Knockando Distillery
Knockando Distillery is a Speyside single malt distillery in the village of Knockando, Strathspey, Moray. The name derives from the Scottish Gaelic Cnoc Cheannachd — "Hill of Commerce." Built in 1898 by John Tytler Thomson and designed by the prominent distillery architect Charles Doig, it holds a notable distinction as the first distillery in Scotland to be built with electric lighting. Today it is owned by Diageo and serves as the spiritual home of the J&B blended Scotch brand.
Knockando's single malt is bottled in an unusual manner: expressions declare both the vintage season and the age, rather than relying solely on age statement, reflecting a longstanding tradition of season-driven production. The whisky is particularly popular in France, where the brand has cultivated a loyal following over decades.
Tours
Not available
On-site Shop
No shop
Online Shop
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History
Construction of Knockando Distillery began in 1898 under John Tytler Thomson, with production starting in 1899. The new facility received direct railway access in 1905 via a siding to the defunct Dalbeallie Station — renamed Tamdhu station — on the Strathspey Railway; the former rail line now forms part of the Speyside Way walking trail.
Just ten months after opening, operations were forced to close due to the broader Scotch whisky industry downturn at the turn of the century. In 1904 the distillery was purchased by W & A Gilbey, the London-based gin producer, who relaunched production. Gilbey merged with United Wine Traders in 1962 to form International Distillers and Vintners (IDV), which transferred the licence to its Justerini & Brooks division — making Knockando the spiritual home of the J&B blend. IDV subsequently became part of Grand Metropolitan, and in 1997 the merger of Guinness plc and Grand Metropolitan created Diageo, bringing Knockando into one of the world's largest spirits portfolios.
In 1994, to celebrate the quincentenary of Scotch whisky, Knockando's casks were selected as part of the J&B Ultima blend — a blend of 128 different whiskies (116 malt, 12 grain) created to mark the occasion.
Production
Knockando operates two wash stills and two spirit stills, with an annual capacity of approximately 1,800,000 litres. Water is drawn from the Cardnach Spring on the distillery's grounds. The lighter, elegant spirit character is typical of the style favoured for J&B blending — floral and subtle rather than robust or smoky.
Tasting Character
Knockando is firmly in the lighter style of Speyside single malt. The whisky is elegant and floral, with notes of fresh hay, green herbs, delicate citrus, and a gentle, biscuity sweetness. Its lightness makes it approachable and food-friendly. The vintage-statement bottlings reward patience: expressions given additional years in cask develop more dried fruit character, honey notes, and gentle wood spice without ever becoming heavy. The 21 Year Old shows considerable complexity for a distillery of this delicate character.
What They Produce
Notable Bottlings
- Knockando 12 Year Old£43.01 — 43% ABV; vintage-dated; fresh hay, citrus, and light biscuit character; approachable entry point
- Knockando 15 Year Old Richly Matured£77.50 — 43% ABV; additional ageing adds dried fruit and toffee notes
- Knockando 18 Year Old Slow Matured£650.00 — 43% ABV; rich and rounded; orange peel, dried fruit, and soft spice
- Knockando 21 Year Old Master Reserve£120.00 — 43% ABV; complex and layered; honeyed fruit, warm spice, and creamy texture
- J&B Blended Scotch — Knockando is a key malt component of this hugely distributed blend
- J&B Ultima (1994) — Limited celebratory blend including 128 whiskies; Knockando casks selected for the quincentenary
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Visiting
Knockando is not open to visitors. There is no visitor centre or public tour programme. The distillery operates as a production facility within the Diageo network. The nearby Speyside Way walking trail follows the former railway line that once served the distillery.