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Everything you need to know about Knockdhu Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
A brief History
Knockdhu, Highland Region, Scotland. Founded in 1894.
Knockdhu is one of those distilleries that quietly does things a bit differently. You won’t see its name on most bottles—that’s because the whisky is released under the name anCnoc. It’s a simple fix to avoid confusion with nearby Knockando, but it also gives the whisky its own identity.
The distillery itself dates back to 1894, sitting just outside Huntly in the Highlands. It was built during a busy period for Scotch whisky, when demand was rising and new distilleries were popping up across Scotland. Knockdhu has managed to keep going through all the ups and downs since then, which says a lot about how well it’s run.
What I like about Knockdhu is how it balances tradition with a slightly more modern feel. It sticks to classic production methods, but the whisky itself doesn’t feel heavy or old-fashioned. Instead, it leans lighter—clean, fruit-led, and easy to get along with.
If you’re exploring Highland single malts and want something that isn’t overly rich or smoky, this is a good place to land.
Taste Profile
 |
 |
 |
| Malty / Cereal | Fruity | Sweet |
Knockdhu is known for its light, fresh, and slightly sweet character. You’ll often pick up orchard fruits first—apple and pear—followed by a gentle honeyed sweetness. There’s usually a soft malt backbone underneath, giving it a bit of structure without making it heavy.
Some releases introduce a touch of spice or even light smoke, but the core style stays clean and easy to drink. It’s the kind of whisky you can come back to without needing to think too much about it.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Apple / Pear |
 |
Malt / Biscuit / Toast |
 |
Honey |
 |
Citrus (Lemon / Orange Zest) |
Popular Knockdhu (anCnoc) Bottles
Here are some of the most recognisable releases from the distillery:
- anCnoc 12 Year Old
The core expression. Light, citrusy, and very approachable. - anCnoc 18 Year Old
More depth and richness, with added oak influence and a smoother finish. - anCnoc 24 Year Old
A more mature expression with layered fruit, spice, and a longer finish. - anCnoc Peatheart Series
A different side of the distillery—peated releases with a smoky edge.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Knockdhu Distillery
Address: 1 Knockdhu Cottages, Knock, Huntly AB54 7LJ
 Open in Maps |
 Unavailable |
 +44 (0)1466 730 395 |
Visitor Centre
Yes, Knockdhu has a visitor experience, though it’s more traditional and low-key compared to some larger sites.
- Visitor Centre: Yes
- Tours Available: Yes (guided tours and tastings)
- Opening Times:
Typically Monday–Friday, 10:00am – 4:00pm (seasonal variation applies)
It’s worth booking ahead if you’re planning to visit.
Ownership & History
Current Owner:
- International Beverage Holdings Ltd
Founded:
- 1894
Key Historical Notes:
- Designed by Charles Doig, a well-known distillery architect
- Temporarily closed in the 1980s during industry downturn
- Reopened in 1989 and rebranded its whisky as “anCnoc”
Previous Ownership:
- Founded by the Distillers Company Limited (DCL)
- Passed through several ownership changes before becoming part of International Beverage
Distillery Facts
Knockdhu Whisky to Buy
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