Whisky Review/Tasting: Knockando 12 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Situated on the shore of the river Spey.
Type: Highland Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Produced in winter seasons to utilize the colder temperatures and higher water levels for better distillation and condensing. Matured in ex-bourbon casks (both refill and first fill).
Age Statement: 12 years, with a vintage of 2003 mentioned.
Color and Clarity: The whisky is colored to level out batch differences, though the coloring is minimal due to the natural color acquired from the casks.
Bottle Design: The bottle is 0.7 liters, with 43% ABV, and includes historical and production process details on the back label.

Balance of Flavors: Described as balanced, complex, and easy drinking.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its vanilla and fruitiness from the ex-bourbon casks, with a distinctive fresh almond note. The taste profile includes vanilla, fruit, nuttiness (hazelnuts), and a slight bitterness from almonds, leading to a dry aftertaste with lingering nuttiness and spiciness.
Comparison: Stands out for its depth, power, and spiciness, uncommon for a distillery's "million seller" brand, which is typically smoother and weaker.

Interesting Stories: The distillery's decision to produce whisky only in winter due to water availability from the river Spey led to the unique vintage or "seasons" approach to each bottle. The name "Knockando" is derived from Gaelic "Nokandu," meaning "little black hill."

Significance: The seasonal production method and the distillery's location on the river Spey are significant to the whisky's identity, emphasizing its connection to the natural environment and traditional distillation practices.

Opinions and Quotes: Horst Luening, the master taster, praises the whisky for maintaining a 43% ABV instead of reducing to the legal minimum, appreciates the constant quality across vintages, and finds it to have an excellent price-value relationship.

Knockando 12 years is a Highland whisky with a unique seasonal production method.
Matured in ex-bourbon casks, it offers a balanced and complex flavor profile with vanilla, fruit, and nutty notes, alongside a distinctive almond bitterness.
The distillery's history and the significance of its location on the river Spey add depth to the whisky's story.
Praised for its quality, consistency across vintages, and excellent value for money.

Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in the impact of distillation seasons and maturation processes on flavor.
Beginners: Due to its balanced and easy-drinking nature, it's an accessible entry point into Highland whiskies.
Collectors: The vintage-specific approach makes each year's release potentially collectible.
Value Seekers: Praised for its excellent price-value relationship, making it a great choice for those looking for quality without breaking the bank.