HISTORY
The Knockdhu distillery in Banffshire opened its doors in 1894, thanks to the pioneering vision of our founder John Morrison, who brought the anCnoc story to life.
Imagine a vast plain of barley fields, with abundant peat bogs and crystal-clear springs nearby. Add to that the presence of the Great North of Scotland railway just around the corner, and it's easy to see why John Morrison seized the opportunity to transform a gift of nature into something unique to share with the world.
The enduring charm of our distillery evokes the timeless appeal of the nearby Black Hill, known as Knockdhu in Gaelic. This hill not only lends its name to the whisky but is also the source of the numerous springs of pure, crystal-clear water necessary for its production. However, the anCnoc brand (which in Gaelic means "the hill" and is pronounced "a-nock") is unique in that it does not bear the name of the distillery that produces it.
The Knockdhu distillery has had a history full of ups and downs. Operating continuously until 1931, it weathered the economic depression and wartime restrictions on barley cultivation, even serving as a military barracks at one point. However, in 1988, when it became the first distillery acquired by Inver House Distillers, a new era began. Since then, its reputation as a distillery rooted in tradition yet recognized for its innovative spirit has remained strong.
What has remained virtually unchanged throughout the distillery's rich history is the distillation process. Knock Hill continues to supply the necessary pure water, while the two copper stills are manufactured to the same design as in 1894; their bulbous bases and tall, narrow necks give anCnoc a light, crisp flavor similar to that first tasted over 125 years ago.
MODERN PERSONALITY
Following traditional methods, they continue to use a stainless steel mash tun with wooden fermentation vats. The whisky is aged in American and Spanish oak casks, while the thick granite walls of the storage warehouses maintain a stable temperature, resulting in a whisky of great consistency and a contemporary, approachable character.
PRIDE AND PASSION
The whisky-making process is a source of pride for our renowned distillery team, led by Director Gordon Bruce, known locally as the "Knock Men." anCnoc's popularity and worldwide acclaim are a testament to their passionate pursuit of perfection. Still crafted using traditional production methods, anCnoc creates an irresistible link between its ancestral roots and today's whisky enthusiast.
