Whisky Review/Tasting: An Cnoc 24 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The whisky comes from the Knockdhu distillery, which shifted its branding from "Knockdhu" to "An Cnoc" in the 1990s to avoid confusion with the similarly named Knockando distillery.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The whisky is matured in European oak sherry casks, contributing to its rich flavor profile.
Age Statement: 24 years.
Color: Described as vintage amber, the whisky is uncolored and non-chill filtered.
Clarity and Bottle Design: The whisky may develop a light haze if kept at a cold temperature or with the addition of water, a natural characteristic of non-chill filtered whiskies. The bottle design wasn't specifically described, but the product is noted for its natural presentation.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky offers a rich yet crisp profile, with a harmonious blend of sweetness, spiciness, and citrus notes.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its "cozy ambiance of Christmas cake," the whisky features dense sweetness, spiciness, and a symphony of maturity with flavors of vanilla, sat toffee, lemon juice, candied orange slices, warm honey, and worn leather.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its complex and mature flavor profile places it among the top whiskies tasted by the reviewer.

Interesting Stories: The distillery's transition from "Knockdhu" to "An Cnoc" to distinguish itself and the mention of a visit to the distillery in 1995, highlighting its Victorian industrial style and establishment in 1894.

Historical Context: The Knockdhu distillery's Victorian heritage and its strategic rebranding to "An Cnoc" for market differentiation are significant. The Gaelic name "An Cnoc" refers to the Knock Hill, adding a layer of cultural depth to the whisky's identity.

Opinions and Quotes: Horst Luening, the master taster, praises the whisky as "one of the very very best I had this month," highlighting its full, massive taste and absence of sharpness or bitterness. He expresses a strong personal preference for the whisky, planning to savor the glass for the evening.

An Cnoc 24 years is a single malt Scotch whisky from the Knockdhu distillery, matured in European oak sherry casks.
It features a rich, complex flavor profile with notes of Christmas cake, vanilla, toffee, lemon juice, candied orange slices, warm honey, and worn leather.
The whisky is uncolored, non-chill filtered, and may develop a natural haze.
The distillery's history and the transition from "Knockdhu" to "An Cnoc" are notable.
Horst Luening highly praises the whisky, considering it among the best he's tasted.

Whisky Connoisseurs: Individuals with a deep appreciation for aged, complex whiskies will likely enjoy the mature and nuanced flavor profile of An Cnoc 24 years.
Collectors: Given its limited availability and the potential for scarcity, collectors may find this whisky a valuable addition to their collection.
Fans of Sherry Cask Whiskies: Those who enjoy the rich, fruity, and spicy characteristics typical of sherry cask maturation will find this whisky particularly appealing.