AnCnoc 12 Year Review
In-Depth Review
The one thing most people can agree on when it comes to AnCnoc whisky is that it’s incredibly hard to pronounce. Apparently, the distillery agrees – putting its very specific (and simple) pronunciation of [a-nock] on every bottle they produce. Made by Knockdhu distillery, the AnCnoc name was chosen as to not confuse it with the nearby Knockando distillery. But pronunciation aside, the 12 year old constitutes the entry whisky in the core range of this distillery located on the outer edges of Speyside. Owned by Inver House, Knockdhu’s core range includes 12 year, 18, and 21 year old expressions. Priced very affordably, the entire range has seemingly flown under the radar of most enthusiasts in the US.
But today, we are going to dive into their flagship 12 year product. I purchased a few of these minis for an unbeatable price of $2.99 and figured with an ABV of 43%, good color, and being a less well-known distillery, it was a risk worth taking. So, let’s dive in and see if AnCnoc is a whisky worth seeking out for your bar!
Age: 12 Year
ABV: 43%
Cask: Used American and Spanish Oak
MSRP: $60
Distillery Name: Knockdhu Distillery
Review Date: 8/25/23
Color: Pale Gold
Nose: The nose starts off with refreshing notes of honey, fresh flowers, heather, vanilla, and a whipped citrus cream. Then comes more sweet honeysuckle, and a juicy ripe melon. At times the nose can feel like a typical young Speyside, but as it settles, the complexity and interest builds – making this one of the more interesting “entry” level Speysiders.
Palate: The first thing I noticed when taking my first sip was how full bodied and vicious the mouthfeel was here. It’s remarkable that this clocks in at only 43% because it has the body of something pushing cask strength. The front end is gentle, with notes of sweet lavender, honeydew melon, fresh cut grass and cotton candy. It’s fresh and vibrant, with big fruity notes that remind me of a summer fruit salad. The 43% ABV gives it enough kick to keep it interesting throughout.
Finish: Medium length finish with red chili, white chocolate, and fresh cracked pepper. There’s a faint smoke note that lingers behind - like an ashen wood from an extinguished campfire – but it is very subdued. The finish sticks and coats the tongue, leaving a savory quality that balances the sweetness of the palate.
Final Thoughts: This AnCnoc 12 year is a whisky drinker’s whisky. Having it on your bar is a subtle flex that shows someone really knows what makes a good, clean Speysider. With a zesty nose, a vibrant palate, and a truly excellent mouthfeel, this might be one of my favorite non-sherried 12 year olds from the region. It may not rewrite the book on Speyside, but it is executed extremely well, showing deft hands at work and quality barrels. If you had told me this was a 15 year old, I would absolutely believe you. And while it may be one of the more difficult whiskies to pronounce, take one sip, and you might become the go-to 12 year old Speysider for your home bar.
