Whisky Review/Tasting: Knockando Richly Matured 15 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The Knockando distillery, which translates to "Black Little Hill" in Gaelic, produces this whisky.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The whisky is aged for a minimum of 15 years in ex-bourbon and sherry casks.
Age Statement: 15 years.
Color and Clarity: While the exact color is not described, there is a mention of variations in color between batches, suggesting natural differences arising from the maturation process. The discussion about the addition of color is inconclusive.
Bottle Design: The bottle features a new design with the name "Richly Matured" prominently displayed. It includes molded or engraved details, enhancing its visual appeal.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a complex and richly matured profile, with a harmonious balance between fruitiness, sweetness, and spiciness.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its intense aroma despite a 43% ABV, with dominant notes of apples, pears, vanilla, and caramel, complemented by a significant sherry cask influence adding dark cherry notes.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its unique flavor profile, especially the pronounced sherry cask influence, positions it distinctively in its category.

Anecdotes: The hosts humorously discuss the new European food declaration law, highlighting the absurdity of listing nutritional information on alcoholic beverages, which inherently contain negligible amounts of fats, sugars, and proteins.

Historical Context: The name "Knockando" itself, meaning "Black Little Hill," adds a layer of geographical and cultural depth, connecting the whisky to its Scottish roots and the landscape that surrounds the distillery.

"It's really smooth on the nose but it's intense, really intense."
"It's definitely a gem because not many people do know Knockando. It's not a well-known name, but their stuff is pretty good."

Knockando Richly Matured 15 years is a single malt Scotch whisky aged in ex-bourbon and sherry casks.
It features a complex flavor profile with a strong sherry cask influence, marked by fruitiness, sweetness, and a spicy finish.
The whisky's name and bottle design reflect its rich maturation and Scottish heritage.
The discussion includes humorous commentary on European food declaration laws.
The whisky is praised for its quality and value, especially given its relatively low price point and the distillery's lesser-known status.

For the Sherry Cask Enthusiast: This whisky's pronounced sherry cask influence makes it a must-try.
For the Value Seeker: Given its quality at a sub-€40 price point, it offers excellent value.
For the Whisky Explorer: Those looking to discover lesser-known distilleries will find Knockando a delightful discovery.
For the Festive Flavor Lover: The notes of apple, cinnamon, and chocolate evoke a Christmas market, appealing to those who enjoy seasonally inspired flavors.