anCnoc 22 Years Old (46%, OB, 2013)
- Category: Speyside single malt scotch whisky
- Origin: Knockdhu Distillery
- Bottling: Official – Inver House Distillers Ltd.
- ABV: 46%
- Cost: £79.99
What they say:
Matured predominately in American oak, ex-bourbon casks as well as Spanish oak, ex-sherry butts, anCnoc 22 Years Old displays complexity and a wealth of character but its long lasting rich, smoky finish sets this dram apart from the younger offerings.
Colour
Bright gold with a copper tint.
Nose
Sweet and spicy with notes of honey and toffee. Warm Christmas cake is accentuated by the freshness of lemons, green apples and cut flowers. All wrapped in a delicate whiff of wood smoke.
Taste
Full bodied and complex. Distinct crushed clove, raisin and blood orange flavours are at the front, closely followed by layers of fragrant vanilla and leather. The long, rich finish is smoky and spicy.
What I say:
Sampled as part of the #IHDMasterclass online beamed live from the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh. Many thanks to Lukasz and the team at IHD for asking us to take part in this tasting.
Colour:
Amber bronze (13/20), slow forming medium-sized tears leave medium legs
Nose:
More spiced than the anCnoc 18 Years Old, plenty of cinnamon and gingerbread on top of the floral and honeyed cereal maltiness, some toffee, Christmas cake or light pudding, brandy soaked raisins, freshly ground nutmeg but also a sprinkle of icing sugar
Taste:
Creamy vanilla and chocolate milkshake, toffee and fudge, rich, malty cereal, cinnamon spiced apples, slightly burnt caramelised sugars and molasses, condensed milk sweetness, crème brulee and vanilla custard, some tannic leather or suede
Finish:
Long, spiced and creamy toffee melting in the mouth whilst sitting by an open log fire
Overall:
A spicier and slightly smoky dram, much more contemplative this one. Rich and with plenty of body, flavour and character, this really displays wonderful cask maturation on a light honeyed base spirit. A real indulgent pleasure!
Score: 86/100
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