ralfy review 954 - AnCnoc 12yo @ 40%vol

[@whisky_espana]

Thank god for the underrated, overlooked, under the radar single malts of this world

[@MaltMuserWhisky]

We're lucky over here in the USA where the 12 years old is bottled at 43%. Great review as always, Ralfy.

[@whiskynotes9326]

First time I had anCnoc 12 was while on vacation in Edinburg. The week before I had picked up a dead bee from the windowsill that actually smelled wonderful, I’m guessing honey in its rawest form. When I stuck my nose in the glass of anCnoc I said “dead bee, it smells like dead bee”. Needless to say the bartender gave me an odd look

[@whompbiscuits8930]

😅 Now you have me wanting to find a dead bee and smell it!

[@Armedmouse]

AnCnoc 12 was the bottle that really got me into whisky. It always stood out against other brands in the same range

[@michaelm.9680]

One of my favourite distilleries! Really authentic whisky, not customized.The 18 year old is a cracker. Me and my family got a private tour in 2013 - fantastic, great people who even showed us the best way to reach the summit of the nearby hill. Really recommended.

[@mrnosebear7406]

I totally agree with you. AnCnoc is also one of my favourite distilleries. Cheers from Germany

[@ChrisPBacon-mo9ln]

Good choice, dear Ralfy. One of the cheap whiskies that impressed me the most in the last few years, along with Glen Elgin 12. As soon you nose both, you realise that they are different from anything you have tasted before 😊

[@philliptesoro908]

Here in the US my bottle is 43abv. My current bottle is down by the bottom of the label as a great old friend of mine and myself got a little to stuck in with it over the summer. I purchased a back up because it really is a fantastic dram. It does seem there is a little batch variation as the color of the bottle is a little darker. It may be coloring. My cardboard states Highland whisky too by the way. Aberdeenshire, AB54 7LJ. Ralfy thanks for sharing all your knowledge. You are a true ambassador for the industry.

[@hamo4558]

I am surprised that you scored it an 85, but I totally understand your rationale. You're 100% correct, very underrated, and I love it !.

[@bingerbub]

This is really an gentle and easy sipper. Hast made it immediately onto my Permashelf for what it is.

[@FramfallsTure]

The AnCnoc 12 is the only 40% whisky I buy nowadays and it is also a staple in my cabinet. Every other 40-percenter has fallen out of my gradually more and more seasoned taste but this one presses on. Really splendid stuff!

[@danw1086]

Same here. I was ordering a more expensive bottle the other week and just needed to add a few more quid for free delivery. Grabbed an Ancnoc 12 for £30. Can't go wrong at that price. Great whisky to start a flight with.

[@jonathanyunger2073]

One of my all time favorites. I love Islay whisky, but the subtle flavor of anCnoc is a wonderful alternative. I love it.

[@11thstalley96]

You may want to search for the peated range of anCnoc….Cutter, Rutter, Flaughter, Peatlands, Rascan, etc.. Some of these versions have been discontinued, but you still may be able to find them in shops. The reason for so many versions is that Knockdhu varies the PPM of them….some are very lightly peated and some are only moderately peated. One thing is consistent….they are all delicious!

[@joegill3707]

For my 60th birthday, on a visit to my wife's family in Southall, we shot off to Scotland for 5 days. I would have preferred 5 weeks but......One night we stayed in Pitlochry and wandered up to the Moulin Inn for a meal. The Inn has been there since 1695 and retains the charm of a genuine country inn. As with every Scottish pub there is a vast array of whiskey to choose from including a wonderful 3 for 20 pound. Great night. Took me 15 minutes to walk there and 45 min to get home!

[@whistlestopwonders]

I decided to open my bottle in line with your review. Very much got the citrus / zesty notes - totally mouth watering. I can't believe how well this Whisky responded to water, lost some of its "edginess" and got a whole lot sweeter. Even at 40% I feel water improves this one massively.

[@FakeShempz]

Perfect timing of the re-review Ralfy - I just bought my first bottle of this for £25 a few days ago.

[@leeknowlton7303]

Thank's for the journey Ralfy. I just happen to have this bottle, although it's at 43% abv in the states. I to found it grassy and moderately spicey. I loved that I could taste it along with you.

[@marekzacek5400]

I have seen a few mentions about AnCnoc being a sort of hidden gem. Gave it a go and oh boy, for that kind of money it´s awesome.

[@whamsdram]

Ralfy I don't know if you know that the dangerous bend at Glengoyne Distillery is now a 40 MPH zone - a stretch of street lights has been installed - and work on pedestrian traffic lights is underway - long overdue and safer for the happy staggerer after a wee visit to the distillery!

[@daveprentice]

Thanks, Ralfy. Was just considering it today. Good timing. 🙂 Had seen it but never before heard a word about it.

[@mrnosebear7406]

Hiho Ralfy, Thanks for this excellent review. I have always a bottle of anCnoc 12 in my stash. I really like the Knockdhu distillery. They are a Speyside distillery on the edge of the Highlands. We need to keep it under the radar. Cheers from a pat-pal in Germany

[@MrLachlanmackenzie]

Nice review, makes me more likely to open the bottle I have sooner rather than later.

[@pfalzgraf7527]

Your opinion is correct: The German AnCnock 12 says: there is colour in it.

[@marceldobre3434]

I tried at a Whisky bar last night mostly because of your recommendation & I was very delighted. Incredibly smooth & flavourful!

[@MurrayCohenbluesandwhisky]

I "love" this distillery and it's products and I don't use this word lightly. The distillery manager there, G.B. is a good friend of mine and he runs a customer-friendly operation with a down-home style which impresses. I've tasted their whole range. Great review Ralfy.

[@whiskymirko]

Contains E150d according to some German online shops

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . .it does.

[@johnw218]

I was thinking I'm not one of those people who can identify all the notes in whiskey wine etc - coriander , hay, melon etc etc- but as ralfy was going through the different notes I could relate and identify to most of the suggestions. Nice to have a little guidance through the process, cup in hand.

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

Never bought one yet, but I will wait for an offer on the 18yo. Thanks dear Ralfy as always, kindest regards, S.

[@richardjarratt4921]

Great whisky fab place to visit and free. Tiny place only 5 people work there but a great distillery

[@lightplays2181]

Respect Ralfy , good rewiev ! anCnoc 12 good simple whisky , i liked . Slante Mhath !

[@nejcpilih]

thank you for this video Ralfy. I am making myself a list of whiskies to buy a bottle for the holidays now and the AnCnoc 12yo is on it. ✌ Also, I was subscribed to your channel a long time ago, but I think I was too young to fully appreciate the whisky itself, so I am now re-watching all of your videos and educating myself a bit. That's why I want to get myself a single malt for the holidays and your video/introduction to this one ticks a lot of boxes for me😃

[@timirvine8925]

Glad to hear I'm not the only one that finds some real magic in this beauty

[@jezhellewell7690]

This is an excellent whisky Ralfy. Thank you for bringing it to my attention & Happy New Year.

[@ruipedroparada]

I find this expression of AnCnoc punches delightfully above its weight and I am not ashamed of having a bottle around on me shelf so as to rest from the big, dirty malts that tend to dominate my life as a whisky drinker

[@bigtruckboy20011]

I really like the character of Anconc. I have a bottle at 43% here in the US, and I really enjoyed it. I'd pick up another bottle at this abv if I come across it here in the states. It's a really good malty grain driven experience.

[@alexzepeda4201]

I use Ancnoc 12 as a starter dram to acclimate my palate for some bigger bolder drams. Knockdhu distillery makes good stuff, I absolutely love their Ancnoc 18 and 24 year old "integrity" bottles. I have multiple bottles of each stashed away. And why not? Before prices go up and more people find out how good they are. Hard to find a 24 year old with as good of a value.

[@mattzoozb1385]

06:30 I inherited my late Dad's bottle of BNJ. And that started me on my whiskey journey....

[@timkempisty258]

I do appreciate having a laid back option that is still a well crafted whisky. They're great for those times when you want to sit back and have a conversation about something other than whisky. A little less Type A. This is exactly the story of why my Deanston 12 always sounds like a good option. If I may play Devil's Advocate... it's also why I disagree with the online community's consensus opinion of Dalwhinnie 15. I think it's a lovely Type B option. At a better price, it would be a constant presence in my cabinet. Maybe that's where anCnoc can step in. Thanks for putting this on my radar.

[@kareliask]

This is one of the most overlooked bottles out there due to its unfortunate presentation. It's kind of astonishing that a malt this complex and interesting has been consistently available at such a low price (and decent vintage) for so long. It sometimes drops as low as £26-28 in sales. If the abv deters people, I've had good results blending it with stronger malts too. Either like-for-like, with a splash of Glencadam/Craigellachie, or with something peaty.

[@sundowner62james69]

I've been tossing up about what to use a voucher on , I've got to give this a try ! Cheers Ralfy

[@jonison6847]

100% agree with you here Ralfy, AnCnoc 12 is a great old-style whisky, well put together, with a complex sensation profile lost in a lot of modern finished overly-sweet whiskies. The mouthfeel is great - I'd say it's certainly not held back by the low ABV. I'd guess it's very close to it's natural colour too, I think maybe there are sherry casks in here? Cheers!

[@l.c.1413]

true, there is some colorant in it, on my bottle it says “mit Farbstoff” which is German for colorant

[@grahamokeefe9406]

Just bought a bottle. $52USD. My bottle purports to be 43% No statements about filtering or color, so I guess we can assume yes to both.

[@jezhellewell7690]

“For the price you can’t go wrong”. Agree completely Ralfy. Picked one up from Booths supermarket for £25. Incredible value for money. Great review mate & thanks for bringing it to my attention. Drinking it as I type.

[@davidnewman6722]

As usual a satisfying review. I also love that Tim Hortons coffee cup. I am from Toronto so those who knows know.

[@russell3733]

Great review of this humble whisky, Ralfy. I go through a bottle of AnCnoc 12 every summer. In my opinion, there's not much that can beat it in the warmer months due to its crisp, sweet and sour fruitiness. Definitely punches well above its weight in that sense, and its value for money ratio is excellent. Cheers.

[@Skypager_TFTC]

I’d love to try a cask strength IB of this.

[@MyAntony1985]

Halfway through my first bottle of Whisky, Glenfiddich 12. On your recommendation I've just purchased a bottle of AnCnoc 12. Looking forward to comparing the two.

[@alexmil002]

Thanks for sharing, Ralfy. Alex in NY.

[@brianmobley1720]

Hello sir, new to single malts and I have to say I love this whisky!! My first attempt was a Glenmorangie Lasanta very good but I love this Ancnoc 12 yr old! Thank you 🙏

[@djsaunter]

I bought AnCnoc 12 on a whim first a few years ago. I was a big fan of Old Pulteney and grew curious by association. I had long ignored it (I did the same with Hazelburn) because I thought it would bore me. I was surprised at how pleasant it was and it can often be found at a discount for cheaper than many blended Scotches. Sadly I haven't tried their older or peated variations as the price ramps up rapidly after this 12.

[@leebromley7987]

Ancnoc is my favorite distillery, but I was disappointed by Peat-heart. Left me thinking Ancnoc should stick with what they do best - unpeated! Currently working my way (lowly) through the 24, which is s lovely dram. Its a shame the 18 has gone up so much in price, becasue at £75 a bottle when I bought it, it was by far one of the best 18's I have had. Have you tried the Speyburn 15 or 18, which are very similar to ancnoc in my opinion!

[@djsaunter]

@@leebromley7987 I'm keeping an eye out for the Speyburn 15. I've seen the 10 several times but don't remember seeing the 15 recently. It has been added to the 'to try' list. Located in Canada so pickings are often slim.

[@davet7185]

I'm very pleased that you reviewed this one Ralfy; it affirms what I'd previously been led to believe about this modest 12 year old....well done 👍.

[@pete3042]

Great stepping stone whisky (for the price) 👍

[@utoobia]

This and Hazelburn 10 have been my go-to summer drams. Very nice.

[@pierreluna1654]

I love so much this whisky. Citrus, strawberry and a hint of tobacco...delicious. Of course, only 40 %, chill filtered but like edradour 10, both are really amazing. What do you think about the statement of a Oswa prize for the best whisky 40% ?

[@jaredpruett2056]

Hello Ralfy! I recently tried the new brand called Limavady single malt Irish whiskey. I won’t try and sway you for a review but it maybe worth checking out at some point. They are extremely transparent, 3x distilled and exclusive oloroso/PX casks. No chill-filter, natural color, 46%. It caught my attention & tastes great (to me) around 50/55 USD. Got me very optimistic about the Irish scene!

[@johnleonard3806]

Good review Ralfy. I hadn't visited in a while.

[@rob_66]

I have been drinking anCnoc 12 for years and like it a lot, but they should do a 12,13 or 14 without chill filtering, color, 46% ABV and a higher price. I would buy it! Would like to try the 18 but it's currently sold out here in Sweden☹️

[@DavidUKesb]

I've never been able to work out why this fabulous distillery is so underrated.

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

Would love to see this at 46% NCF NC like Glencadam 10 is. In the US we get this at 43% which is a improvement. Had a sample of the discontinued 16 that was full maturation in bourbon casks and Loved it! Hear rumours it may be returning?

[@robfut9954]

One of the best and most underrated distilleries in the world right now. Was glad to see them get down recognition in the OSWA’s.

[@mr.t.9669]

Hi Ralfy, I totally agree with you, that the Ancnoc 18 and 24 are outstanding good whiskies. Never had the courage to try the 12 by date because of it's 40 %abv. .But I will give it a try 'cause what can go wrong when reflecting this price. But I had a bad experience with Ancnoc too. The Ancnoc 35 year old second limited edition was one of the worst whisky I' ve ever tasted. I had a full bottle, gave it plenty of time to breeze and oxidize but it didn't get any better.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . add some younger Ancnoc to it to spruce it up, and, complain to the distillery about your experience.

[@deeshmond]

Such a great, unpretentious, underrated distillery. Their 18 YO is my third favourite at that age after Arran and Glenallachie (2021). And this 12 YO is a lovely intro to their range 👍

[@bblair2627]

Got some for Chrismas and as a great fan of the BNJ im looking forward to it.

[@Glaikit-gype]

AnCnoc is a great distillery. The tour is fantastic and there are two stand outs for me which are the Black Hill Reserve which was a travel exclusive and the 125th anniversary peated edition. Although the 12 YO is a fine dram as well.

[@miserablerhurensohn]

My 1st AnCnoc was the 12 but then we got some 16 here. It was hard to go back to the 12 when the 16 was gone from the shelves but I did hang on to two bottles. I'll have to try the 12 again and see if I think it's improved. I saw a memory post on my facebook where I said that I was holding out on declaring I had a favorite whisky but AnCnoc 16 was it. That was back in 2014. The 12 is now $54.99, was $37.99 then. The last 16s from 2014 were $49.99. Since then, I've tried many more whiskies so I'm back to not being able to declare I have a favorite.

[@tomcronin9780]

I thought this was an Irish whiskey when I spotted it online Ralfy. An Cnoc is Irish for The Hill (pronounced "On Cannuck"). I love your reviews, I'm just getting into whiskey even though I'm in my sixties. You're a fountain of knowledge.

[@jandasalovich6469]

Excellent.

[@rfpho1456]

I was impressed with the bottle I was given. I thought it more highland than speyside. For a low cost bottle it’s good

[@halilcapraz4713]

I like when he rymes the first 3 words 😄

[@Marcus-qw9sx]

I really enjoyed my first dram of Ancnoc 12 a couple of years ago. Honeyed, floral, malty and 40% didn't seem to hamper it. That said, I really would like the distillery to do more offerings, there's potential here!

[@raeraeraeth]

I picked this up from Byrne's in Clitheroe for £25 and it's definitely herbaceous. Light at first, then dives darker tobacco notes, as far as I can tell

[@RaduB.]

3:26 Glencadam?... Their 10yo is non chill filtered and natural colour, bottled at 46%. Is there a more basic one? I should put this anCnoc on my list.

[@chaisheng0627]

I absolutely love the ancnoc 18 took me 4,5 attempts to really climatise to it, but when u do it rewards you

[@Danevv]

Ralfy, spam bots have contaminated the comment section. Malty malignancies. On a side note, thank you for a beautiful Ancnoc. Love the 12, as well as the 24 year old versions.

[@PeterDalling]

I found it for £26.73 online so I bought two. Just the thing for friends who like a whisky but are not nerds like us.

[@We_Got_A_Call]

I have a bottle in the cabinet and it’s not one of my favorites. A good alternative is Glencadam 15.

[@Unclejona]

AnCnoc, Who's there?

[@TheNielskau]

Since the distillery struggles with presentation. Have anyone seen good IB versions ? Can’t remember coming across one ?

[@allanwhittle3041]

As always Spot on Ralfy It’s a little cracker 🎉of a whisky at very sensible money 👍🥃

[@jackdeedman5344]

Cheers Ralph, love ancnoc........ssshhhhhhhhhh!

[@mvv1408]

AnCnoc 12 is the same price as the entry level whiskies from the big brands, but the quality is noticeably better, imho. A good one!

[@JazznRealHipHop]

Love anCnoc ❤️

[@eddudyak2595]

In my nearest supermarkets, it costs about 70-75 pounds (equivalently)

[@whompbiscuits8930]

Thanks Ralfy, I'll have to look into this deeper. Because while I can get this here in North Carolina (USA) via special order, their website states it's 43%. Looked up some pics online, it appears that 70cl bottles are 40% whereas 750ml bottles are 43%. Weird. FYI, they also sell a 24-year for $250 (46%) and a 35-year for $1000 (41%). Both are out of my price range but the 24-year seems to be the far better deal on ABV alone. Pay 4x the price for a whiskey that's only 11 years older but 5% less ABV? Nope. Never ate bay leaves. Used it countless times as a flavoring for sauces but never actually eaten them. Didn't know you could.

[@TasmaniaIsAHole]

That's because of US liquor laws. The standard bottle size in Europe is 70cl/700ml whilst it's 75cl/750ml in the US (17 1.5oz). The minimum legal proof for whisk(e)y in the US is 86 (43% ABV) whilst in the UK it's 80 (40%). So not only do you get more, you also get it at a higher proof! Lucky buggers.

[@jaylat4578]

@@TasmaniaIsAHole Lucky in some sense but we also pay more. 43% Acnoc 12 goes for about $45-$50 in the states so there is a tradeoff

[@TasmaniaIsAHole]

Nah its still comparatively cheap compared to other places. Would you pay 60 USD for the 700ml version at 40%? Because that's the going rate here for it in Aus.

[@vladimirpaunovic1485]

Ralfy, we want something special. the new year is near

[@jessehill3385]

A shockingly good whisky for the price and specs. Scotch fans should all try it!

[@andrewhamilton2014]

Sounds like a good every day, versatile scotch. I'll give it a look

[@radiantinred]

I snaffled some Ancnoc 24 y/o just before the price went crazy. Phew !!!

[@Zephon9]

Sounds pretty good to me. I'll put it on my list.

[@simongilbert2704]

glad they do something nice ;; i bought a bottle of their 'cutter' which is peat , no thanks , will try again to get something without that peat nonsense ;;;

[@grbadalamenti]

Is this a summer whisky? I mean if it works well to have during summer.

[@angelosmichail3950]

Mit Farbstof... Naturally presented and bottled at 46-48%, it would certainly climb above and beyond 40 Euro! So it seems that a price of 29 Euro, as it now comes, is a fair compromise. Good dram! Cheers everybody, happy drams!

[@heisenbergguy7772]

By the way USA Edradour 10 is 43% ABV. How cool is that?

[@garrettjanssen7683]

Important fact, anCnoc uses worm tubs for cooling (like its stablemate Speyburn). Probably explains why the flavor profile is so close to Dalwhinnie for me.

[@sav7568]

The 12 ( 40% ) contains colouring but the 18 ( 46% ) does not.

[@simonoliver1174]

Just starting my malt manoeuvres and thanks to you and your you tube chums I shall be buying this to follow on after my monkey Shoulder that has all but evaporated, many thanks Ralphy

[@Andy_Holbrook332]

I tasted this only last week and tbh, was underwhelmed. I think what’s interesting with this review is just how gushing it is, score of 85, use of words like “traditional”. I’ve been a Pat Pal for years and respect Ralfy’s approach to whisky reviews enormously. However this is a v positive review for a whisky which is 40% abv, chill filtered and with colour added. And yet, it gets a good review. It suggests the obsession that some whisky influencers and many other enthusiasts have with 46%, natural colour and non chill filtered doesn’t always translate to these being better. Some chill filtered 40%ers are good, some are bad. Some non chill filtered 46%ers are good, some are bad. I guess what I’m saying is, we need to keep an open opinion and listen to our sense’s when we are smelling and tasting.

[@1981stonemonkey]

I got a bottle last year based on price point, favorable reviews and indeed lack of flannel. I felt I had been left hanging. Only a few flavours on the nose as well as the palate, even with time in the glass, and as the bottle level went down. It just didn´t develop, and any amount of water killed it. Spirit and cask influence I found not well integrated. I liked its quirky earthiness, though. But bottom line: it taught me to never buy a bottle without ordering and trying a glass or sample first..!

[@zebcarvalho3294]

It got better as the bottle got emptier. Not for me personally but it could be good for someone starting out.

[@davet7185]

Just placed an order for theAnCnoc 12 Ralfy.....well it would be rude not to on a Black Friday offer 😁😁🥃🥃.

[@Andre-nt4dn]

Its a good dram. In the same range of quality I find the Cragganmore 12 and Knockando 12.