whisky review 352 - An Cnoc 16yo

[@mrnosebear7406]

Again a fine and excellent review of a good whisky. People should more ackknowledge the quality of the AnCnoc whiskies. Thank you very much, Ralfy.

[@DheadTV]

Enjoying this scotch tonight, found this review, from 10 years ago haha. I was lucky enough enough to stumble on this bottle ''forgotten'' on the bottom shelve of a small shop for 70US$. It's fantastic.

[@Aaron-mn8gw]

Great video. Looking forward to a vintage bottle of Anoc 24yo to enjoy this evening. Keep the reviews coming!

[@HelloImMrMarr]

So excited to see that your reviewing this! I love the 12 year and have been on the fence about splurging on the 16 year since it's quite pricy here in Canada. Also, I loved hearing about the "rippling" effect that the water has on non-chill filtered whisky's. I've often seen this happen with whisky's as I added a drop or two of water, but I never really realized it was something I could utilize in exploring whisky's going forward. Awesome review!

[@albertmiller3082]

Excellent vlog--- both informative AND inspirational. A nice mix, that. Also good on ye for the closing bit about volume drinking and personal responsibility...would that your words fell on all the ears that might be needing to hear you and take action before they erode their health further. One can drink responsibly, it can be done. And the delicious privilege of savoring so much of nature's bounty can be counted as nothing short of a blessing...nothing less.

[@knarfzxc]

Excellent suggestion. Indeed, peat and blustery or even blizzard conditions offer a level of warmth and comfort. Balblair is a grand fair weather dram. If it's blisteringly hot the tastes seem to shift towards Rum or Gin . . . cheers.

[@mrz88]

Thanks, Ralfy, I keep forgetting about this malt! Try this: Take a cask strength NCF whisky and VERY GENTLY pour a few teaspoons of water down the side of your glass and into it. If you perform it right, you will see a noticeable film of viscous oils and such floating on the surface! I saw Jim McEwan do this once and was astounded. You can drink them off the top or stir it back up!

[@ArumesYT]

I agree. And keep the glasses small! The first sips are the best, your taste will decline quite rapidly after that. I usually take one or two glasses of whisky every day, but the amount I put in a single glass is about half a shotglass. So three or four sips, and then it's gone. This way, I can truly enjoy every sip, drink every evening, and still last about a month on a single bottle.

[@Malt454]

The mark here is 91/100, Ralfy, but your mark for the An Cnoc 16yo 2011 on Malt Maniacs is 85 (with an average score for 11 Maniac reviewers of only 82), which I find strange given the comments about bottling consistency. I honestly don’t bring it up just to be a smart ass, but it is a fair gap. Again, nothing personal, and I think you’re doing great work in educating consumers. Sláinte!

[@pi17835]

Good review as always, but I'd like to comment on the last part: If you drink a bottle of Whisk(e)y per week you drink 2 times the volume and 9 times the alcohol of a (small) bottle of beer (0,33l - at least here in Germany), 1 bottle of whisky equals 18 bottles of beer (0,33l each). So its like a bit less than 0,9l of beer per day and that every day of the week... I would call that alarming!

[@cato451]

Speaking of non-chill filetring. I recently purchased a perfect malt to see the difference. It is a 22 YO 1984 Convalmore. Add a little water and the golden malt turns to the color of lemon juice. That's what I want to SEE!!!!! Great expression from a dead distillery BTW...

[@BaronP91]

"If you're drinking a bottle a night you have more cents than sense" - one of the best lessons my grandad ever taught me.

[@jvg3fiona]

I just got a bottle of this... Very hard to locate, but I pulled it off with the help of friends and at a wholesale price. They also were able to find the Springbank 12 yr Cask Strength for me (@ 50.3%)... I also purchased Bunnahabhain 12 yr on my own. These 3 amazing bottles what not have happened for me had I not been listening to your advice, Ralfy. I've come to appreciate the 46% +, non-chill filtered and no caramel "holy trinity"....

[@TheElvis115]

More ‘natural' and authentically presented whisky with NO chill filtration seems to produce amazing results, particularly if it is 46% ABV or over!!! However, I must agree with some of the comments though...the more authentic expressions, such as this anCnoc 16, are demanding and need time and experience to appreciate. However, patience is rewarded...indeed it is!!

[@joostvandijk3451]

Hey Ralfy, nice demonstration of chill filtration. Perhaps next time you could try putting a sheet of white paper behind the glass. The effects might be a bit more visible. Great reviews!

[@colinabz]

"Viscimetric whorls". Great description from Rachel Barrie of the non chill filtration effect you demonstrate.

[@722Jeslek]

A small, small ice cube is a great way to witness viscimetric whirls in action. The ice cube seems to be smoking as it dissolves!

[@dergitarristde]

I have one distilled in 1994 and bottled in 2008 which might just be my favourite bottle of scotch ever.

[@petermachare5659]

Going back to watch all the Ralfy videos but there are some I cannot find. Are there missing numbers (for example, I cannot find review number 5)? Even the Wikipedia article on caramel coloring confirms worst suspicions. Thank you Ralfy for all your work. You do good in the world.

[@TheRBW62]

Ralfy, please do not take this badly, just an observance with a question. First I wish to say, I thoroughly enjoy your reviews. I start my day with a walk with Gizmo, then watching you. My observations & question: you always read your tasting notes & nose notes instead of a "live" taste, what is the reason for that? It is A slight annoyance. I am sure you could do without the "NOTES". Thanks for 352 lovely videos, enjoy watching you.

[@hypnoz123]

@ralfy yes buy it is 57%abv cask strength and really steps up the flavors of the original, in a great way!

[@rami26s1]

Ralfy, quick note. On the back of the tube of the ancnoc 16, it does say that it isn't colored. So you are correct on that. I believe they also say that on their website.

[@fasterischead]

Had a bottle of this a few years ago - it's mind-blowingly complex stuff, light yet intense, one of the most demanding signatures I've ever found. I gave it 87/100, although I'm slightly tougher than you. :) Also, I tend to lump Ardmore in with the Eastern Highlanders rather than taking it as a Speysider. That complex farmy/smoky/herbal signature seems to me to have more in common with Glen Garioch (esp. in the old days) or even Lochnagar than anything around Keith or Dufftown. What say you?

[@Oralmeddoc]

Seems like the Speyside/Highland designators are subject to some debate, as the boundaries of Speyside as defined by the SWA are all within the geographic (and geological ) definition of the Highlands. Whereas, there are Highland malts that do not fall within Speyside. I've noticed that several Speysiders self identify themselves as Highland malts (Macallan, Ardmore, Tamdhu, Glendronach, and yes AnCnoc!)

[@Sawwit]

I think one bottle of whisky a weak, is still rather a lot. Keep it no more than 3-4 glasses on a weekend, and maybe one or two glasses on a other eavening. Dont overdo it. Savour and enjoy!

[@EwoudHofman]

Good review, quality stuff as always Ralfy, informative, entertaining and some background info at the end. Love your style and keep up the good work. Will have a wee look around to see if i can find this whisky locally and check the price because it surely has ticked some boxes that i like.

[@colinabz]

Delighted you like this one. Great dram. Thought I was on my own. Looking forward to trying the 22 year old. Hoping they'll be at the Aberdeen Whisky Festival in April.

[@Oralmeddoc]

Interestingly, I've read that Knockdhu distillers named their malt AnCnoc after the mountain just to the west of the distillery which is bisected by the Speyside/Highland boundary line......placing Knockdhu/AnCnoc clearly in the official SWA Highland region.

[@ArumesYT]

Different in complexity? I know it's a different taste, but I'd like to know if it's comparable in the way the taste is presented. I know Nadurra can be a bit overwhelming at first, and you said this anCnoc can be intimidating. The experimentation with the amount of water, altering the taste, seems similar as well. I like these complex whiskies, where every glass can be a new experience if you don't measure the amount of water precisely.

[@INDYNOIR1]

Just picked this up. Shocked how good this is....for $50....This may be whisky of the year:)

[@slimes23]

I've just ordered a bottle. Thanks for the alcohol warning at the end btw. A lot off ppl who are in the wine/real ale/ spirits trade or who have a hobby in that area make light of the issue. Apart from anything else, people who drink huge amounts aren't the ones who are really enjoying it.

[@sean1e100]

Just picked up a bottle of this from The Whisky Shop at Edinburgh Waverley for the train on the way home. Bit of a risk as hadnt heard of it and £63 a bottle, but well - nothing ventured, nothing gained! Very glad I did. Delicious, fruity, clean malt. Exactly what I wanted to balance out my shelf (dominated by peat at one end and sherry at the other). Thanks for the affirmation Ralfy

[@Malt454]

Notes might be boring, but at least you end up with a product that's actually informative. Vlogs that are "Hi, I'm so-and-so, and I have no experience or information, but I have a general opinion on Johnnie Walker Black (it's really good) and here it is for 10 minutes" are a dime a dozen.

[@cato451]

I like this expression a lot. It is a great summer time dram.

[@Poraqui]

I don't know if you discussed this in detail in a dedicated video, but I think it would be interesting to discuss the "scientific basis" :) of adding water to whisky. Whether at room temperature or cold in the form of ice (whisky on the rocks). I've found a science paper that arrives at some interesting conclusions

[@gioefex]

Another great and useful review as always Ralfy. Btw, apparently the anCnoc website confirm the 16yo release is actually non-coloured.

[@tnw31]

I don't think I've heard you talk about ( the Level) of whisky consumption before, so the ending was interesting.

[@mikelyxs]

One of my all time favorites, quite complex one too. I personally get a pleasant salty licorice note in there, that I don't think you mentioned.

[@W33zleBug]

Ralfy, I suppose you've already read the Malt Maniacs E-pistle #2012-01 "THE TASTE OF CHILL FILTRATION" In general I agree with your demand for a natural presentation of whisky, without being so uncompromising regarding its chill-filtration, as you are. The conclusions of the "paper" above agree with my observations. Chill filtration does change the flavour of whisky, but not necessarily for the worse. What do you think about it?

[@themaltbar]

Had the AnCnoc12 Ralfy it was a joy! Q. Have you ever listened to Richard Thomson singer/songwiter...terrific artist! He's got this song "Vincent machine" u know what thats all about huh?! cheers Ralfy

[@georgearagon2546]

Confused. Looked up Ancnoc on Total Wine's website and zoomed in on the bottle. It reads highland single malt.??

[@miserablerhurensohn]

Not too often you give such a high mark to something easily available and affordable, so I went right out to get one. It did not disappoint. How does the 12yo measure up?

[@willbb4]

Ralfy, I love your reviews - consistently entertaining and educational. Have you tried Brenne at all? It's a French single malt finished in Cognac barrels - which sounded intriguing to me. It's very light and sweet, with fruit on the nose and the palette, along with honey and caramel, and I get some delightful licorice on the finish that very nearly masks it's youthful zest. I'd be fascinated to hear what you think - I realize it's only available in the greater NYC area in the US right now.

[@AndyCigars]

hmmm, I thought the alcohol would have to be higher to get the mist. The Glenlivet Nadurra gives the scotch mist and it's at cask strength...around 59%.

[@notme123123]

Great review! I tried the 12 year old, based on your earlier reviews and loved it. When I saw the 16 was on the market, I was hoping you'd have this review for us. Now I am confident that I will give it a try. Ralfy, a thought for a future series. Would you consider doing a collection of "lighter" whiskies that would make for good warm weather sipping? I find the heavy, peated, smokey whiskies to be more comfortable for the winter, which we are thankfully leaving!

[@Markpaul9]

Oh I see you already reviewed the 12... Will pick up the 12 and 16 if they're both available to do some comparing..

[@KickedOuttaHell]

Hello Ralfy! Another great review. And randomly, megaladons are fascinating creatures. Anyway... Any advice on preserving some pricey, half empty whiskies for long term storage? I've considered decanting into smaller bottles but am worried about types of caps imparting flavors.... any advice at all would be most appreciated. Thanks, Ryan

[@Malt454]

Also, as for "boring vs not" my comment was in response to that of Robert Wayne, that "Notes make it boring and too Much, SPECIFIC." I do think that Robert's comment was in support of your suggestion, but it was his point I was addressing. Notes make for better focus and deeper content and, again, you only have to compare Ralfy to many working "off the cuff" to see the difference. Delivery is important, but content is more so. To amass any real info about anything usually means writing it down.

[@fuckinick]

Which presentation of Macallan you are going to review Ralfy?

[@clementafonso]

Ralfy, if you could use your (very small) police box to go back in time to re-taste a whisky, which one would it be ? Keep-on the good work ! Cheers from Paris.

[@johnnyboi493]

have you ever forgotten the name of a whisky you drank once and really liked. i have

[@1keickhoff]

Have a bottle shop in the states selling an independent bottling of Bowmore 28yr (Battlehill) for $120. Any experience or recommendations?

[@coslifehurts]

There was particular brand of blended whisky with a deer on the labelin review 79 and I couldn't hear what brand you said it was. Just wondering if it is available in Aus.Appreciate knowing what the name of it is. Many thanks.

[@ArumesYT]

Am I right in thinking this anCnoc is similar in complexity and experience to Nadurra? It's still one of my favourites, but I would like to try something new (but similar).

[@NiallBenzie]

Someone from An Cnoc told me they changed their name because Diageo weren't happy, thinking people would confuse it with Knockando.

[@themaltbar]

Happy Easter maltmate! cheers Ralfy.

[@sandman2060829]

This should be taught at every university

[@722Jeslek]

Ralfy, I know you're an undertaker and a fan of Irish whiskey, so surely you know that sprinkling usquebaugh, aqua vitae, the water of life upon the corpse will cause them to wake again? Could result in a big boost in business ...

[@Byeohazard]

Hello Ralfy! I'm enjoying the latest presentation of Abelour 12 yr old! IT is now non chill filtered and brought up to 48% abv. Was wondering if this is a whiskey you would want to visit since it seems perhaps that the powers that be may be llistening!

[@Malt454]

Compromise is the art of making everyone equally unhappy.

[@Markpaul9]

Ralfy I only have the 12 yr old available at my bottle shop would you still recommend worth a taste? Also, anything to keep an eye out for in the higher price range at the moment as I'm traveling and will be passing duty free airport shortly.. You should review Jura superstition, that's what I'm really getting stuck into at the moment.. Love island style malts!

[@Malt454]

I don't have a problem admitting I'm wrong, I just don't see how, in this case, anyone has shown I am - including you. People who "seem quite knowledgeable" are often resented by those who don't, a symptom being that they don't address their criticism directly to the person (reply button). Pre-poured or not, it takes several minutes for an expert to dissect a malt of any complexity, unless they're going from previous experience with that malt - which is the same as notes. Cheers!

[@coslifehurts]

Hi. What brand of whisky did you use for hot toddy review 79? Picture of deer on the label. Thanks.

[@vigil12348]

Hi mate, does this Ralfy enthusiasm also count for the "Ancnoc 1994"? the 14 yo? It's the only one older than the standart 12yo, available in my desert? Thanks.

[@miserablerhurensohn]

A bottle per week is OK? Thanks Ralfy :)

[@H_Oscarsson]

You're filled with knowledge and that I like! :D

[@jonastrom3851]

Hi Ralfy Two questions 1. You said that 46% is the point that non chillfiltered goes hazy. So less then 46% you can't see if it's non chillfiltered by put it in the fridge, is that corect? Who could I se it then? 2. In a previous review you said that the air in the the bottle could effect the taste later on. Isn't it better to by small bottles then? But you also said in a nother review that it is better to buy big ones. Please explain how I should think... Thanks alotl /Jon (a big fan)

[@fightinirish273]

Ralphy, I got myself a bottle of unchill-filtered anCnoc from the Highlands. No age given although its marketed as being distilled in '98 and bottled in 2012. Quality stuff that I'm thoroughly enjoying, but I'm curious on your take. What do you think of this malt?

[@AndyCigars]

Great review, Ralfy. One quick question... You said you don't get Scotch mist at a non-chill filtered whisky at 46%. So, would it have to be higher than 46% to get that clouding?

[@keepgrins77]

Great review!! Any Beer reviews planned?

[@Wayfarer8]

Hello, Ralfy. Bought a bttle of AnCnoc after Your review. Peter Arkle edition. But I want to know how old is this whisky. I bought 46% abv edition, non chill filtered, no caramel added. Could it be a 16 y.o. version or not?

[@Wayfarer8]

Hello, Ralfy) funny thing about the words - dramatic - dram attic)

[@erikkz]

I have the AnCnoc 12yo in my collection because of the review you did Ralfy, and let me tell you the bottle does not dissappoint. It even has some of my peat-loving friends hugging this complex Speyside-Highland style single malt. Coming to my question: is the the 16yo (in your opinion) worth double the price of the 12yo?

[@hypnoz123]

Ralfy! Can you please review Glenmorangie Astar?? Amazing dram!

[@shakeyfly]

at 7:00 minutes was that breath fog??!?! how cold is it in that basement!?!?! lol

[@FMichael1970]

Several months ago I picked up the 16 yr, and thought is was "ok" - nothing special...That said I'm a big fan of the 12 yr anCnoc; I found the flavors of the 12 yr to stand out, and appear more "obvious" than the 16 yr. Same can be said for anCnoc's sister distillery Old Pulteney; I prefer the 12 yr over the 17 yr expression.

[@SpiritclubOrgUaWhisky]

Brilliantly done! =)

[@kalm1531]

What a fine review, Thank you !

[@SuperMegaMantus]

I think that if a bottle of whisky lasts only a week you may have some drinking troubles too. One week for spirits around 40% (80 proof) is few time. My bottle of whisky (if I like it very much) lasts three weeks - one month.

[@Tylervrooman]

well priced in the USA too...

[@MaciekP2]

It remindes me Auchentoshan valinch a lot.... Nice stuff

[@StevenCalwas]

The 16yo has disappeared from store shelves. Even the Ancnoc website says it's out of stock. I hope it hasn't been discontinued. The 46%, non-chill-filtered makes this a more enjoyable bottle than the thinner 12yo at 43% and chill-filtered.

[@mymic208]

newest eddition of an cnoc 16 has just come out, happy hunting

[@StevenCalwas]

alan wilson Thanks for the heads-up. Unfortunately, Ancnoc seems to be skyrocketing in price. I used to buy the 16 for about $60. Master of Malt is currently selling it for $110! The 22yo sells here for $160. Ancnoc was a decent malt at a decent price. Now it's a decent malt at an excessively bloated price.

[@mymic208]

I'm from the uk, so as far as what scotch is stateside I can't really comment but I know depending on the state lagavulin 16 is usually around $110, so an cnoc 16 being that price and a 'craft presentation' still worth your coin. Shame about the price hike indeed but it is a damn fine scotch, and I didn't mine paying what I did for my bottle.

[@StevenCalwas]

Steven Calwas Was surprised to find the Ancnoc 16 back on US shelves yesterday. Never expected to see it here again after it disappeared last year. Further, I was stunned to find it still at its old price: $55. Wow! It's less expensive in the US than in the UK! A real bargain. Just a note: Yesterday also saw the reappearance of several other wonderful, but disappeared spirits, including Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey and Old Weller Antique wheated bourbon. Seems to be some easing of the whiskey shortage. What's next? Bottles of Pappy's on the shelf collecting dust?

[@stanislas334]

Steven Calwas I can't find the Ancnoc 16 anywhere these days unless I order online from the UK. Ralfy's done it again!

[@TheRBW62]

To malt454: some get it, some don't, I am not speaking of boring vs not, but rather "canned video". I know you have watched newscasts, public figures speak, you can tell when it is canned. Since Ralfy is an expert & Aficionados of spirits, why read notes? Anyone can read notes. No way of knowing if that is what he is tasting, or did someone else prepare the notes before hand. Got it? That is best I can spell it out...

[@RadioLaboratory]

Ralfy, hey! Hav u had th opportunity 2try the newly-pkg'd Compassbox OakCross?? (vatted malt) If so whatayathink??Any review pland..its teribly good!! 88-89/100. cheers Ralfy.

[@bananatree1234567]

Seems to be very hard to find now. Seems like that would drive the price up, which defeats the whole purpose of buying it because it's "very good for its price"

[@bandostyle]

HI ralfy maybe I'm able to buy a bottle of ancnoc 1996 15 yo at 35 pounds,what do you think, I must run to the shop and buy it?

[@RadioLaboratory]

@TheRBW62 hey maltmate, dont take it personally, this malt454 guys got a wee problem with being wrong! he's always right - OCD right.shame that...seems quite knowledgeable but I can actually see your point and a solution would be to have a dram pre-poured upon the opening segment and compare it to the freshly poured dram and just tell it "like it is" cheers RBW! cheers Ralfy mate!

[@vigil12348]

Sure one night i feel great, listen to great music and drink half a bottle and other week nights I don't drink at all, not even ale. I hate to stop when I'm feeling great and just putting my Fish' record in the player. I try to keep it balanced. When I've had too much, don't drink nothin' for at least 4 days afterwards.

[@iamjsully]

Ralfy is the MAN!

[@themaltbar]

U got it Ralfy "1952 Vincent Black Lightning" :-)

[@INDYNOIR1]

@TheRWB62. Totally agree. Love Ralfy reviews but his tasting notes are my least favorite part of his reviews. I tend to get that information elsewhere. I love all the spontaneous tid bits Ralfy gives. The notes are too stiff, and too many notes offered for me. I prefer notes from Michael Jackson.

[@welshtoro3256]

This is a fantastic whisky but you will find it difficult to find now. Look around, hard, and you can still find it. Absolutely no good reason for anCnoc not to sell this apart from the direction of NAS and younger age statement sales. Back to the 16 year old though. I'm in total agreement with Ralfy. 46% ex-bourbon like Glencadam 15 and anCnoc 16 are stunning.

[@erikkz]

I'd say the price seems very low for a 28yo malt...

[@calligraphy_by_jude]

I can see your breath at 6:58. It must have been cold! Until your first drink, that is.

[@xfortysd40]

In first!! Woo woo!

[@themaltbar]

First!!

[@Malt454]

If you do a blind review in "real time", you're waiting for the whisky to "open up", and unless it's a very simple malt, that's 10-15 minutes right there. You can't pour, nose and taste evaluate a whisky from scratch in a few minutes unless there's not much there to find. If you really think it isn't his own notes Ralfy's working from, why trust what he tells you at all? How do you "know" the An Cnoc 16 isn't really Glenlivet 12 or something else poured into an old bottle... or his name's Ralfy?

[@TempestasAurum]

Trying to make something so that everyone likes it, your just going to make a product that no one likes.

[@AaronBenjBrown]

Lol

[@rbw58]

Notes make it boring and too Much, SPECIFIC. Too much info is worse than not enough. How bout trying it for one show Ralfy, come on, ole Chap.