The Still & The VineSchool of Wine & Spirits
Knockando 12 Year Old
Scotch WhiskyIssue 49

Knockando 12 Year Old

Knockando · Knockando Distillery

$4886 proof12 YearSpeyside, Scotland
Knockando is one of Speyside's quiet achievers — widely used as a backbone for J&B blends but rarely celebrated on its own. This 12-year-old single malt rewards patience. It is understated rather than simple, making it an ideal introduction to the lighter side of Speyside.

Kit Aromas

Tasting Notes

Nose

Light honey and fresh green grass open the nose, followed by soft malt and a hint of peach. There is an underlying nuttiness — hazelnut, specifically — that gives it a gentle complexity.

Palate

Delicate and medium-bodied. Honey and vanilla dominate early, then give way to a buttery mid-palate with whispers of dried fruit. The texture is smooth, almost silky, with restrained sweetness.

Finish

Short to medium, clean, with lingering malt and a faint floral note. It exits gracefully without overstaying.

Specifications
Region
Speyside
Peat Level (PPM)
No Peat
Distillation
Double pot still distillation
Maturation
Predominantly ex-bourbon American oak casks with some sherry cask influence
Serve & Pair

Cocktail Suggestion

Speyside Spritz — 1.5 oz Knockando 12 · 1 oz fresh lemon juice · 0.75 oz honey syrup · 2 oz chilled sparkling water · Build over ice in a highball glass, stir gently, garnish with a lemon wheel.

Food Pairing

Smoked salmon canapés with crème fraîche and dill

The Story

Knockando Distillery, founded in 1898 on the banks of the River Spey, uniquely labels each vintage by its season of distillation — a tradition reflecting the belief that the time of year shapes the spirit's character.

Train These Aromas
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