AnCnoc 12 Year Old Scotch Review

Summer afternoons call for a fresh whisky, and while some may think that a fresh whisky might be simple, it shouldn’t mean that. anCnoc 12 is one of those fresh, yet complex, whiskies that may revive a fatigued person on a hot afternoon.

Located in the limits of Speyside, the Knockdhu distillery is known for its modern tradition approach and its Highland whisky. The distillery, owned by InverHouse, chose to name its whisky anCnoc (pronounced a-nóck) 20 years ago. It is less difficult to confuse it with Knockando with that name.

Even though it is quite known in Scotland, anCnoc is not a brand that we are used to seeing around outside the UK (and I’m still wondering why!). Today’s pick, anCnoc 12, is the entry-level whisky of the Scotch brand. A statement of intent of the house style, produced under the watchful eye of Gordon Bruce.

anCnoc 12 years old has been matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels for at least 12 years. It is usually bottled at 40% volume (80 proof) without chill filtration (but you might also find a 43% volume/86 proof  bottle).

anCnoc 12 is pale amber with yellow shades on the glass. On the nose, it starts with a blow of citrus, like a summer afternoon near a lemon tree. There are some fruity notes, mostly lemon and apples. A little bit grassy, there are also sweet honey and vanilla aromas.

This single malt is light on the palate, with a medium body. anCnoc 12 starts with a burst of fruit. There are strong fresh lemon notes, blended with notes of green apples and a touch of banana.

These are followed by sweeter flavors: vanilla, icing sugar and a touch of honey. Towards the end, some grassy notes and light spicy nuances.

It has a medium finish, with some spicy notes and a touch of honey.

anCnoc 12 is the entry-level single malt for anCnoc and it is quite an introduction. This whisky is one of those whiskies that can take you to a special moment or a special place, which I find fascinating.

It is a wonderful dram for your summer evenings thanks to its citrus notes. It can easily be enjoyed alone, on the rocks or even with a nice cocktail. It is, for sure, one of those bottles you should always have at home, ready to share with friends and family.

anCnoc 12 years old is widely available and you should be able to find a bottle in specialised shops or online. It is retailed around £35 in the UK, €34 in Europe and $50 in the US.