Whisky Review/Tasting: Knockando Slow Matured 18 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Knockando Distillery, Speyside, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. The whisky is described as "slow matured," suggesting a maturation process that emphasizes gradual development of flavors, potentially using less fresh casks for a more rounded profile.
Age Statement: 18 years.
Color & Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the absence of artificial coloring for whiskies aged 15 years and above is mentioned, implying a natural color derived from the maturation process.
Bottle Design: The packaging includes a tube with tasting notes and information about the vintage (1998 mentioned), indicating that Knockando produces vintages which may vary slightly in taste.

Balance of Flavors: Described as smoother and more even than its 15-year-old counterpart, with a complex and deep profile.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its sherry influence, presenting ripe and dried fruits, particularly pears and plums, with a backdrop of vanilla fudge, almonds, and nuts. A slight bitterness from chocolate is mentioned but fades quickly, leaving a warm and rewarding finish.
Comparison: Less intense and rich than the 15-year-old version, with a more pleasant, full, and even profile. It's also noted for being a "sherry bomb" with significant wood influence.

Anecdotes/Trivia: The hosts discuss the distinction between "richly matured" and "slow matured" as a way to highlight the additional aging and maturation process. They also touch on the consumer preference for consistency in color, leading to discussions about natural coloration in whisky.

Historical Context: Knockando is a Speyside distillery that produces whisky in vintages, which is somewhat unique and allows for slight variations in flavor profile year to year.
Popularity: Mentioned as being more popular in France compared to Central European countries like Germany, Austria, or Switzerland.

"It's much more welcoming, it's warm, rewarding." - On the overall experience of tasting the whisky.
"It's definitely also a sherry bomb with a lot of wood influence." - Describing the flavor profile.
"It's a little underrated whisky." - The hosts' opinion on the Knockando Slow Matured 18 years.

Knockando Slow Matured 18 years is a single malt Scotch whisky from Speyside, matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.
It offers a smoother, more even, and complex flavor profile compared to its 15-year-old counterpart, with significant sherry and wood influence.
The whisky is part of Knockando's vintage series, with slight variations in flavor from year to year.
It is considered an underrated whisky, offering good value for its age and quality, especially noted for its natural color and absence of artificial coloring.
Popular in France, it's seen as a hidden gem in other parts of Europe.

For Sherry Cask Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy the rich, fruity, and complex flavors typically imparted by sherry cask maturation will find this whisky particularly appealing.
For Collectors of Vintage Whiskies: The vintage aspect of Knockando may attract collectors interested in exploring subtle variations between different years.
For Value Seekers: Given its affordability and quality for an 18-year-old single malt, this whisky is recommended for those looking to explore aged whiskies without breaking the bank.
For Experienced Whisky Drinkers: The nuanced and complex profile, combined with the cultural and historical significance of Knockando, makes this an interesting choice for seasoned whisky enthusiasts.