Pick of the Launches
ANCNOC STACK
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Brand owner Inver House Distillers
RRP £52, €62
Markets Western Europe and Scandinavia
Contact sallison@interbevgroup.com
A European exclusive with only 6,000 bottles being produced, Stack is matured for more than 10 years in American oak ex-bourbon barrels. It is said to have a full-bodied smoky finish owing to its phenol content of 20ppm.
The term ‘stack’ refers to the last step in the gathering process, where the peat blocks are stored together to dry ahead of being burnt. The Knockdhu distillery in the Scottish highlands is said to be a region rich in peat which, combined with the spring water from nearby Knock Hill, creates the base for all AnCnoc’s peaty expressions. The liquid is pale gold and “gently pierced by accents of lemons and oranges”. The citrus sharpness is said to slowly give way to honey and vanilla.