Scotch

Scotch Whisky Review: anCnoc 12 Year Old

$34

OVERALL
RATING

7

Scotch Whisky Review: anCnoc 12 Year Old

The anCnoc 12 Year Old is part of the anCnoc core range, which is produced at the Knockdhu Distillery in Speyside.
Like Conversation

Tasting Notes:

About:
The anCnoc 12 Year Old is part of the anCnoc core range, which is produced at the Knockdhu Distillery in Speyside.
Appearance:
Light copper
Nose:
We\’re looking at immediate sweetness here. It\’s light, with hints of buttery vanilla. The further I nose this whisky, it begins to remind me of standing on the thresh of my grandmothers kitchen in summer, as the wind whips in the smell of the garden as she makes apple jam.
Palate:
It is malty, sweet and immediately comes across as a great sipper.
Finish:
Sadly, the finish doesn’t last long. There is a light, white pepper on the finish which hits the back of the tongue but lingers only a short moment. There is a wood sweetness there too, but it also evaporates quickly.
Comments:
This whisky starts well, ends quickly, but ultimately is a great way to warm up a tasting room. I’d be looking to see a special release of 12 at cask strength to see if there are any improvements on the finish.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

How Does anCnoc 12 Compare To Glenfiddich 12?

Glenfiddich 12 is renowned worldwide, making it well worth exploring similar bottles at a comparable price when the opportunity arises. It offers a vibrant mix of lemon, elderflower, and malty biscuit flavours. In contrast, anCnoc is a touch more sumptuous, with buttery vanilla notes and a delightful hint of apple on the nose.

If you’re looking for something in a similar vein—or even an upgrade to a lesser-known alternative—anCnoc is an excellent choice. It’s particularly enjoyable in the warmer months but equally suited to when the cold starts to bite.

This is an easy-sipping whisky that, in some ways, has an edge over Glenfiddich. With smaller batches, more limited production, and a focused range, AnCnoc benefits from greater control over its final product, ensuring consistency and quality.

The Best Cocktail Recipe For anCnoc 12 Year Old?

A Whisky Sour is the perfect way to enjoy this dram. The lemon juice and sugar syrup enhance the whisky’s sweet malt notes, while egg white adds a velvety texture. For an extra layer of complexity, a few drops of Angostura bitters on the foam will accentuate the whisky’s gentle peppery finish, bringing everything into perfect harmony.

Recipe & Ingredients:

  • 2 oz anCnoc 12
  • 1 oz sugar syrup
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • 1 oz egg white (Aquafaba is a great plant-based alternative.)
  • Ice
  • Angostura bitters
  • Rocks glass
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Cocktail strainer
  • Fine mesh sieve


Method:

  1. Chill your glass—either by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few hours.
  2. Dry shake (without ice) all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker. This helps the lemon juice and sugar emulsify the egg white, creating a smooth, foamy texture. Hold the shaker firmly, as it may want to pop open.
  3. Wet shake—add ice and shake again to chill and dilute the drink.
  4. Double strain—discard the ice from your glass, then pour the cocktail through a fine mesh sieve to refine the texture and remove any small bits of egg white or lemon pulp.
  5. Garnish—once the foam has settled, add a few drops of Angostura bitters on top and swirl into a decorative pattern if desired.
  6. Enjoy!

Is This A Good Introduction To Single Malts?

Absolutely. anCnoc produces some outstanding whiskies, including both unpeated expressions like this one and intriguingly peated releases with their own unique character.

This 12-year-old is bottled at 40% ABV, matured in approachable cask types, and entirely unpeated. It’s the kind of whisky you could serve to a table of non-whisky drinkers, and most would find it enjoyable.

If you’re looking for something more complex, the anCnoc 18 Year Old offers richer notes of rum and raisin. However, when it comes to availability and affordability, the 12 Year Old is an undeniable standout.

Davis Gonnella

Davis Gonnella, a proud father of five, resides with his partner in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He is passionately dedicated to the world of whisky, with a mission to secure a Designation of Origin Control (DOC) for this beloved spirit. His advocacy also extends to the political realm, where he aims to create a position for a Minister for Whisky Tourism within the Scottish Government. A lifelong ambition of his is to be recognized for his contributions and be made a Keeper of the Quaich.

All Posts