Knockando 21 Years Old 1997

Founded at the height of the whisky boom in 1898, Knockando was well placed to take advantage of a nearby railway thanks to the vision of John Thompson. Unfortunately, booms go bust and some owners underestimate the cost of maintaining a distillery before it can bottle its first whisky. Although production started in 1899, Knockando closes the following year and goes into administration. Then, the blending power of W. & A. Gilbey senses an opportunity for stock and purchases the distillery in 1903, starting in motion its journey towards Diageo ownership today. Knockando is a popular malt but is mainly exported to Europe where it enjoys favour in France and several other countries. The distillery itself is charming, surrounded by farms and relatively untouched, with some sizeable rooms to explore when it does open for visitors, normally during the Speyside festival. Most of its output goes into the J&B blend, but those international markets can enjoy a variety of age statements from this overlooked and very enjoyable single malt.