AnCnoc Tushkar Limited Edition

AnCnoc Tushkar Limited Edition, NAS, 46 %

AnCnoc is the single malt from Knockdhu Distillery, owned by Inver House Distillers. It's a bit confusing that the whisky brand and the distillery name do not match - maybe, but it would probably be just as easy to confuse a Knockdhu whisky with Knockando whisky. Anyways, they (Knockdhu) have recently released an exclusive bottling for Sweden, the anCnoc Tushkar Limited Edition.

This is a medium peated (15 ppm phenols) anCnoc released exclusively for Sweden. Luckily Sweden is not that far away, it's not like it is a mythical fairy tale land beyond the rainbow. It's actually right there, just across the border. And you can pick up a bottle of anCnoc Tushkar there for SEK 449 (item number 40468).

The name Tushkar is here best explained by quoting the product sheet: "The Tushkar spade has a long blade that cuts down through the peat, producing a turf with a medium to slow burn."

Nose (21/25): Malty, with tempered peat. Fruity and sweet. Strawberries, apples and freshly cut oranges. Quite refreshing, and it puts me in a spring time mood. After a while there's a hint at darkness here though; ashes on the ground and storm clouds gathering over head.

Taste (21/25): Peeled oranges rolled in cold ashes and crumbled, fresh licorice. Citrus, caramel and oily notes.

Finish (22/25): Medium long, and quite peaty. The ashes and licorice are joined by caramel notes to form a dark succulent fudge-like concoction.

Balance (21/25): This is candy for grown-ups! Licorice caramel with a dark streak. Great fun, albeit a little simple. But who cares? Besides at that price it is a bargain, as well.

Score (85/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas