Knockando Richly Matured 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Diageo owned 'Knockando' forms one of the major components of the renowned J&B blend. This 15 year old was matured in a combination of Sherry and refill bourbon casks.

Tasting note: [1998 vintage tasted] Polished copper colour. Light to moderate aromas include dried fruits (prunes, raisins, dates), developing vanilla, bitter chocolate and orange zest. Better after 2-3 minutes. On the palate, it's more convincing with cinnamon, clove and pepper mingling with raisin cake. A malty surge at the finish adds body, while the aftertaste is medium long with cocoa, dried peel and a touch of leather. Tastes like more oloroso input than PX, the European oak upping the spice. 43% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... [1997 vintage tasted] According to its label, this one was ‘richly matured’, you understand… Colour: gold. Nose: it is, indeed, the 12/2000 with more richness. So more roasted nuts, brioche, malty things (chicory and coffee), chocolate, Kellog’s things… Then apple compote and, quite bizarrely, these roasted notes that one can find in heavily botrytised wines. Is noble rot to be found on barley, or do they always use massive doses of fungicides? Mouth: it’s a slightly coffee-ish Knockando that kind of ‘winks’ at Cragganmore. Honey, malt, chocolate, cappuccino, cornflakes again, agave syrup, apple pie, cinnamon rolls… Quite a few cinnamon rolls! Good body. Finish: surprisingly long, honeyed and malty. Strong dark honeys… Comments: I find this very good. What it doesn’t have is much distillery character, but it sure goes down a treat. In the same cluster as many good quality cognacs, I’d say, but of course this is much, much maltier.
83 points - Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.com