Knockdhu Distillery Company - Huntly

Knockdhu Distillery Company: A Premier Highland Experience

The Knockdhu Distillery Company, situated in the heart of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, offers a truly immersive and authentic experience for whisky enthusiasts. Located at 1 Knockdhu Cottages, Knock, Huntly AB54 7LJ, United Kingdom, this family-run distillery is renowned for its dedication to traditional methods and its exceptional single malt whiskies. The distillery’s phone number is 1466771223, and visitors can explore more information on their website: ancnoc.com. It’s a place where history, craftmanship, and a deep respect for the art of whisky making converge.

A Legacy of Distillation

Knockdhu boasts a rich heritage, tracing its roots back to 1891. Initially operating as a tenant farm, the distillery was later acquired and transformed into a dedicated whisky producer. The company has remained within the same family for generations, ensuring a continuity of values and a commitment to quality that is palpable throughout the entire operation. This long-standing family ownership contributes significantly to the distillery’s unique character and its dedication to preserving traditional techniques. The focus remains firmly on producing a limited quantity of exceptional single malt, a deliberate choice that allows for meticulous attention to detail at every stage of the process.

Unique Production Methods & Specialties

The distillery’s specialties are centered entirely around whisky production. Knockdhu is particularly celebrated for its use of square worm tub stills – a distinctive feature that sets it apart from many other distilleries in the region. This unusual still design, a legacy from the original owner, imparts a unique character to the whisky, notably contributing to its smoothness and complexity. The distillery’s production process is rooted in time-honored traditions, utilizing locally sourced water from the nearby River Ury and carefully selected barley. The fermentation process is a key element, allowing for a natural development of flavor compounds. The spirit is then matured primarily in American oak casks, adding layers of vanilla, caramel, and spice to the final product.

Location & Accessibility

The distillery’s location in the picturesque village of Knock, within the Huntly area, provides a stunning backdrop for a visit. The surrounding Highland landscape offers a serene and memorable setting. Wheelchair-accessible car parks are available, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can easily access the distillery. The drive to Knockdhu is scenic, adding to the overall experience.

Tasting Experiences & Reviews

Visitors to Knockdhu can indulge in a range of tasting experiences, from introductory tours to more in-depth explorations of the distillery’s history and production methods. The tours frequently allow guests to witness the distillation process firsthand, providing a fascinating insight into the craftsmanship involved. A post-tour tasting is often included, offering the opportunity to sample a selection of the distillery’s whiskies. Notably, past visitors have described tasting exceptionally old expressions, including a 1982 distillate – a rare and highly prized treat. The distillery currently maintains 8 reviews on Google My Business, with an impressive average opinion of 5/5. These overwhelmingly positive reviews consistently highlight the warmth of the welcome, the informative and engaging tours, and the exceptional quality of the whisky itself. Guests frequently commend the knowledgeable guides, who not only share their expertise but also demonstrate a genuine passion for the craft.

Further Information & Recommendations

For those planning a visit, it’s recommended to book tours in advance, particularly during peak season. The distillery operates on a small scale, and spaces are limited. The website, ancnoc.com, provides detailed information on tour schedules, tasting options, and visitor information. Furthermore, the distillery’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its responsible water usage and its efforts to minimize its environmental impact. Knockdhu Distillery Company represents a truly special destination for whisky lovers seeking an authentic and memorable experience. It’s an establishment that embodies the spirit of traditional Scottish distilling, with a dedication to quality and a welcoming atmosphere.

Key features to consider:

• Small-batch production
• Unique square worm tub stills
• Family-run heritage
• Wheelchair accessibility
• Extensive tasting options

👍 Reviews of Knockdhu Distillery Company

Alexander K.

5/5

Such a great and intimate experience! I really appreciated that the tour guides actually work in production—it made everything feel authentic and down-to-earth. The tour was full of interesting details, and seeing the square worm tub was such a unique surprise (who would’ve thought a square one?).

The tasting afterwards was fantastic—we even got to try some 1982 distillate, which was a real treat. Overall, a fun and memorable visit for any whisky fan. Highly recommend!

Vicky R.

5/5

Dropped in to have a chat and see if there was a whisky shop. A privately owned distillery, the experience is unlike the bigger corporations - we were enthusiastically shown around by Ali, met the distillery dogs and sampled some lovely drams. It was all incredibly friendly and relaxed. As a result, we bought two bottles of anCnoc.

The distillery is located in really beautiful countryside, well worth the drive alone.

Alan C.

5/5

Called in on the off-chance whilst on holiday. We had a great time with Ally as our guide. The distillery was on shut down which gave us an outstanding opportunity to actually see inside the wash still. The whisky tasting in the "cupboard" was really good fun. We've tried AnCnoc before and it was great to see the distillery itself. A note, though, to those who decide on the launch of newer whiskies, please don't chase the market by unnecessarily introducing new brands. The new 16 year old is distinctly lacking in body and longevity. After the initial taste (uninspiring) it quickly disappeared into nothingness. By comparison the 2009 is excellent, full bodied and the flavours dance around your palate with bursts of energy. Good whisky doesn't have to be about age. Btw I'm coming back tomorrow to buy two bottles of the 2009! 😀

Update: we came back as promised and bought two bottles. We are two very happy whisky lovers!

Anurag A.

5/5

Absolutely fantastic little gem in Scotland. Amazing service, super friendly. And the entire lineup is incredible! Highly recommend it.

J F.

5/5

Excellent distillery and the best tour. One must call ahead to arrange it (there is nothing on the website even suggesting it's something they offer) but it is truly an excellent, unvarnished experience. There is no tasting at the end but you get tastes of every one of their products to take home and enjoy in your own time. We wasted none and quickly went to a nearby shop to get bottles of our favorites. Highly recommend.

P. B.

5/5

Wir hatten eine unglaublich interessante und herzliche Tour durch die Brennerei. Wir waren in der Nähe und sind spontan hingefahren, weil es so geregnet hat. Zufällig trafen wir vor Ort auf sehr freundliche Mitarbeitende, die uns direkt die Brennerei gezeigt und alles ausführlich erklärt haben. Es ist eine feine und kleine Brennerei und für alle zu empfehlen, die abseits der großen Massenindustrie mal etwas anderes suchen. Vielen Dank an das Team, das sich die Zeit neben der alltäglichen Arbeit für uns genommen hat. Wir können die Brennerei und den Whisky nur empfehlen!

Jörg R.

5/5

Authentisch, freundlich und familiär. Beste Führung und Verkostung. Wer nicht diesen verrückten Kommerz möchte ist hier genau richtig.

Sebastian G.

5/5