anCnoc 12-Year
43% ABV - Highlands, Scotland
Nose: Lots of ripe, green apples, with orchard tree fruit and strawgrass.
Taste: Waves of orange marmalade, apples, and honey. There are thin, floral hints in the background.
Finish: Citrus and fruit. Medium length, chalky on the fade out.
The first anCnoc I had was a peated one, but this 12-Year is far, far from that. It is much more light and fruity. Looking at the retail price (just shy of $100 CAD) I don’t think this is a great value whisky, but I like that it gives me some "iconic" Highlands flavours—florals, fruits, and grasses. And I cannot get past that I think this whisky is a bit thin… I don’t find it uncommon for whisky bottled at 40% ABV to be thin, but that doesn’t dictate it always should be thin. Thin whisky leaves too much to be desired.
I traded the heel of my Michter’s Sour Mash to have the remaining drams from this bottle. Coincidentally, I have rated them the same! Not a bad trade…
Tasting Notes (Official): Nose: Soft, very aromatic with a hint of honey and lemon in the foreground. Colour: Amber with a slight yellow hue. Taste: Sweet to start with an appetising fruitiness and a long smooth finish.
Tasted 07 November 2022. (Posted 15 February 2023.)
80/100
Detailed Rating Information...
90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.
