#LightOnDark
Earlier this year anCnoc, the spirit of Modern Tradition, shone light on its dark side by introducing the Peaty Collection. Comprising of three exceptional single malt scotch whiskies –Rutter, Flaughter and Tushkar – this new, darker and moodier incarnation of the award-winning Highland Single Malt delighted fans and critics around the world with its depth, focus and the elegant balance between the distillery style and the wealth of rich smokiness. These new unusual bottlings were all named after peat-cutting tools to emphasise the connection between anCnoc and the fuel traditionally used in Scotland in the process of drying malted barley, responsible for the unmistakable, robust character of the finished product.
Cutter
On the 1st of September a new expression has been added to the acclaimed Peaty Collection. Cutter is the fourth in the series and the peatiest one so far. While Rutter, Flaughter and Tushkar had phenol contents ranging from 11 to 15 parts per million (ppm), their new sibling boasts a very high phenol content of 20.5 ppm, putting it in line with some of the most intensely smoky whiskies on the market. It is worth noting that the level of peating is measured on the finished whisky rather than the malt or the new make spirit, giving a more reliable description of the actual perceived level of peatiness. What's more, the phenol content is highlighted on the packaging to help whisky lovers make more informed decisions.
Cutter is matured in ex-bourbon casks made from American oak. It is bottled at 46% ABV and non chill-filtered. Like all Peaty Collection expressions it is presented at its natural colour, a light shade reminescent of lemon juice. The aroma is unmistakably peaty with oily smoke followed by a sharper, more medicinal note and a piercing ray of fruit and spice. On the palate it gains even more smoky intensity with ashy overtones, a slight apple-core bitterness and a spicy vanilla heart. This is a richly phenollic whisky for the seasoned peat-lovers or those looking to shine light on their dark side of flavour and experience the full force of a truly peaty dram.
Cutter will be available from the 1st September in key international markets, such as the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and France to name but a few. The US launch date will be confimed at a later time. The recommended retail price is £52/$85/€64.
The Light Side
While in the recent months there has been much buzz around the new Peaty Collection, anCnoc is best known for its lighter, unpeated expressions. Produced in the tiny village of Knock near Huntly in Aberdeenshire since 1892, anCnoc is a refreshingly modern whisky crafted using traditional methods. A contemporary look at a Scottish classic. The core range comprises of anCnoc 12 Year Old, 16 Year Old and 22 Year Old with a super premium anCnoc 35 Year Old also available.