Last Updated on May 10, 2024
A Highland Fling – Discovering Distilleries
Twenty years had slipped away since my last adventure in the Scottish Highlands, where a New Year’s blanket of snow covered the land. But when I recently made my return, oh, what a change! This time, I was greeted by the rugged terrain, with its vast moors and majestic mountain views, bathed in sunlight, beckoning me to dive into its unspoiled wilderness and soak up its enchanting natural beauty. And, this time I had the pleasure of delving into the world of anCnoc single malt whisky and Caorunn Gin while visiting two distinct distilleries, both deeply rooted in Scottish pride.
anCnoc whisky- Knockdhu Distillery
The Knockdhu Distillery, established in 1894 by John Morrison, is in the village of Knock in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It’s situated in the Speyside whisky-producing region, known for its lush landscapes and renowned distilleries. Its story begins with Morrison’s vision to create a whisky that reflects the pristine purity of the local water source, the Knock Hill spring, which flows nearby. This abundant source of fresh water provided the essential foundation for crafting this fine whisky. Initially named ‘Knock,’ the distillery commenced whisky production in 1894.
However, financial struggles led to its closure in 1904. Reopening in 1905 as Knockdhu, meaning ‘black hill’ in Gaelic, it prioritised crafting high-quality single malt whisky. Operating persistently until 1931, it weathered economic depression and wartime barley restrictions, even serving as a military barracks. In 1988, the distillery introduced its inaugural official single malt whisky under the brand name anCnoc.
Today, Knockdhu continues its legacy of producing anCnoc single malt whisky, renowned for its light, fruity character complemented by a subtle hint of peat. This signature flavour profile is achieved through a meticulous blending of traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. Central to this process is Knockdhu’s unchanged distillation method, which still relies on the pure water sourced from Knock Hill. The distillery’s two copper pot stills, maintaining their original 1894 design featuring bulbous bases and tall, narrow necks, play a pivotal role. They impart upon anCnoc the same light and fresh flavour reminiscent of its inception over 125 years ago.
On the day of our visit, the distillery and its surrounding countryside were brightened by glorious sunshine, lending it a romantic allure. We were shown around by Distillery Manager, Gordon Bruce Gordon. He and his team are affectionately known locally as the ‘Men of Knock’, some with a remarkable 35 years of service, their passion and pride in crafting this acclaimed whisky were palpable.
The tour provided a delightful blend of humour and insights. It wasn’t a flashy commercial venture; instead, it was informative and fun. We witnessed the inner workings of the distillery, learned about its history, and fell in love with the three distillery dogs, amusingly named Maisy Bruce, Alfie Noo and Trump F***!
A focal point was filling our own barrels, with one now proudly bearing my name and set to age for twelve years before being ready to enjoy… I’m already planning my return to claim a bottle of this prized whiskey!
The highlight, of course, was tasting the whisky! We sampled four different blends. Among them, the anCnoc 12 Years Old, renowned worldwide and exceptionally drinkable even for a whisky novice like me. It’s smooth, light, yet complex with vanilla and citrus notes, and a lovely fruitiness that makes it utterly enjoyable.
The anCnoc 18 Years Old gains its natural colour from the wood of the Spanish oak ex-sherry casks and American oak ex-bourbon barrels in which it matures, maintaining its purest form by abstaining from chill-filtering or colouring. This dram offers a distinct taste of Christmas, boasting rich notes of toffee, vanilla, and a delightful kick of spice.
The Sherry Cask Peated edition anCnoc has a dark amber hue, it’s a true winter warmer, reminiscent of a crackling bonfire. Its flavours unfold with hints of cinnamon, sweet honey, tropical fruits, and a subtle campfire smoky finish. And lastly, Peaheart Batch 3, with its pale gold hue, offers a richly flavoured dram characterised by deep smokiness, fragrant sweet spices, and hints of vanilla and citrus.
Visiting Knockdhu Distillery was a genuine pleasure. It embodies resilience, creativity, and a sincere passion for whisky-making within the community, all set against the timeless beauty of the Scottish Highlands. What truly sets Knockdhu apart is its commitment to traditional methods, each step infused with care and expertise. This dedication breathes life into every drop of whisky produced, captivating palates worldwide with its exceptional quality and distinct character.
Caorunn Gin – Balmenach Distillery
As someone who appreciates a good gin, I was looking forward to the next part of my trip. Before we even set foot in the Caorunn Gin distillery, we dined at the Michelin-starred Orrin Restaurant in Elgin.
There, we had the opportunity to mix our own gin cocktail and enjoy an exceptionally good three-course meal, with each course expertly paired with a different Caorunn Gin cocktail.
Following a tranquil night’s stay at the picturesque Mansion House Hotel, nestled along the serene banks of the River Lossie in Elgin, we eagerly embarked on our journey to Balmenach Distillery. It is situated conveniently along Scotland’s renowned ‘Whisky Trail,’ promising an exploration of Scotland’s rich distillation heritage amidst its captivating landscapes.
Balmenach Distillery, nestled in the picturesque Speyside region, in a beautiful setting surrounded by mountains, is renowned primarily for its whisky production. It was established in 1824 by James McGregor, from a family of farmers and illicit distillers who resided in Tomintoul. However, in recent years, the distillery has also ventured into the world of gin with its Caorunn Gin brand.
Caorunn Gin is meticulously crafted using a blend of traditional Scottish botanicals such as rowan berry, heather, and dandelion, all foraged by the distillery team. These indigenous ingredients are combined with six classic gin botanicals, resulting in a truly unique flavour profile. At Balmenach Distillery’s gin production facility, visitors can explore the exacting process behind Caorunn Gin’s creation, from the selection of botanicals to the Copper Berry Chamber distillation techniques that ensure its distinctive character.
Our fascinating tour was followed by a tutored deconstructed nosing and tasting session, while I’m no expert in nosing, it was undeniably fun, we even sampled a neat gin, its potency at 96% alcohol certainly left a lasting impression!!
And finally, no good tour would be complete without tasting the finished product. I can attest first-hand that Caorunn offers a diverse range of five distinct gins, each with its own unique character. There’s the Classic, embodying timeless elegance. The Cask Aged, an award-winning Modern London Dry Gin, boasts sweet spices and candied citrus peel, its golden hue owed to resting in Spanish Oak Casks.
For those craving something vibrant and refreshing, there’s the Blood Orange, with a citrusy kick and a touch of chilli. Indulge in the fruity delight of the Scottish Raspberry, infused with the essence of Perthshire Raspberries. The Gin Master Cut offers a laid-back experience with spicy juniper and apple undertones. Lastly, there’s the Highland Strength, not for the faint of heart, with a potent 54% ABV punch. And to cap it all off with a refreshing gin and tonic… heaven.
Once again, I was struck by the passion, careful attention to detail, and unyielding pride woven into the creation of this exceptional spirit by a dedicated team. The distillery tour provides a captivating insight into the artistry and innovation that epitomizes Balmenach’s approach to gin production, making it a must-visit destination for both gin aficionados and spirits enthusiasts alike.
Knockdhu Distillery 1 Knockdhu Cottages, Knock, Huntly AB54 7LJ Phone: 01466 771223 https://www.ancnoc.com/
Balmenach Distillery Cromdale, Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3PF Phone: 01479 874933 https://www.caorunngin.com/distillery-tours
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