Whisky Review/Tasting: An Cnoc Rutter

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Speyside, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Limited edition, peated single malt whisky. Matured in sherry casks. Non-chill filtered and natural color.
Age Statement: No specific age statement provided.
Color and Bottle Design: Described as sparkling gold in appearance, with the bottle design not detailed but emphasizing its uncolored nature.

Balance of Flavors: Well-balanced between peat and fruitiness, with a presence of spices.
Unique Characteristics: Peat smoke is noticeable but not overpowering, with a peat level of 11 ppm. The whisky showcases a fragrant smokiness due to the slow-burning peat used.
Flavor Notes: Initial smoky nose, unveiling spices, juicy pineapples, pear drops, gentle vanilla, honey, creamy vanilla, toffee, leather, and green apples. The aftertaste is described as not too long but well-balanced.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its unique balance of peat and fruitiness sets it apart, especially within the An Cnoc range known for typically fruity and non-peated expressions.

Rutter Spade: The name "Rutter" refers to a type of spade used for cutting peat in Scotland. The rutter spade, being larger, was used for producing big, slow-burning blocks of peat, contributing to the whisky's unique smokiness.
Production Anecdotes: The host, Horst Luening, mentions waiting weeks to taste this whisky due to its limited availability, suggesting a high demand and anticipation for this release.

Speyside Influence: As a Speyside whisky, An Cnoc Rutter carries the region's reputation for producing predominantly non-peated, fruity whiskies, making this peated edition a notable exception.
Historical Production Techniques: The use of different spades for peat cutting and the specific mention of the rutter spade highlight traditional Scottish distilling practices and their impact on flavor.

Horst Luening's Impressions: "Wonderful balanced between the peat and the fruitiness," and "whenever you get your hands on such a bottle, do so. It's worth the money if you like smoky whisky."
Peat Level Analysis: "Those 11 ppm is quite a low ppm... the awareness level of peat I think is around 3 or 5 ppm so 11 is not very much."

An Cnoc Rutter is a limited edition, peated single malt whisky from Speyside, showcasing a unique balance of peat smoke and fruitiness.
It features a peat level of 11 ppm, resulting in a fragrant smokiness complemented by notes of spices, vanilla, honey, toffee, and green apples.
The whisky's name and character are influenced by the use of the rutter spade for cutting peat, a traditional Scottish distilling practice.
Horst Luening praises the whisky for its balance and recommends it to those who enjoy a smoky profile.

Peated Whisky Enthusiasts: Individuals who appreciate a smoky flavor but seek a more nuanced and balanced profile with fruitiness and spices.
Speyside Whisky Lovers: Those familiar with Speyside's typically non-peated, fruity whiskies might enjoy this unique, peated expression from the region.
Collectors and Limited Edition Seekers: Given its limited availability and unique production story, collectors looking for special releases would find An Cnoc Rutter appealing.
Beginners to Peated Whisky: With its relatively low peat level and balanced flavor profile, this whisky could serve as a gentle introduction to peated expressions.