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The anCnoc 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

A must for every whisky fan: The anCnoc 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky | It's going to be another exciting experience in the glass! Alongside culinary highlights, I regularly introduce you to high-quality and exceptional spirits. Recently, for example, I featured the shimmering rosé-colored... Glendalough Rose Gin, or also the Cognac Frapin 1270, Ideal for mixing fine cognac cocktails. After gin and cognac, today we're talking about the trendy drink whisky, more precisely the "anCnoc 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky" from the Knockdhu Distillery in Scotland, located on the border between the Highlands and the Speyside region. I'll tell you now what makes this modern whisky so special and why it shouldn't be missing from your home bar.

The perfect whisky for uncomplicated, modern yet traditional drinking pleasure.

Get to know anCnoc and the Knockdhu Distillery

Why AnCnoc and what's the story behind it? – AnCnoc (pronounced "annok") is Gaelic, meaning "the hill," and is the name of the whisky that has been bottled under this name by the Knockdhu distillery since 1993. While it's rather unusual for a whisky not to bear the name of its distillery, according to Scottish tradition, the Knockdhu Distillery's single malt has been offered, appreciated, and enjoyed under the name "An Cnoc" for almost 30 years. This unique name not only clearly differentiated it from the Speyside malt "Knockando" but also shed the unjustly "old-fashioned" image of Scottish whisky. Hence AnCnoc's slogan, "A modern tradition.".

The distillery's name, "Knockdhu," means "black mountain," derived from Knock Hill, a mountain over 400 meters high located not far from the distillery. Founded in 1894 in the Scottish Highlands, the Knockdhu Distillery was established after John Morrison purchased land in the village of Knock in Aberdeenshire, in northeastern Scotland, in 1892. The distillery is known for its traditional whisky production methods, utilizing wooden washbacks for fermentation with yeast, copper pot stills, and classic warehouses. A few years ago, the distillery was awarded "Distiller of the Year" at the "Icons of Whisky" awards presented by the renowned Whisky magazine.

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The best way to enjoy whisky is neat, from a nosing glass.

anCnoc represents a modern take on whisky tradition, meaning traditional craftsmanship paired with a contemporary and light taste. The anCnoc 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky offers uncomplicated whisky enjoyment while also bypassing any perceived inhibitions some may feel towards whisky (and, mistakenly, cognac). With its anCnoc whisky, the Knockdhu Distillery demonstrates that tradition and modernity can be successfully combined, blending time-honored Scottish distilling techniques with a fresh, modern whisky experience. anCnoc allows younger drinkers to venture into the world of malt whisky and experience uncomplicated enjoyment, as the spirits from Knockdhu represent a complex yet surprisingly fresh, modern, and easily accessible taste.

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Why not venture into the world of whisky? – anCnoc is perfectly suited for this.

Production of the anCnoc 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Knockdhu's single malt whiskies have a typically soft and floral nose for Speyside whiskies. The taste delivers the body and character of a Highland malt, classically sweet with lemon and honey. The whisky is made using clear spring water from the nearby Knocks Hills and locally grown barley. These ingredients contribute to the whisky's distinctive character and exceptional smoothness. They also make the whisky sweeter, more floral, and warmer, and less medicinal than some other whiskies.

Let's take a look at the whisky production process: The single malt is distilled in two copper pot stills, unusually large for whisky – the term for a type of distillation apparatus. Both stills have narrowing, conical necks with a shape and size that allow for a high reflux rate. After this step, the whisky is cooled in a cast-iron worm tub – a large container with a cooling coil submerged in water. The single malt then matures for over 12 years in ex-bourbon casks made of American oak and ex-sherry casks made of Spanish oak. After this maturation period, the whiskies are blended, a process known as "vatting.".

anCnoc 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Aromas and flavors of the anCnoc Single Malt Whisky

Tasting – now it's time to try!

When you pick up the bottle of whisky, you'll see a very modern, fresh, and distinctive design. The bottle's presentation is the first indication that whisky is clearly also aimed at the younger generation. As I already mentioned in my Frapin Cognac article, there's fundamentally no "right or wrong" when it comes to whisky. It's much more about enjoyment and the pleasure of tasting it.

Whisky is perfect for relaxed enjoyment – for young and old alike – but it's best served neat in a glass, without ice. The Scottish anCnoc 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky has an alcohol content of 40% ABV and tastes light, smooth, and complex, yet challenging – exactly how a good whisky should taste. Try it for yourself!

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The Knockdhu distillery has been distilling whisky under the name "anCnoc" for almost 30 years.„

With every gentle swirl of the (ideally) nosing glass (…but any other whisky glass will do), the anCnoc whisky reveals a new surprise of aromas, and so even the color of the whisky hints at what to expect in terms of taste. The anCnoc whisky has a light amber color with a slightly yellow hue. On the nose, you'll perceive a hint of honey and lemon in the form of a subtle sweetness. When you take the first (rather small) sip, it's initially sweet again, with pleasant fruit and a long, smooth finish – the last and lasting impression of the taste. For me, a perfectly harmonious tasting experience.

The conclusion here is also positive. Just dare to try it, even if the initial feeling of reaching for a bottle of whisky at a specialist retailer is new to you. It's worth it. Knockdhu's single malts are a revelation for every whisky lover and a great entry point for anyone wanting to venture into the world of whisky. Knockdhu showcases a modern, approachable whisky style that still emphasizes traditional production methods. In short, a "must-have" in every home bar and whisky collection, and the perfect whisky for anyone who wants to enjoy the great tradition of fine malt whisky without feeling intimidated.

+++ This article was created in cooperation with the Knockdhu Distillery. Thank you! +++

HARD FACTS / CONTACT FOR INQUIRIES

anCnoc 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

anCnoc's website

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