anCnoc 18 Year Old launched

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has announced a remarkable addition to its multi-award-winning collection. The new 18 Year Old joins the family of single malts crafted at Knockdhu Distillery in true anCnoc style, offering a traditionally distilled, exquisite spirit with a modern twist. It follows a string of highly successful new releases and is expected to be just as popular. anCnoc’s Assistant Brand Manager Stephanie Bridge explains:

“2014 has been anCnoc’s most ambitious year to date. We unveiled our new Peaty Collection in April, two new expressions for Global Travel Retail and our hugely popular 2000 Vintage. We are confident that our new anCnoc 18 Year Old will be extremely popular amongst single malt aficionados with its unique taste profile and striking packaging.”

The Whisky

anCnoc 18 Year Old was matured in top quality hand-selected American oak ex-bourbon and European oak ex-sherry casks. The combination of the two types of wood gives this mature expression of anCnoc an outstanding depth, complexity and balance of flavour. It’s a single malt for the most discerning drinker.

The whisky is bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered and presented at its natural colour. Initially 6,000 bottles will be available in key markets worldwide. The recommended retail price is £70.

Tasting notes

Colour: Pine sap

Nose: Gentle spices and intense sweetness of dried fruits are topped with silky chocolate ganache, a squeeze of ripe orange and a mere suggestion of oiled leather. Intricate and elegant, balancing both maturity and Distillery’s signature character.

Taste: Full-bodied and bold, the palate brings aromatic spices, fruit loaf and candied lemon slices followed by a surge of vanilla custard, honey and runny caramel. European and American casks play in harmony delivering a lush and irresistibly moreish drinking experience while retaining anCnoc spirit firmly at the heart of this whisky.

Finish: Long and rewarding, the finish transforms from peppery and hot to deliciously sweet and smooth with an undertone of bitter pralines.

Notes

• anCnoc [a-nock] Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced at Knockdhu Distillery in the village of Knock near Huntly.
• The distillery was established in 1894 and is considered one of the most enchanting in Scotland.
• The distillery uses traditional production techniques including a time-honoured method of condensing distillate in worm tubs.
• anCnoc is known for being a modern brand with a strong focus on the contemporary, diverse whisky audience. The brand has a strong affiliation with modern arts and sponsors a number projects and galleries in Scotland and beyond.
• Other core expressions of anCnoc include a 12 Year Old, 16 Year Old and 22 Year Old, all celebrated worldwide.
• In 2012 super premium anCnoc 35 year old was launched across selected markets worldwide to much critical acclaim.
• In April 2014 anCnoc launched the Peaty Collection consisting of whiskies distilled at Knockdhu Distillery with the use of peated malt. To date these includes Rutter, Flaughter, Tushkar and Cutter, all are named after traditional tools of the trade.
• anCnoc is part of International Beverage Holdings