AnCnoc Cutter Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Whiskey: AnCnoc Cutter Peated Single Malt Scotch

Released in 2014, AnCnoc Cutter is the peatiest whisky from the brand to date. Named after the hand tool used to cut peat from drier, shallower bogs, this is peated to 20.5ppm.

Size: 750mL

Proof: 92 (46% ABV)

Origin: Scotland

Distillery: Knockdhu Distillery

Not just another drop in the ocean this – they’ve been busy brewing (and then distilling) alternatives in the form of peated spirit at Knockdhu for a number of years now, with the latest release being the Cutter – their most heavily peated expression to date (until another hurdle approaches). The phenol content is 20.5 PPM in the bottle and maturation took place in ex-bourbon casks. As with their other peaty releases, it is named after a peat harvesting tool (some of them six foot tall… probably), in this case the Cutter, which is used to cut peat from shallower, drier bogs. The drier peat is easily burnt, producing a whisky with plenty of smoke.

AnCnoc Cutter Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Notes

Nose: Wafts of iodine, ash and smoke, joined by toffee-dipped peaches and cake-y vanilla sweetness.

Palate: A whisky of three halves (that works, right?): you’ve got the sooty, smoky peat, you’ve got bundles of apple, peach and orange, and then you’ve got plenty of creamy vanilla. It’s all balanced and blends together well.

Finish: Long and oily with smokiness simmering to the end.

Distillery Information

Situated in the picturesque village of Knock in the Highlands region of Scotland, the Knockdhu Distillery was founded in 1892 by John Morrison. At the time, the distillery was surrounded by acres of fresh barley and peat, and enjoyed easy access to pure spring water and the Great North Railway. When Morrison completed construction of the distillery in 1894, Knockdhu was regarded as the most modern and well-equipped distillery of its time.