Knockando is a single malt Scotch whisky from Speyside, known for its approachable and gently sherried style. Distilled by Knockando Distillery (owned by Diageo), it occupies a unique space in the market by emphasising affordable aged expressions – particularly its 12-, 18-, and 21-year-old releases – without the premium pricing of others, like Macallan or even Glenfiddich. Unlike many competitors that reserve older statements for luxury tiers, Knockando offers well-matured whiskies at relatively modest prices, making it a favourite among casual and amateur drinkers seeking value-driven, traditional Speyside character. It appeals to those who prefer classic, easy-drinking malts. While not as flashy as some modern brands, Knockando’s balance of age and accessibility keep it relevant in a crowded category. Now, the question is: how good is it, and can it appeal to more serious whisky enthusiasts? Let’s find out with the Knockando 18-year-old and 21-year-old.
Knockando Distillery
Knockando Distillery, established in 1898 by John Tytler Thomson, sits in the Speyside village of Knockando, Moray. The distillery’s location near the River Spey and the Strathspey Railway facilitated transportation and access to quality water from the Cardnach spring nearby. Designed by the notable distillery architect Charles Doig, Knockando became the first Scottish distillery to be equipped with electric lighting and gained direct railway access in 1905.
Production at Knockando started in 1899 but faced early interruptions, including a closure during World War I due to barley shortages. In 1904, gin producers W. & A. Gilbey purchased the distillery and restarted operations. Subsequent ownership changes saw Knockando become part of International Distillers & Vintners in the 1960s, later joining Grand Metropolitan and, following mergers, becoming part of Diageo in 1997.
The distillery produces single malt whisky primarily used in blends such as J&B, although a small portion is released as a single malt. Knockando remains notable for its historical significance in Speyside whisky production, its traditional worm tub condensers, and its role in the wider whisky industry’s infrastructure. It closed in 2017 for refurbishing and resumed production only in automn 2023.
Recently, their core range consisted of four expressions, the 12-, 15-, 18- and 21-year-old, but unfortunately the last three were discontinued and only the 12-year-old remains.
Knockando 18-year-old Review
Knockando 18-year-old matured for eighteen years in a mix of ex-bourbon and sherry casks before bottling at 43% ABV. It unfortunately underwent chill filtration and added caramel to adjust the colour. Earlier versions included a vintage on the label, but a recent rebrand dropped this detail, leaving only the age statement. Older vintage-labelled bottles occasionally appear for as little as €50, while the latest releases cost upwards of €65 or even £70 in the UK, but as it was discontinued recently, the stock is limited.
Colour:
Russet (fake colour)
Nose:
Neat: The nose stays understated and gentle. Citrus leads, with lemon, grapefruit, and orange. Caramel and custard follow, joined by milk chocolate with bits of raspberry. The overall intensity remains low, though the nose retains a pleasant, easy character.
Palate:
Neat: On the palate, spices emerge but never overwhelm, while a low alcohol warmth makes for a relaxed experience. Dried figs, plums, and dates show the sherry’s influence. Hints of leather and pipe tobacco add a bit more complexity. The texture feels a touch thin – not watery, but lacking richness. Intensity sits at the lower end of the scale.
Finish:
The finish holds a respectable length. Bitter wood, cocoa powder, and pepper leave their mark at the end.
Comments:
As highlighted in the introduction, Knockando designed this whisky to be mellow and approachable. Both aroma and palate offer low intensity and smooth, gentle flavours rather than boldness. The overall impression lands just above average. For those who want an affordable, easy-drinking aged malt, this fits well as a relaxed Sunday dram.
Rating: 5.5/10
Knockando 21-year-old Review
Moving to the Knockando 21-year-old, which matured in the same combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks. It arrives at 43% ABV, with chill filtration and added colouring like its younger sibling. Unlike many distilleries that dramatically increase the price for 21-year expressions compared to 18-year-old ones, Knockando keeps this release rather reasonable at around €90. It was also discontinued in 2023 or 2024.
Colour:
Chestnut (and also fake)
Nose:
Neat: The nose introduces coconut and red berries – mainly strawberries and raspberries – along with light wood. The profile stays subtle, never jumping from the glass. Vanilla, almonds, hazelnuts, milk chocolate and faint spices – perhaps cinnamon, though hard to isolate – follow.
Palate:
Neat: The mouthfeel feels thinner than the 18-year-old, but the palate delivers a slightly stronger intensity. Oak asserts itself more here, with its spice and bitterness layered with pepper, caramel, chocolate, and cinnamon. Fruit notes such as cherries, raisins and blueberries appear, but never command the spotlight; they linger in the background rather than offering a burst of brightness.
Finish:
The finish turns softer than the 18-year-old. Vanilla, caramel, and a touch of coconut show first, then white chocolate laced with dried strawberries and a hint of wood. It lasts a medium length.
Comments:
This Knockando 21-year-old presents itself as a gentle, approachable option – affordable for its age, and suited to everyday enjoyment. It impresses with its easy manner and sensible price tag, making it ideal to share with less experienced drinkers or anyone desiring a straightforward, age-stated Speysider.