Knockando 18 year old review and tasting notes
Today, our spotlight is on the enticing and compelling single malt whiskey known for its alluring charm: the Knockando 18 years. Picture that friend that everyone seems to have—the one who’s strikingly good-looking and humorous, always there to brighten your mood at the perfect moment. The one who sports a neat, elegant haircut, dons a pink shirt with white trousers, and ties the look together with green suede moccasins that match perfectly.
Just like a friendly, unpretentious companion, that’s how the 18-year-old Knockando positions itself. It may not take the title in its category, but it’s a pleasure to have around. Its flavor is consistent and prominently highlighted by sherry, giving it a wine-like, fruity characteristic. Nevertheless, it possesses an excellent balance and an attractive price point, available for 70 euros.
A brief on its production
The Knockando distillery was a trailblazer in Speyside, having been established as early as 1898. Unfortunately, after some turbulent times, it faded into obscurity until Diageo, the ever-present giant, acquired it and restored its former prestige. The distillery is not known for capriciousness but instead adheres to a traditional Speyside style: lively fruit features, a substantial hint of herbaceousness, robust yet gentle woodiness, no peat, and an abundance of delight.
This delight is embodied in the form, aroma, and taste of sherry in its most indulgent forms. With a short fermentation period, locally-sourced raw materials, and 90% sherry refinement, the distillery produces robust, straightforward, and incredibly flavorful whiskeys.
Tasting Notes
Colorz
Picture the color of a Shiba Inu bathed in the light of a beach sunset.
Nose
It offers an intense, robust, full-bodied aroma, highlighting the fruit, with a touch of chocolate and nuts, an array of spices, endless notes of apple pie, and subtle hints of malt in the background. The decadence of a cookie, all immersed in honey, with occasional flashes of green and floral to impart a gentle and fresh touch.
Mouth
Tasting it reveals a soft, honeyed, buttery sensation with a well-defined alcoholic note. It doesn’t burst into myriad flavors but instead, it pursues a straightforward path, steered by a nutty and creamy taste.
In conclusion, this is a remarkable product of its class. It achieves everything it sets out to do. It’s rhythmic and finely nuanced, though not overly profound. It’s spirited and easy to drink. If you’re a fan of syrupy and wine-like whiskeys, this one is a must-try. If you’re in search of a complex, dark, salty, or multi-faceted whiskey, this might not be for you. However, it’s a great starter whiskey due to its incredible smoothness and easygoing nature, perfect for a relaxed drink.
Price
Priced at 70–73 euros, it’s a fair value for a distillate produced with such flawless precision.
Food Pairings
Chocolate cupcakes, cheesecakes, ciambella, Tiramisù and chocolate salami.