23.08.07: "anCnoc 1975 - You Asked, Chris Answers!"

I have been asked by Meg L. about my opinion of anCnoc 1975.

First though, in my opinion, older whisky is not always better whisky. Some older whiskies can loose their character over time. Or rather, the influence of wood after many years can overpower the delicate nature of the original spirit and mask its true personality. This is particularly true if the whisky is re-wracked in a new cask for finishing. These whiskies, too me, can just taste too “woody.”

Not so with anCnoc 1975. It is a perfectly balanced dram where the character of anCnoc spirit shines through and has married perfectly with the Spanish and American oak casks that were laid to rest over thirty years ago. This three decade conjugal relationship brings out the richness and complexity of the dram, in a remarkably smooth and soft manner.

Even at its cask strength of 50% A.B.V., it can be taken neat, with no harshness. The addition of a few drops of water brings out the sweetness and vanilla. The taste is long and satisfying. It is a whisky you want to chew a bit before swallowing to allow a full sensory perception to bring out the depth of flavours. At first there is the hint of the youthfulness of fresh hay then it moves on to white chocolate and then fruit before ending in a whiff of dry smokiness on the finish. Almost as if its whole maturation life cycle is repeated in those magic moments the spirit is savoured in your mouth.

anCnoc 1975 is not chill-filtered thereby including the more critical components and fatty acids that count for the richer mouth feel and persistence of flavour. It may go a bit hazy with the addition of water, but this is a natural occurrence with this strength of whisky.

So Meg, L. if you have not yet tasted anCnoc 1975, I recommend you try a dram. I think you will be pleased. Has anyone else out there tried anCnoc 1975 yet?
Let me know what you think.

Slainte!

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