anCnoc Stack
anCnoc Stack, 10 YO, 46 %
The Knockdhu Distillery is located in the village Knock in Aberdeenshire, near the 'dge' of the Speyside region. They mainly produce unpeated whisky, but in 2004 they also started producing a heavily peated spirit. They have released a number of peated whiskies over the past few years. The anCnoc Stack was released at Whisky Live Paris 2016-09-24, yet it is still not presented on their official website in the Peaty Range. This might be because anCnoc Stack is a limited release - as opposed to the other whiskies in the Peaty Range.
Here's a blurb from the official website:
"With just 6,000 bottles being produced, this limited edition will be released exclusively in Western and Eastern Europe before becoming available in Scandinavia from 21st October. Stack joins sister expressions Peatlands, Tushkar, Rutter, Flaughter, Cutter and Rascan in the award winning range carrying the names of traditional peat cutting tools, referencing the heritage within whisky making and bringing it into the modern day. The term ‘stack’ refers to the last step in the gathering process, where the peat blocks are stored together to dry ahead of being burnt.
Matured for more than 10 years in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, Stack has a full-bodied smoky finish owing to its phenol content of 20 ppm."
The anCnoc Stack is currently not available to buy in Norway or Sweden. You can get it online at around GBP 50.
Nose: Slightly dirty and earthy smokiness with sweet vanilla top notes. Quite approachable, this one. Not overly complex. With time hints of barbecue. Heather and woodsy influences.
Taste: Medium body and medium sweetness. Quite peppery upfront. Vanilla, sweet wood smoke, earthy chocolate (what?!) and mild oak.
Finish: Medium long finish. Sweeter again now. A touch of sweet oaky notes. Vanilla, caramel sauce, honey and grilled marshmallows. More and more honey actually, with added nuts.
Comments: I do like these peaty anCnoc whiskies. They are quite low-key and soft spoken, but they sneak up on you in a very nice way.
Score (85/100)
Sláinte! - Thomas
