ralfy review 879 - AnCnoc 18yo @ 46%vol: (2021)

[@jknssang]

Just purchased Ancnoc 18 from a shop based on your 2015 review. As I was walking out got a notification of 2021 version of Ancnoc 18 review uploaded! What a coincidence.

[@Aqvavitae]

This is dear to me too... please Inver House, don’t break the magic from Knockdhu... nice one Ralfy.

[@onYTsince2008]

I have my eyes on the anCnoc 24, for which you gave a 9/10 and called it "wonderful stuff". 😄🙌🏾. Pretty damn good price for its age. Yeah you're right, wonderful indeed. Slainte Mhath. 🥃🔥

[@richardamiro8266]

I’m liking the “integrity bottling” concept

[@neets1437]

Get one. You won't be disappointed. I've nearly finished my 24. Cracking dram

[@christopherrae4780]

@@onYTsince2008 I've tried the 18 and the 24. If you really love sherried whisky the 24 will not disappoint. If you're looking for something more malty but still with sherry influence the 18 is excellent. The 18 is pretty high on my to-buy list.

[@SippersSocialClub]

Perhaps the most underrated 18 yr old scotch out there. Great review

[@russell3733]

Ralfy, great to see you getting passionate about AnCnoc’s upholding of the integrity basics! Yes, this quiet little distillery has been doing wonderful things with its standard non-peated range for a number of years now. And, as you said, they haven’t let the marketing guys rebrand it or present it in a different light. I’d call - in these days of rapid change - such malts „sincere bottlings.“ An honest, down-to-earth and wonderfully old-fashioned style of malt. And yes, I have stocked up (last year) because Inver House is unfortunately always good for highly unwelcome surprises of late. Many thanks for blowing your trumpet on this marvellous dram! Cheers.

[@robfut9954]

I adore Ancnoc, loved the 12. Love the value. Classic malt that deserves more love and I hope they stay the same in coming years.

[@ensiobygg5004]

Hats off. Never seen ralfys hair before. It looked just as I’ve imagined it. ❤️🇫🇮😉

[@DeerHunter308]

well, Congratulations

[@sashidemedia]

Hopefully I can find this at DXB airport as I transit thru there tomm! A hidden find from there recently was a 18 aultmore. I used my ralfy knowledge gathered over the year to find an integrity bottling, bypassing all the sales pitches from the salesman. And what a beauty I stumbled upon, entirely on my own. Was stoked to use my knowledge garnered from this channel to find a real gem !

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . happy to help out !

[@jackthepickledhound]

Two beautiful 18 year olds.i got myself sherry curious lately but AnCnoc is not pretending to "finish" the malt or give us some overcoat of flavors. I love it Ralfy, even vanilla from American oak is going to hide the malt. Aultmore and Acnoc 18's.....well worth getting a spare.

[@onYTsince2008]

Believe it or not, the Ralfy Army is growing 🤣🙌🏾

[@stevepanter6024]

My malt journey began relatively late in life (63) four years ago with an Ancnoc 12 recommended by a knowledgeable and delightfully traditional whisky shop in deepest Lancashire. I've been on a wide ranging malt meandering ever since with the Ancnoc 24 being right at rhe top for flavour and integrity. I obsess about revered and sadly discontinued malts I have missed, among them Ancnoc 22, the 16, Old Pulteney 17 and 21, and the legend that is Longmorn 15, all picked up at auction to appease the obsession and aid my education in smell and taste....the learning continues and is a pleasure. Good health Ralfy!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . it's all part of the Journey !

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

It’s a beautiful whisky. Great idea about buying a couple bottles. We never know what can happen in the future.

[@edwards2145]

Recently saw this ralfy review. Its now very hard to find in the U.S. Found a shop with one left. Exceptional dram! ralfy, you were spot on.

[@sundowner62james69]

Integrity bottling , integrity commentary ! Many thanks Ralfy.

[@willemkilian9563]

Great review. I loved this bottle, and as time went by it just got better. I got a 24 year old after that, and am pleasantly surprised that even at that age it still has that vibrant citrus forward nose and loads of integrated complexity on the palate instead of just one or two overly dominating notes. Lots of respect for the folks of this distillery. I feel that they are underrated but to be frank that is probably a good thing as it's still possible to get their high age bottlings for very good prices.

[@onYTsince2008]

13:32, not gonna lie, but Ralfy's "mini rant" actually keeps me very (key word) entertained. 🤣🙌🏾🥃🔥

[@johnw1597]

Fantastic review as always Ralfy. I've yet to purchase a bottle of AnCnoc and now I feel I am missing out! Will add this to the wish list I think! Cheers mate, and take care of yourself.

[@anklespanker]

Sounds alot like Arran. I'll have to pick some up! Thanks, Ralfy!

[@MyScottyboy1]

It's like a softer, more complex Arran 10. Lovely.

[@anklespanker]

@@MyScottyboy1 Thank you! Sounds like it's right up my alley. Arran is my current favorite.

[@RustyRoger]

I got one of these and a bottle of the 24 year old only a couple of weeks ago. I'm absolutely loving them! Fantastic flavour and value for money.

[@dextercool]

Haven't tried this but the AnCnoc 16 Year Old Cask Strength 125th Anniversary is something to savour. This 18 year old is on my radar. Great review as always Ralfy.

[@precariousdave]

Have both of these open at the mo, and they are quite different. The 18 tastes like there is a little sherry in the mix, but the 16 125ann is a little more tricky to get a handle on. That is neck pour on the 16 tho'. Hope it opens up. But you'll love the 18.

[@dextercool]

@@precariousdave Just obtained one and getting ready for a summer flight with a friend.

[@whiskyfishing5257]

Love that you're fired up at the end of this video. Damn good reason indeed!

[@mrnosebear7406]

Hi Ralfy, what a fine an honest whisky review. I have the AnCnoc 12 in my cabinet which I am enjoying these days . Also the price is excellent here in Germany. I already put the AnCnoc 18 on my shopping list. You are absolutely right with your malt mark. Price and presentation of a whisky needs to be included in a whisky malt mark. Well done. Cheers from your malt mate in Bonn

[@ЕвгенийВиленский-г7ю]

I`ve got this bottle now, here the journey begins! Thank you for your advice!

[@neets1437]

I’ve literally just ordered a bottle of this on Friday so this is a bit surreal lol Really looking forward to cracking it open now though I must say 😋 Don’t forget Ralfy you also reviewed the AnCnoc 24 I seem to recall you gave that a glowing review too 😉

[@mblandingt]

I ordered one last Tuesday!! Malt mates in this channel are connected! Hahahahaha

[@thomasmoody5504]

What website do you use to order it?

[@neets1437]

@@thomasmoody5504 are you in the UK? If so T B Watson have it on their website for £74 Free delivery too for orders over £90

[@jasoncoates1835]

I'm with you... I haven't had the 18 but I absolutely love the distillery character of Knockdhu and the 12 (in its bracket) and 24 (in general) are both fantastic bottlings, IMO.

[@paulfarrell4039]

Hi, I live in Thailand, my wife works for ThaiBev, which owns Inver House. She rather conveniently sells Single Malts. I am being told that my beloved AnCnoc 18 and 24 will be discontinued by the end of the year (or so). To be replaced by something else....Could there be an Old Pulteney, Balblair style rebranding coming up or just a drop in the age statement?

[@saschaoswald480]

Had a bottle of this a few years ago, and got some truly special drams out of it! Well worth the 90, "honest" is the key word here.

[@davidmason4812]

Tried this at a recent whisky festival, I was blown away, it is a cracking dram, christmas cake in a glass, very underrated distillery

[@jimm8799]

I have had the 12. I’ll get a bottle of the 18, or two, to try.

[@michaelm.9680]

Ralfy, I totally agree with every single word in this review! My family and I enjoyed a personal tour at Knockdhu some years ago. Fantastic team making a great old school malt! Inver House, please, leave this place and dram exactly what it is at the moment and I will keep buying that fantastic Whisky.

[@VisboerAnton]

I love your videos, cheers to you and especially Clive for inspiring you!

[@jimbob6726]

I opened one of these a few weeks back. Very nice malt.

[@riancreamer6904]

Just got a bottle today. Must have been cold in the van as it was cloudy as mud when I looked at it. A very good sign and a very dark, natural colour too ...

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . a good sign !

[@theorangevestarmy4255]

Will seek this one out, thanks for the review!!

[@tomassali8870]

Great video Ralfy as always. Can we get a rum review now?🙄 PLEASE

[@HansVanNeijenhof]

Hi Ralfy, you are the best~!!! 2 questions: a) where I can buy a cooler to keep my whisky collection "fresh" as I live in the tropics ( normal fridge can not cool between +15+20 C ) maybe you have a idea as I tried everything to buy such a cooler in singapore but in vain b) see that you nose with a glencairn nosing glass with a decent size, where to buy this size as here only 190ml capacity glencairn nosing glasses available. Thank you in advance for your time to answer my 2 question.

[@TheChianello]

A great review Ralfy!

[@gagandeepsingh596]

That malt-mark is a simply outstanding way of encouraging a simple but complex malt by highlighting the simplicity sans the gimmicky marketing complexities that ruin the whiskies of today... Slainte Ralf!

[@grahamblack1716]

I'd love to see you review the Glen Moray Warehouse 1 14yo Sauternes cask

[@MyScottyboy1]

Brilliant accurate review ralfy. I've just tasted this for the first time, it is well worth a 90, it's lovely, and a bit like a softer more complex Arran 10.

[@ralfkunze5345]

Great review! And 90 is for sure not too high rated as the Ancnoc 18 has definitely deserved this malt mark…. My personal favorite is the Ancnoc 24, but the 18 is really a gem! Cheers Ralf

[@Pete_YT]

Thanks Ralfy. Picking up a bottle 👍

[@perkristiansandgren4132]

Ralfy oh no, one of my favorits no its going to be hard to get. When is the new deanston 18yr comming on ralfy. Well done stay safe malt mate

[@SaltyCuban]

Would you buy one Ancnoc 24 or Two AnCnoc 18 for the same price?

[@antoinerowies9356]

Ralfy's tips always good for me i try this dram, thx.

[@willosee]

I had guessed 91. Love An Cnoc, wonderful stuff.

[@JazznRealHipHop]

Well said! Love AnCnoc and definitely need to stock up it’s a quality integrity bottling 💯💯💯🥃

[@lukea.907]

I've been tasting green apple in many whiskeys lately and was beginning to think my pallet is broken because I don't hear reviewers mention it as much ( excluding burboun of course). Glad to hear it belongs in this one.

[@prestonw3878]

I had a Knockdhu 9 year old from A.D. Rattray. It was one of the best drams I've ever tasted. So much pineapple and coconut

[@olhemi1]

😁👍☕ Nice Job, and an awesome perspective

[@hplovemalt2448]

Truly wish I could find more AnCnoc age statement releases out here in the states, looks like a lovely dram. Cheers Ralfy!

[@jackthepickledhound]

The 2001 vintage 14 year old is a 90 every bit as much as this if you can find it.

[@ralphausch735]

really love this kind of reviews...

[@davebuts1921]

That is a rare bottle age with integrity. I Will try that thanks Ralfy.

[@SteveHB59]

Great to hear me Malt Mention, cheers Ralfy Quick question, have heard the price of American wood is skyrocketing, do you think this might flow on to the price of whiskey, via barrel costs ?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . yes, very much.

[@zzewt]

"If he doesn't give it at least a 90 after all that raving--" "OK."

[@MaLiCeCoLtRaNe]

There’s a Cadenhead’s cask strength 10 year Knockdhu bottle at a small shop near me. Probably I should go snag that bottle, yeah?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . check at whiskybase for reviews.

[@phillipcollins1103]

Speaking of rebranding I actually tried a bottle of glenmorangie la santa..I got it because I had another bottle a few years back..so in the shop I noticed the bottle was very different looking and they have lowered the abv ..I said ok take it home I bet it’s ok…I tasted it and was unpleasantly surprised..it tasted like a diageo product with no discernible aroma either..am I imagining things?

[@richardjarratt4921]

Fantastic distillery and probably the only one that is free plus you can buy the whisky at a reasonable price

[@richardamiro8266]

There are words that hit home with me. Integrity and authentic are 2 of the first.

[@WhiskyLoversSociety]

Fantastic dram. Love this one. About €85 in Belgium

[@jackdeedman5344]

Just got a bottle, (sept 21). I love it!

[@jameswright4236]

Pouring a drop of Port Charlotte after finishing work. Slàinte mhath 🥃

[@ghlscitel6714]

Around 80 € here in DE from our local dealer for the 18y bottle. Getting damn curious because I do not like the smoky ones tasting like burnt socks. That's why I found Dalwhinnie. By the way, which Whisky as of yet got the marks 99 to 100?

[@Xelonir]

I prefer the 24, which - for is age - is also sold for a great price (and yes, I have a spare bottle of that).

[@onYTsince2008]

I agree with you on this one, 24 is my "better winner" when it comes to price-to- quality ratio. 🥃👍🏾

[@utoobia]

The 12 is fantastic on the nose. Love it. I’m balking at the 18 because of the $145 price…Should I get it?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . yes.,

[@tonylastname6468]

Is it Kilchoman? Bunnahabhain? I hope it's not too obscure to get in my corner of the world .. Ottawa, 🇨🇦.

[@DavidUKesb]

Perhaps the most underrated distillery along with Balbair and The English Whisky Company in Norfolk.

[@tooslow1614]

Thanks Ralfy

[@11thstalley96]

Great review, as usual. What are your thoughts about the peated versions of anCnoc? Rutter, Cutter, Peatlands, Flaughter, Rascan, etc..

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . variable !

[@11thstalley96]

@@thewhiskybothy as well as should be expected. Any favorite?

[@LazyCurmudgeon]

Looks like I'm placing another order with finedrams for this

[@TheNielskau]

Hi Ralfy. Great review. Could you review the 24 year old? Seems very reasonable priced for its age. And would love to hear how this fruity light distillery profile ages.. all the best from Denmark

[@rkostyantyn]

And the basic AnCnoc 12yo is one of the best highly available and good priced supermarket malts, IMHO. How such a big high volume producer can maintain such quality and stability?

[@jbennison5672]

I really didn't think much of it. It wasn't a bad malt at all, just a bit bland for my liking. Maybe too subtle for my palette.

[@benhewlett2504]

Hi Ralfy, Great Reviews been building up my knowledge over the last 8 months and have vastly expanded my whiskey horizons, I was wondering if there are any malts you could point to during the summer months, currently drinking Glen Dronach 18 so wanted something more summery.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . Glencadam 10yo and Clynelish 14yo

[@prestonw3878]

@@thewhiskybothy love Clynelish! I notice flavor similarities with Springbank. And I think I read somewhere that Springbank uses peat from the north east of Scotland, right where Clynelish is located!

[@onYTsince2008]

Kilkerran 12 and Glenfarclas 15 works well for summer time. 👍🏾🥃

[@zavenzakarian4527]

Very enjoyable Ralfy moments...everytime I click on this vlog...much appreciated! Malt moment suggestion: Malted Musicians of Montreal.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . now on the M-mention List, thanks !

[@onYTsince2008]

Lol, repping our country, eh? 🤣🙌🏾

[@zavenzakarian4527]

@@onYTsince2008 Lol!! speaking on behalf of Canadian musicians (if I may)...we love to "get malted" after a concert. This activity primes our chops for next day's concerts!!

[@michaelcharlesthearchangel]

@@thewhiskybothy, you should tell the distillers on the Isle of Man to make a signature Manx (Whisky), Manx Isla: peated single malt & single oat -- double grain whisky. Aged in ex-bourbon & ex-sherry casks. A special edition finished in ex-japanese-whisky & irish-whisky & scotch-whisky casks.

[@thewhiskybothy]

@@michaelcharlesthearchangel . .. they are not organised for that yet !

[@MrDdawson27]

Ralfy- do you have any thoughts on the Ancnoc 22yr? A store in my area has it for $140 USD. That’s the only age statement version around from this distillery. Thanks in advance

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . check whiskybase for reviews.

[@MrDdawson27]

@@thewhiskybothy thanks, Ralfy. I had not heard of that site. It’s pretty cool

[@danhammer106]

Dang it Ralfy, SHHHH about anCnoc 18 :D. But for the record, Knockdhu deserve a LOT of recognition. Please no one tell Inverhouse that Asia exists, as they seem to be unaware. Cheers to all malt mates from Taiwan and India, you guys rock and so do your distillers!

[@marcelbergmeester1281]

Ralfy, thanks for another treasure in the journey to finding the better whisky’s! I recently bought a SV Clynelish cask strenght, it is too alcohol driven at the moment for my taste. Can I do something to the bottle to make it more enjoyable? I did put water in the glass I tried earlier, but it stays a rather hefty character. Kind regards, Marcel

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . let it breathe, and give it time. A little water in the glass helps.

[@marcelbergmeester1281]

Thanks, I will try that!

[@MrBoomslang88]

Hi ralfy I was in Morrisons today they had highland park 10yr old £25 can’t recall seeing the 10 before but think I’m gonna give it a try! What’s your view on it

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . go for it, hopefully it's not too 'grungy'.

[@Ivo--]

I'm very curious about your thoughts on the standard 12 year old now. Your last review of it was 10 years ago.

[@piotrledochowski5824]

Same here... just taste it 2 months ago

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . still a good option.

[@NecronomThe4th]

Well this review was a damn good reason, DAMN GOOD reason....to order this bottle.

[@benmarnoch4111]

I did an on line tasting with Inver House last month, they are a company that are a serial re brander (Balblair/Pulteney), I asked the brand ambassador about An Cnoc, his reply. "We've no plans to rebrand..... for now". Watch out, hopefully the distillery manager Gordon Bruce will resist any changes to the liquid.

[@ianmason2296]

Does Ralfy mean Benromach by any chance??? (repackage to make it sweeter)

[@chrispreston362]

I thought so too

[@Wayno69]

Hi Ralfy, 2 things. You've also reviewed AnCnoc 22 and 24 (the latter I purchased based on your recommendation) so I can clearly see you appreciate this distillery. Second point, I noticed you mentioned Knockando distillery but I have never seen you review one. Your opinion on knocando?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . Knockando review later this year.

[@fdonnelly9008]

Great informative review as always Ralfy. You forgot to add AnCnoc 22 year old to your list ( Review 566.) So 6 reviews of AnCnoc? Just sharing:-)

[@wilseph1]

Will continue to save my bottle until a special situation comes up. Based on how some distillers are going with their presentation...

[@martinbeen]

I saw the 12 anCnoc for 25 Euro, is it a good one?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . yes, mild.

[@Almrond]

Im drinking my usual non age-statement $3 pint of Sazerac Vodka. I may not have the most impressive "snifter", but I do enjoy sharing it with your great company and notes on better drink :)

[@scottgoodman8993]

7:00 "Opens up over a half an hour". How would he know?🤣🤣 I don't think he lets anything with alcohol stand more than a few mins.

[@TT.-.]

I doubt it's terribly costly for producers to dilute their whiskies a little less, and skip the chill filtration and caramel... Deanston 12 and Arran 10 are about the same price as Glenfiddich 12 and Glenmorangie 10. In fact, I'm sure that these distilleries could use the integrity of their whiskies as a selling point to further increase sales.

[@Pete_YT]

Agree. Intrinsic quality always sells for more.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . I agree.

[@crow468]

Oh, but that AnCnoc 16. Memories.

[@precariousdave]

A cracking dram, at an affordable price. Might we mention the East Highland's fruity character, especially white fruits, which I presume is from the spirit? Treat yourself to a fun vertical too. 12, 18, 24.

[@Starkalicious07]

This is an excellent whisky.

[@argo60]

Ralfy, I've always been a little hesitant to praise AnCnoc since I don't want the bottles to disappear! lol I'm a wee selfish in that respect... but I have yet to have a bad one... very competent for what they produce imho. If I could ask (and perhaps for others?) if ever in an 'Xtras', could you touch on the 'rebranding issue' a wee more? Without naming names *cough..ben...cough cough... romach*, or if you don't mind, mentioning those whiskies/whiskeys that you feel have become worse or lacklustre after being re-branded?

[@Shiba643]

I wish I could enjoy alcohol responsibly. any advice?

[@onYTsince2008]

Responsibly= quality malts, not quantity.

[@spectrumsucks1607]

Very true , buy some quality whisky and have maybe 1-2 drams a week imo

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . self-control.

[@scotchcornerwithunclenate]

Agreed. A true gem.

[@madmax1436]

will you review knockando someday ????????

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . yes.

[@evgenyuspenyev7887]

Moscow in fact is a bit further north as,say, Islay,greetings from malty moscovites))

[@alehhandro1]

I think Ralfy is still very much a Glaswegian and processes geo locations in reference to Glasgow rather than Isle of Man. Glasgow City Chambers are about a tenth of a degree of latitude north of the Kremlin. But hell, if I was having a dram of 18 y.o. AnCnoc I’d be oblivious of my surroundings too :)

[@KettleRiseRanch]

I agree with you it’s great!

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

Love this distillery. As I can afford have been buying the 24, 18 and the 43% 12 we still have in the US. Someone e mailed the distillery to inquire about the 24 continuing and they replied that the 24 would be around "for now" ? Not encouraging. Feel that any day now what has already happened at Balblair and Old Pulteney will be coming to AnCnoc ? Cheers

[@martinbeen]

Ralfy (forgive me if i missed it), but how much do you pay for that bottle? Here i can get it for 79,50 Euro.

[@chrispreston362]

It’s £60-70 in the UK

[@martinbeen]

@@chrispreston362 Thanks, kinda same price

[@mark5ization]

@4:46 - [A.D.] 521? Ralfy dear, you've been reviewing for quite a long time :-O

[@albertosalinas5237]

I hate to say, when he was talking about marketing in the beginning Ardbeg came to mind.

[@paintspot1509]

Is the 12 year old still worth a go at 40%?

[@jbennison5672]

I really didn't think so. Seemed like it needed to be at least 46% to carry more flavour. It wasn't bad, but it's a very subtle flavour malt in my opinion. Arran 10 is far superior.