Knockdhu Distillery

The distillery opened in 1894 using locally quarried grey granite construction. It first distilled using two coal-fired stills (now steam-heated) and supplied malt to Haig's blending operations. Production continued until the Great Depression forced closure in 1931. A second wartime shutdown from 1940 to 1945 was caused by barley rationing; in 1947 the old steam-powered engine was retired when the facility connected to the national grid.

The distillery closed again in 1983 and was purchased by Inver House Distillers in 1988, who resumed production in February 1989. In 1994, Inver House renamed the single malt from Knockdhu to anCnoc — the move was driven by the need to differentiate the brand from Knockando in consumer minds, particularly in export markets. The anCnoc name (Gaelic for "the hill") has since been used consistently. International Beverage Holdings, a subsidiary of ThaiBev, is the current owner through its acquisition of Inver House.

Knockdhu operates one wash still and one spirit still, with an annual capacity of approximately 1,700,000 litres. Water is drawn from springs on Knock Hill — the same reliable source that made the location attractive to John Morrison in 1894. Maturation uses primarily American white oak and ex-bourbon casks, contributing to the honeyed and fruity character typical of anCnoc. Peated expressions — including the anCnoc Peatheart range — use heavily peated malt to show the distillery's range.

anCnoc is a honeyed, fruity, and approachable Speyside single malt with a distinctly modern character. Heather honey, fresh citrus peel, light toffee, and a gentle, warm spice are the defining notes. The 12 Year Old is the accessible entry point; the 18 Year Old adds greater richness, dried fruit, and depth from extended maturation; the 24 Year Old shows more complex dried fruit and oak influence alongside the characteristic honeyed base. anCnoc Peatheart demonstrates that the distillery can produce powerfully smoky whisky when the production team so chooses.

Tours and tastings are available at Knockdhu Distillery. A physical shop is on site. Current tour availability and booking details can be found at ancnoc.com. The distillery also runs the "Knock Tales" podcast series exploring production stories and craftsmanship, and a "Half and Half" food-and-whisky pairing programme matching anCnoc expressions with select beers.