AnCnoc 10 Year Old Smoky Whisky Review: How Does Smoke Combine With Fruit Gums?

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Saturday, 02 August 2025 at 09:00
ancnoc-10yo
The Knockdhu Distillery recently expanded its core range with two new single malts: the AnCnoc 10 Year Old Peated and the AnCnoc 16 Year Old Rich and Sweet. Today we’re diving into the smoky 10 year old expression. But just how smoky is it really? Time to find out.
What is smoky whisky? 'Smoky' doesn’t always mean an overpowering blast of barbecue smoke. There are many styles and intensities of peat in whisky. AnCnoc describes this release as a sweetly peated malt, a style intended to balance gentle smoke with approachable sweetness.
The whisky is crafted with traditional methods paired with modern innovation and sustainability, using ingredients sourced from the Scottish Highlands.

Highland peat character

The peat used here is sourced from the Highlands, particularly near Aberdeenshire, the home of Knockdhu Distillery. This mainland peat has a very different profile from Islay peat: it lacks the marine influence of seaweed and brine, instead leaning towards mosses, woodland, and earthy notes.
Other distilleries in the region, like Ardmore and The GlenAllachie (Meikle Tòir), also use this type of Highland peat.
The AnCnoc 10 Year Old Peated is matured entirely in American ex-bourbon barrels, which typically contribute soft sweetness and vanilla notes: a perfect counterpoint to the earthy smoke.
Fun Fact: AnCnoc is pronounced as 'a-nok'. This is Gaelic for 'the hill' and a nod to Knock Hill, which is located just behind the distillery.

See, Smell, Taste

Country: Scotland
Brand AnCnoc
Type of Whisky Single Malt
Colour:  Light Gold
Aroma Sweet campfire smoke, thin honey and freshly cut grass.
Taste: Smoky vanilla, green apple, citrus and orange.
Finish Spicy and smoky.
Age:  10 years
Alcohol Percentage: 40 percent alcohol by volume (ABV)
Bottle Content:  70 centiliters
Price Approximately 55 euros
AnCnoc Highland Single Malt whisky bottle and box on a table

View of the whisky's source

When you buy a bottle of AnCnoc whisky, you immediately gain insight into where the whisky comes from. The tube features an extensive drawing of the distillery and Knock Hill behind it.
The packaging is otherwise simple in design. It includes some information about the whisky and the distillery, but the tube itself does not particularly stand out on the shelf. The same goes for the bottle: it has a straightforward design with a label similar to the tube.
The distillery clearly lets the whisky itself take center stage. But how does the AnCnoc taste?

Sharp notes with some smoke in your whisky glass

When pouring, earthy peat notes immediately come forward. It’s not overpowering but definitely present. The smoke resembles charcoal or burnt wood.
Alongside this, you’ll find hints of honey, floral notes, and fruity candy, with a fresh scent of green apple. If you keep nosing the whisky, a touch of resin emerges, though the overall aroma remains soft with a subtle layer of peat.

Fruity whisky with some smoke

In the palate, the whisky also opens with peat. Think of a light ash-like influence with predominant tones of charcoal. In addition, there are notes of fruit gums, eucalyptus and a slight white pepper.
This is a pleasant smoky whisky that doesn't overdo it on any front. The same goes for the finish, which is quite short. During the finish, the sweet flavors disappear first while the smoke lingers a while longer.

Conclusion AnCnoc 10 Year Old Smoky whisky review

If you don’t enjoy extremely smoky whiskies, single malts like this AnCnoc are excellent bottles to keep at home. The flavors are balanced, with a subtle layer of smoke hanging over everything — like a light mist. Thanks to its soft character, this peated whisky works well in both summer and winter.
+ Subtly peated
+ Reasonably priced
- Very short finish
Discover more whisky reviews at our dedicated review page.
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