This is third bottling by anCnoc with the cooperation of graphic designer Peter Arkle (launched at the same time with the second bottling which we’ll try later). Check my review of the anCnoc Peter Arkle first edition for background information.

It’s a travel tetail offering so you can pick it up at airports and on ferries. The packaging is inspired by an old-fashioned traveller’s leather suitcase. The whisky inside has been matured in first fill bourbon casks.

anCnoc ‘Peter Arkle travel retail exclusive’ (46%, OB 2012, ex-bourbon casks)

Nose: fresh citrus, lots of lemon and grapefruit. White peach and green apple. A little sawdust and hints of dough. Then some soft vanilla, honey and a marshmallow sweetness. Hints of ginger and touches of flowers. Perfect spring whisky I’d say. Mouth: more of the apples and pears, also a few cereal notes. Lemon again. Fresh oak shavings. It’s all about the bright side of the whisky spectrum, but it’s not too delicate or soft either. Finish: not as long as I hoped, with quite some bourbon wood left in the end. Still bright and citrusy though.

Probably the brightest, lightest anCnoc I’ve had. Very modern, easy-to-like whisky. Around € 50. Available in the near future.

Score: 85/100