John Tytler Thomson established Knockando distillery in 1898 on the lands of Cnoc-an-dhu, gaelic for small black hillock, between the villages of Knockando and Archiestown.
The distillery was built here to take advantage of the Cardnach spring water, which has been described as being of particularly high quality for whisky production.
Kockando-Glenlivet Distillery Co was taken over by W. & A. Gilbey Ltd in1904
In 1962 ownership passes to IDV Ltd formed by joining of W. & A. Gilbey and Unwin's, owners of Justerini & Brooks
Apart from during the war years – when most distilleries were closed – Knockando has been in production every year since 1904.
The distillery’s excellent production records will have been helped by the fact that Knockando is a major component in J&B blended whisky. J&B became a major brand in the United States of America thanks to the help Mr Abe Rosenberg whose expertise in the whisky industry increased exports of J&B in the States from 25,000 cases to 3.5million cases per year!
The distillery was largely rebuilt in 1969 when production was increased with the number of stills doubled from 2 to 4 after the floor maltings had been discontinued the previous year.
Matured slowly in sherry casks, it's accessible in both aroma and flavour; easy to drink, young at heart for an 18 year old.
Strength: 43% ABV
Appearance: Pale amber.
Body: Mouth filling.
Palate: Pleasant to drink straight - sweet, with deeper almond notes, hints of sherry and light oak, some malty flavours.
With a little water (not too much) still sweet and mouth-filling; some digestive biscuits.
Finish: Medium length. Warm and smooth.