressions, from unpeated to lightly peated whiskies, each with its own unique flavour profile. The brand aims to provide accessible and enjoyable whisky experiences for both newcomers and seasoned whisky enthusiasts.
The whiskies from anCnoc often showcase a combination of fruity, floral, and honeyed notes, complemented by gentle spices and a touch of oak. They are known for their smooth and approachable character, making them suitable for sipping neat or exploring in various cocktails and whisky-based drinks.
In addition to their core range of expressions, anCnoc releases limited editions and special batches that showcase different cask finishes, peat levels, and flavour profiles. These limited releases add excitement and variety to the brand's portfolio, enticing whisky connoisseurs and collectors alike.
Overall, anCnoc stands as a notable player in the Scotch whisky industry, offering a range of well-crafted whiskies that embody the spirit of the Highland region while embracing innovation and quality craftsmanship.
anCnoc’s Core Range
The anCnoc core range consists of a selection of single malt Scotch whiskies that showcase the distillery's craftsmanship and the character of the Highland region. These expressions are known for their approachable and versatile nature, appealing to both whisky enthusiasts and those new to the world of Scotch.
- anCnoc 12 Year Old: This is the flagship expression of the range, matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks. It offers a balanced profile with notes of honey, citrus fruits, vanilla, and a touch of spice.
- anCnoc 18 Year Old: Aged for 18 years, this whisky exudes elegance and complexity. It presents a harmonious blend of rich fruits, chocolate, toffee, and subtle spices, with a lingering finish.
- anCnoc 24 Year Old: This expression showcases the influence of long maturation, offering deeper flavours of dark chocolate, dried fruits, oak, and hints of leather. It provides a luxurious and refined drinking experience.
Each whisky in the anCnoc core range is crafted with care, using locally sourced barley, traditional production methods, and maturation in carefully selected casks. The range showcases the distillery's commitment to producing whiskies that are flavorful, well-balanced, and accessible to a wide range of palates.
