anCnoc 12 Year

Amazing hit of juicy fruit gum on the nose, which I know sounds strange but it really works. Sweet and spicy on the palette with a very nice oily mouth-feel. Long, warm citrus and spice finish. Handles water well for 40% abv and opens up nicely. Shocked that it's not rated higher by the expert here.

I found a 50ml sample of this 12 year old Highland single malt online and was really excited to give it a spin. It's medium gold in color and makes some nice, albeit thin legs in the taster. It's a slightly elevated 86 proof and has an initial nose that fondly reminds me of Macallan. There's a bit of sweetness, not so much sherry or honey, but fruity with a touch of raisins. Then there's the young and fresh cut oak. It's lively on the nose while pushing that sweetness to the back. It's very enticing. That first sip is all fresh cut wood. My first reaction is that this is what Macallan wants from the Fine Oak series, regardless of age & vintage. I'm not sure if anCnoc is multiple cask aged or not, but if it isn't they damn sure got the best from whatever single casks they used here. This thing just pops. I'm so happy with the oak and spice presence that I'm glad there isn't something sneaking in on the back side or the finish to "ruin" it. This thing is so damn vibrant. If my palate was fatigued or just dulled at this moment I feel like this single malt would just grab it and shake it to attention. In fact, I'd love to have a bottle of this to use as a palate cleanser/revitalizer at a full blown tasting just to help keep me focused. The finish is medium length and a very fitting end to a fine single malt. Since this was a 50ml I have no idea what an entire bottle runs, but if it's less than any Macallan Fine Oak (and I suspect it is) then it is worth the price of admission. An excellent pre-dinner aperitif or as a finale to wash away a decadent dessert, you can't go wrong here IMO. Cheers.