Aroma: Leathery, fruity heather notes linger over the top of stewed apples and caramelised sugar. There is spice, but it is gentle and twisted with an oily citrus note.
Taste: Sweet sherried dried fruits start this whisky, think fruit loaf with its malty sweetness.
Then it morphs to a nutty spice, which is peppery, oily and has a gentle waft of wood smoke.
Finally the sweetness comes back, accompanied by a rich leathery quality. There is also a light, minty greenness.
Appearance: Golden brown.
Real Dram Factor: For me, this is a whisky of three very distinct parts, but all hold in tension to create a beautifully balanced whisky. We received it as part of a tweet tasting set up by Greg from Great Drams and we chose to feature this whisky as it was our favourite of the evening. It is created from a mix of casks, matured in Spanish oak ex-sherry casks and American oak ex-bourbon barrels. These cask influences are both present and combine to create a well rounded, fruity and spicy. We think it would make a classy addition to any collection and for between £70 and £80 it is a very well priced 18 Year Old whisky.
You Will Like This If… you like a warming, sherried finish.
ABV: 46%
Price: £70-80
Source: Sample from a Great Drams tasting.
More Information: https://ancnoc.com/whiskies/current-range/18-years-old/
Buy Online: https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/p/27335/ancnoc-18-year-old