Distilled by Knockdhu in the Highlands, this is a peated anCnoc single malt Scotch whisky, one of the first from a new collection of peaty expressions made by the distillery. Peated to a level of 11.0 PPM (parts per million), the Rutter is the less peaty of the two first releases in the range. It is named after a type of spade used to size and separate peat blocks from one another.
This bottle was part of a private collection - if you'd like more detailed photos just get in touch!
Yep, there's peat in there alright. Soon though, we're into lemon and nuttiness, then spice, Earl Gray tea, oat biscuits, and yes, pineapple chunks. Vanilla develops, as do green apple slices.
The apple now becomes fruity boiled sweets, and on into bubblegum, all sat on a cloud of smoke. Slightly chocolatey too.
Still relatively light but now there are notes of tobacco and leather too.
An interesting coming together of classic, light anCnoc and smoky peat at a level of 11 PPM.
Horrible stuff. Nose was off. Overwhelming bitterness with a long, lingering unpleasant aftertaste. Same with the 12 year old. Bought them both (last week) and can't finish a glass of either one of them. I am curious to see how Jim's bible for 2016 scores it - assuming what I got was a new bottling.
Deligate yet perfectly balanced, lightly peaty highland malt. Reminds me my favorite scotch blend Black & White and my favorite Ardbeg, Airig Nam Beist. The creamy peat (something like Airig Nam Beist), spices and sweet-dry balance are just about right. Quite young, but overall high quality malt, justifies the price tag. I can't wait to see this 10-12 year old.
It's good to see Jim Murray agrees with me. He has just awarded this 96.5/100.
A great lighter alternative to Islay.
