Knockdhu (pronounced: nok-DOO) is a charming distillery that for many years was a quiet operator, happy to supply the blenders with excellent quality, robust Speyside make while releasing the occasional bottling. It wasn’t until owners (since 1988) Inver House made some effort with generous and careful marketing of its AnCnoc malts that long-deserved recognition arrived.

In the process, which was followed a few years later by the Scotch Whisky Regulations of 2009, An Cnoc was rebranded as a Highland distillery (no doubt to the disgust of Michael Jackson's ghost). An Cnoc’s success goes to show what can be achieved with a great distillate and some genuine belief and efforts on behalf of the owners. It also makes you wonder what other distilleries could be capable of if their stocks and potential were taken seriously.

You can read more about the recent history and rebranding of Knockdhu distillery on our AnCnoc page.