An Cnoc Black Hill Reserve Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Produced at the Noctu Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Matured exclusively in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks.
Age Statement: No age statement, but the color suggests it's older than the minimum three years.
Color: Described as bright gold, varying under different lighting to pale or dark gold.
Clarity: Not specifically mentioned, but the absence of chill filtration suggests a natural clarity.
Bottle Design: Comes in a one-liter bottle, larger than typical whisky bottles, with a 46% ABV. The packaging emphasizes its exclusive travel retail availability and its establishment in 1894.

Balance of Flavors: A complex balance of fresh and rich flavors, with a notable absence of overwhelming alcohol despite its 46% ABV.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky showcases crisp notes of citrus, green apples, and coconut, complemented by honey sweetness and layers of fresh vanilla. The taste evolves to include ground spices, candied orange peel, toffee, and a hint of leather.
Comparison: Not directly compared to other whiskies, but its quality and value are highlighted in comparison to other special bottlings from the Noctu Distillery.

Distillery History: The Noctu Distillery, named after Noctu meaning "Black Hill" or "Hill Black" in Gaelic, was established in 1894, coinciding with the railway extension in the area.
Production Methods: Maintains traditional production methods, including the use of cooling pipes from the Victorian age, while also embracing a modern personality in its whisky.

Geographical Context: The distillery's location near Nock Hill, known locally as the Black Hill, is significant for its natural springs, which contribute to the whisky's production. The distillery's history and traditional methods are rooted in the cultural and geographical landscape of Scotland.

"An outstanding addition to our range of whiskies, Black Hill Reserve is testimony to the finest qualities of a knock matured exclusively in first fill American oak ex-bourbon casks."
"Producing whisky carefully, slowly, and maturing it in first-fill ex-bourbon casks results in a good whisky even without an age statement on it."

An Cnoc Black Hill Reserve is a Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky with no age statement, matured in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks.
It features a bright gold color and a complex flavor profile with notes of citrus, green apples, coconut, honey, vanilla, ground spices, candied orange peel, toffee, and a hint of leather.
The Noctu Distillery, established in 1894, is located near the culturally significant Nock Hill and embraces both traditional and modern production methods.
The whisky is praised for its quality and value, offering a satisfying and refreshing experience without the need for a long maturation period.

Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring whiskies with complex flavor profiles and a balance of fresh and rich notes.
Travel Retail Shoppers: Given its exclusive availability in travel retail, it's an excellent pick for travelers looking to bring home a unique and high-quality whisky.
Value Seekers: Individuals looking for a high-quality whisky at a reasonable price, offering good value for money.
New Whisky Drinkers: The absence of overwhelming alcohol taste despite its 46% ABV makes it accessible for those new to whisky, wanting to explore single malts without the harshness.