Just bought the 18 b/c the price was right and is going up around here (Germany) atm. But it's kept closed for now, too many bottles open already. Not a full fan of the recent dark 24 yo, too spicy for me and not playful enough (read: rich and a tad more sweet) sherry for me. Also the mouthfeel is rather thin than oily, reminds - even in smell and taste - more of an Armagnac, which by itself is okay, just not what I expected. Maybe I'll get used to it. Having a Speyburn 18 atm, a H2H comparison between that and the Cnoc 24 should be interesting.
Thanks for reviewing this anCnoc, Geoff. Have not tasted an anCnoc that's not at least decent, but not seldom great (...check... nope, not too much neither incorrect use of the negatives) Slàinte mhath
Price has kicked up to about $150 around me. I did find a dusty one for $100 though so I feel very good about it. Saving it for my summer vacation. Can't wait.
I haven't had the 18-year yet, but I have a bottle of the 24-year, and it is excellent. If I see the 18-year, I'll be tempted. Glenlivet 18-year brings back memories. That was my first single malt, a very long time ago. It's been a while since I have had it, but it sounds like it has changed, and maybe not for the better. One of the local bars has it - maybe I should give it a try and see how the modern version is, but my expectations aren't high. These days, I usually buy non-chill filtered stuff, preferably at cask strength. I recently found a Total Wine store pick of a Signatory bottling of cask strength Sherry-matured 16-year Glenlivet at an unusually high strength of 64% ABV. It is intense and complex, and it shows that Glenlivet has a great character that isn't always captured in the official bottlings. I'm happy to see more independent bottlings finally show up in southern California.
Hi Geoff. You are nice. I bought a bottle of Ancnoc 18 a short while back and liked it so much I bought a second. However, i experienced exactly what you described here with the chameleon whisky effect. One night it was the best thing ever and another night it was just "nice". I didn't buy a third bottle but that's only because there are so many other bottles I want to try.
coincidentally, I pulled this one out last night and am always reminded how good it is! only downside is here in los angeles, it’s extremely hard to find and if i do, it’s over $200
@@rosscraton2235 Some things are cheaper here, some in the US. We are a German-American family - full suitcases in both directions... Had some sun already here in Berlin this year!
I recently picked this up in Alberta for $134 cad. I really liked the older, lighter version but I am sure this will work as well, considering the 24 year was much darker than usual and excellent.
Knock-at-the-door (by) 18, 24 are great and always welcomed...lol. On a serious note, I agree with you, these two AnCnoc's are consistent and 18 is not overly sherried which compares well to the old Glenlivet 18 43% version as you pointed out. Cheers Geoff.
I‘m a sucker for sherried whisky so long as it’s a little characterful so thanks for the review. I would love it if you could look for a list of whiskies that take you in unusual or interesting taste directions. I am thinking of the Orchard from Compass Box giving huge apple vibes or the Alba Trail Mannochmore 15 I just bought that hits you with fruity pear right away on the nose. Leaves me wondering what else is out there as a „taste sensation“. Already copyrighted by the Hairy Bikers but worth recycling.
Hello Geoff, I recently picked it up for 89€. Pretty Good for an 18yo. In Price and Quality. The 24 is still waiting for opening. Thanks for sharing your Thoughts and Opinion about this one. Keep up your good Work. Greets from Germany😎🤘
Wait! Is the Ancnoc 12 one of those Scotch whiskys that’s 43% ABV in North America and 40% ABV elsewhere? I have one on my shelf but it’s not opened yet (too many open bottles). When you said 40%, I had to grab it and check, to make sure that mine was 43%.
@@Gwhisky I suppose that’s true. Though I would trade that 43% ABV for the prices you enjoy on most whiskies any day of the year😊. Ancnoc 18 is $175 in Oregon.
(Unrelated but helppp) Since you changed your stance on old vs new Talisker 10, would you recommend the Ardbeg 10 over it or is the Talisker still better?
Hi Geoff, I’m a big fan of the AnConc 18. Picked up a bottle a couple of months ago for €89 at a little wine shop I go to. Very rare indeed to find an 18 year single malt especially for the quality that’s in the bottle. Slàinte Geoff 🥃
I‘m already AnCnoc fan and I only had the AnCnoc 12 and recently the Sherry Cask, who’s was very interesting and pleasant! Still have to try the 18 and 24yo.
Still talking about it, how do you sleep at night? 😋 I still have not tried the newer bottlings, still have a few of the older bottle in the stash. Germans also got a Cask Strength version recently, which was also under €100, no sherry influence though.
Great review Geoff, this one is very very good...but the batch variation and how it evolves within the bottle is an issue of sorts. Well not really an issue but on it's own, incredible whisky however when it goes against some other solid 18s it tends to fall a bit flat for some reason. My relationship with Ancnoc 18 started out as hot and steamy and now we're in a committed marriage where I do love my Ancnoc 18 but I do have some side whiskies which are more exciting and dirty! Anyway great video my man, cheers 🥃
Hah it's not the most consistent, I agree. Even this latest bottle has now passed the halfway mark and while it's still good, my enjoyment is starting to waver. Totally understand your perspective! 🥃
Cannot find AnCnoc 18 anywhere in Canada currently. Some 12 around but nothing older. I have never seen the 24 year old here but in the past the 18 was around but with a big sticker price...
I can't find AnCnoc as easily as I once could about a decade ago. I think the 18 was a very solid buy when it was $90, but I bet it's double that price these days. Good thing I have one in my bunker. I can't remember the last time I bought anything else from the brand, and I'm really not in the habit of buying 40% malts unless they're dirtcheap; I doubt I can find, let alone buy AnCnoc 12 for under $50 these days, so... Also, I think it's one of those brands that benefits from a community which will reward you when they figure out how to pronounce your name. It's a real thing.
Yeah this seems to be thinning out in my market as well. The last time I saw it it had jumped in price by about USD $15. I don't think finding this for a good price will be easy going forward. Like you, I stashed a bottle away myself. 👍🥃
@@Gwhisky It's a shame, the brand had some momentum a few years back. It's just another one of those brands which has more or less vanished here; especially with Scotches losing shelf space to Tequilas these days.
Sounds like a good one. But I think it's a bit to expensive, atleast on the Swedish market, probably partley due to a pretty weak Swedish currency at this moment in time. But it's absolutley on my to buy list, some time later on. Cheers
Nice new hair cut!!! And loving the re-review! Do a series of this like ralfy pleeeez! Would also like to get a recommendation on "whiskies that makes me think".
I haven't tried AnCnoc yet, another one on the ever-growing "to try" list. The 18 was available last year at around $150-160 NZD but is sold out at most retailers now. The 12-year-old is readily available and often at a good price, but I am put off by the 40% ABV. There are too many other whiskies competing for my dollar that are better presented. Cheers!
Thanks for the review! I still have one amazing bottle left (282 in total), released specifically for the Israeli market: Single Cask Exclusive (2007 - 2021) and 51.2% ABV! Excellent quality!
This has more body than the cat walk walker ;-) One of my 3 picks for xmas and new year last year, loved it that much still have over half left for those special moments, it a very good dram it's a great dram but price is on the rise 😞 Nice work Geoff.
Man, oh man, am I happy? I got one of the last bottles before the price hike to $145 US. I shall enjoy this bottling and I hope to get the same tasting notes.
Not sure how familiar you are with Reddit, but there are whisky communities there and one of them (r-slash-whisky) currently has a post featuring you as a reviewer. You might also find the much larger Scotch community interesting as it leans more towards actual reviews. Cheers!
I just checked it out. Thanks for the heads up! Yes Reddit is actually a great resource for whisky. Lots of great and helpful scotch conversations to be found there. Cheers! 🥃
There’s a store near me that sells this. Probably the last one to have any variety since COVID. However it goes for $130. It’s the older lighter colored ones. This same store did have a good deal with the old style Arran 18 for $80. I bought one of those. Should have bought two at that price.
@@Gwhisky yeah but it’s the OLD bottling. Not the heavily sherried one. Either way I haven’t opened it but I’ve read it’s very different. Regardless it’s likely good so I don’t regret it. Occasionally I find good deals there. I bought two Balblair 12 for $39 ea. and Glengoyne 18 for $99 last time.
... better late then never ( gonna be my opening line for comments under your vids these days haha ) I'm glad I picked this up based on your recommendation buddy even though I only had a chance to taste it once since I opened it hehe But I will definitely rewatch this when I open it again 😎 Cheers my friend! 🥃🥃
Quite interesting. It's not as sweet as I expected and that cacao / black tea note on the palate seems to be really coming across. Although as it opens up with time the more Sherry-d sweetness comes forward. Just having my second taste right as I'm writing this 😎🥃🥃
You bastard... the ancnoc at the door joke got me...
Okay, Geoff - SOLD. It's now on my list. Even the colour looks good. Cheers! Victor.
Just bought the 18 b/c the price was right and is going up around here (Germany) atm. But it's kept closed for now, too many bottles open already. Not a full fan of the recent dark 24 yo, too spicy for me and not playful enough (read: rich and a tad more sweet) sherry for me. Also the mouthfeel is rather thin than oily, reminds - even in smell and taste - more of an Armagnac, which by itself is okay, just not what I expected. Maybe I'll get used to it. Having a Speyburn 18 atm, a H2H comparison between that and the Cnoc 24 should be interesting.
I'm a fan of the previous lighter colored bottles. These newer, darker ones are good, but I prefer the more spirit driven ones. Cheers
I find Oban 14 to be a chameleon whisky
Thanks for reviewing this anCnoc, Geoff.
Have not tasted an anCnoc that's not at least decent, but not seldom great (...check... nope, not too much neither incorrect use of the negatives)
Slàinte mhath
Price has kicked up to about $150 around me. I did find a dusty one for $100 though so I feel very good about it. Saving it for my summer vacation. Can't wait.
I haven't had the 18-year yet, but I have a bottle of the 24-year, and it is excellent. If I see the 18-year, I'll be tempted.
Glenlivet 18-year brings back memories. That was my first single malt, a very long time ago. It's been a while since I have had it, but it sounds like it has changed, and maybe not for the better. One of the local bars has it - maybe I should give it a try and see how the modern version is, but my expectations aren't high. These days, I usually buy non-chill filtered stuff, preferably at cask strength. I recently found a Total Wine store pick of a Signatory bottling of cask strength Sherry-matured 16-year Glenlivet at an unusually high strength of 64% ABV. It is intense and complex, and it shows that Glenlivet has a great character that isn't always captured in the official bottlings. I'm happy to see more independent bottlings finally show up in southern California.
has anyone also had their NAS peated sherry version?
Hi Geoff. You are nice.
I bought a bottle of Ancnoc 18 a short while back and liked it so much I bought a second. However, i experienced exactly what you described here with the chameleon whisky effect. One night it was the best thing ever and another night it was just "nice". I didn't buy a third bottle but that's only because there are so many other bottles I want to try.
coincidentally, I pulled this one out last night and am always reminded how good it is! only downside is here in los angeles, it’s extremely hard to find and if i do, it’s over $200
Got it in Berlin recently for 72 Euros. Took 2. But we also had a dark cold winter - the sunny L.A. surcharge seems to be justified...
@@Eunegin23 wow great price out there! and yes, we pay for the weather here haha! cheers!
@@rosscraton2235 Some things are cheaper here, some in the US. We are a German-American family - full suitcases in both directions...
Had some sun already here in Berlin this year!
I recently picked this up in Alberta for $134 cad. I really liked the older, lighter version but I am sure this will work as well, considering the 24 year was much darker than usual and excellent.
Knock-at-the-door (by) 18, 24 are great and always welcomed...lol. On a serious note, I agree with you, these two AnCnoc's are consistent and 18 is not overly sherried which compares well to the old Glenlivet 18 43% version as you pointed out. Cheers Geoff.
Glad you agree. Cheers buddy! 🥃
This is totally different from the previous bottles
Looking swole my guy! Value wise do you think the 18 or the 24?
Value wise I like the 24, but that'll depend on the asking price! 🥃
I‘m a sucker for sherried whisky so long as it’s a little characterful so thanks for the review. I would love it if you could look for a list of whiskies that take you in unusual or interesting taste directions. I am thinking of the Orchard from Compass Box giving huge apple vibes or the Alba Trail Mannochmore 15 I just bought that hits you with fruity pear right away on the nose. Leaves me wondering what else is out there as a „taste sensation“. Already copyrighted by the Hairy Bikers but worth recycling.
3:19 there's some... what?😂❄️ . I'm buying 😂😅
Hello Geoff,
I recently picked it up for 89€. Pretty Good for an 18yo. In Price and Quality. The 24 is still waiting for opening.
Thanks for sharing your Thoughts and Opinion about this one.
Keep up your good Work.
Greets from Germany😎🤘
Thanks buddy. €89 is a good price! Cheers! 🥃
Wait! Is the Ancnoc 12 one of those Scotch whiskys that’s 43% ABV in North America and 40% ABV elsewhere? I have one on my shelf but it’s not opened yet (too many open bottles). When you said 40%, I had to grab it and check, to make sure that mine was 43%.
Most whiskies that are 40% elsewhere are 43% in the States. You guys are lucky! 🥃
@@Gwhisky I suppose that’s true. Though I would trade that 43% ABV for the prices you enjoy on most whiskies any day of the year😊. Ancnoc 18 is $175 in Oregon.
(Unrelated but helppp)
Since you changed your stance on old vs new Talisker 10, would you recommend the Ardbeg 10 over it or is the Talisker still better?
Nowadays I'd probably recommend the Ardbeg 10 over Talisker, yeah. 🥃
@@Gwhisky gotcha! Appreciate the reply 🫶
AnCnoc 18 is definitely one the best whisky that I've ever had. Had one dram in a Edinburgh Pub and became a fan.
Hi Geoff, I’m a big fan of the AnConc 18. Picked up a bottle a couple of months ago for €89 at a little wine shop I go to. Very rare indeed to find an 18 year single malt especially for the quality that’s in the bottle. Slàinte Geoff 🥃
I‘m already AnCnoc fan and I only had the AnCnoc 12 and recently the Sherry Cask, who’s was very interesting and pleasant! Still have to try the 18 and 24yo.
Still talking about it, how do you sleep at night? 😋 I still have not tried the newer bottlings, still have a few of the older bottle in the stash. Germans also got a Cask Strength version recently, which was also under €100, no sherry influence though.
Un-sherried CS AnCnoc 18? That sounds absolutely amazing! 🥃
@@Gwhisky it is pretty good, a little hot, needs water and time.
Great review Geoff, this one is very very good...but the batch variation and how it evolves within the bottle is an issue of sorts. Well not really an issue but on it's own, incredible whisky however when it goes against some other solid 18s it tends to fall a bit flat for some reason. My relationship with Ancnoc 18 started out as hot and steamy and now we're in a committed marriage where I do love my Ancnoc 18 but I do have some side whiskies which are more exciting and dirty! Anyway great video my man, cheers 🥃
Hah it's not the most consistent, I agree. Even this latest bottle has now passed the halfway mark and while it's still good, my enjoyment is starting to waver. Totally understand your perspective! 🥃
Heh, I loved the catwalk photoshop. It's too bad I have to drive several hours to get to anywhere that has anCnoc.
It's getting hard to find even in markets that traditionally carry it, it seems. Cheers. 🥃
Cannot find AnCnoc 18 anywhere in Canada currently. Some 12 around but nothing older. I have never seen the 24 year old here but in the past the 18 was around but with a big sticker price...
I can't find AnCnoc as easily as I once could about a decade ago. I think the 18 was a very solid buy when it was $90, but I bet it's double that price these days. Good thing I have one in my bunker.
I can't remember the last time I bought anything else from the brand, and I'm really not in the habit of buying 40% malts unless they're dirtcheap; I doubt I can find, let alone buy AnCnoc 12 for under $50 these days, so...
Also, I think it's one of those brands that benefits from a community which will reward you when they figure out how to pronounce your name. It's a real thing.
Yeah this seems to be thinning out in my market as well. The last time I saw it it had jumped in price by about USD $15. I don't think finding this for a good price will be easy going forward. Like you, I stashed a bottle away myself. 👍🥃
@@Gwhisky It's a shame, the brand had some momentum a few years back. It's just another one of those brands which has more or less vanished here; especially with Scotches losing shelf space to Tequilas these days.
Sounds like a good one. But I think it's a bit to expensive, atleast on the Swedish market, probably partley due to a pretty weak Swedish currency at this moment in time. But it's absolutley on my to buy list, some time later on. Cheers
Nice new hair cut!!! And loving the re-review! Do a series of this like ralfy pleeeez! Would also like to get a recommendation on "whiskies that makes me think".
Looking forward to the black tape version of the Ancnoc 18! 😂
😂😂😂
I haven't tried AnCnoc yet, another one on the ever-growing "to try" list. The 18 was available last year at around $150-160 NZD but is sold out at most retailers now. The 12-year-old is readily available and often at a good price, but I am put off by the 40% ABV. There are too many other whiskies competing for my dollar that are better presented. Cheers!
Thanks for the review!
I still have one amazing bottle left (282 in total), released specifically for the Israeli market: Single Cask Exclusive (2007 - 2021) and 51.2% ABV!
Excellent quality!
This has more body than the cat walk walker ;-)
One of my 3 picks for xmas and new year last year, loved it that much still have over half left for those special moments, it a very good dram it's a great dram but price is on the rise 😞
Nice work Geoff.
Man, oh man, am I happy? I got one of the last bottles before the price hike to $145 US. I shall enjoy this bottling and I hope to get the same tasting notes.
Good call picking it up before the hike. I did the same! 🥃
@@Gwhiskyoh wow! Nice to hear! It’s gotten to the point of I can get 18 year old scotch at below $10 USD per year in my area I’m scooping them up.
Ancnoc is one of my favorite distilleries, but 18 and 24 are not for the beginner though.
Hi Jeff! Hey, please let us know where we can get this gorgeous glass of whisky.
Sure! The glass is name "Bourbon Glass" by Cosi Tabellini. Cheers! 🥃
Hi Geoff ! People say 24 yo very nice ) Cheers !
The 24 is a great whisky! Cheers my friend! 🥃
@@Gwhisky Gaumarjos )
Not sure how familiar you are with Reddit, but there are whisky communities there and one of them (r-slash-whisky) currently has a post featuring you as a reviewer. You might also find the much larger Scotch community interesting as it leans more towards actual reviews. Cheers!
I just checked it out. Thanks for the heads up! Yes Reddit is actually a great resource for whisky. Lots of great and helpful scotch conversations to be found there. Cheers! 🥃
There’s a store near me that sells this. Probably the last one to have any variety since COVID. However it goes for $130. It’s the older lighter colored ones. This same store did have a good deal with the old style Arran 18 for $80. I bought one of those. Should have bought two at that price.
Arran 18 at $80 is wild. Definitely a better deal than this at $130. Damn what a price!
@@Gwhisky yeah but it’s the OLD bottling. Not the heavily sherried one. Either way I haven’t opened it but I’ve read it’s very different. Regardless it’s likely good so I don’t regret it. Occasionally I find good deals there. I bought two Balblair 12 for $39 ea. and Glengoyne 18 for $99 last time.
... better late then never ( gonna be my opening line for comments under your vids these days haha )
I'm glad I picked this up based on your recommendation buddy even though I only had a chance to taste it once since I opened it hehe
But I will definitely rewatch this when I open it again 😎
Cheers my friend! 🥃🥃
Hah cheers buddy. How was your first impression?
Quite interesting. It's not as sweet as I expected and that cacao / black tea note on the palate seems to be really coming across. Although as it opens up with time the more Sherry-d sweetness comes forward. Just having my second taste right as I'm writing this 😎🥃🥃
Is it as good as Speyburn 18? Price wise Speyburn is cheaper in my region
I prefer this to Speyburn 18. 🥃
nah, its a 90