Knockdhu
(AnCnoc)
Image Credit: The Whisky Shop
Highlands
1893
Gordon Bruce
*Distillery Manager
Inver House Distillers (Thai Beverages plc)
1,800,000
capacity/lpa
head whisky maker(s)
region
Year Founded
owner
Knockdhu Distillery, located in Knock, Banffshire, Scotland, has a rich history dating back to 1893. Founded by John Morrison, on land purchased from the Duke of Fife, the distillery was established to produce whisky for Haig's. It was strategically situated near Knock Station on the Great North of Scotland Railway, offering convenient transportation and access to local barley and peat.
The distillery, constructed with locally sourced eye grey granite, featured two coal-fired stills, which were later converted to steam heating. Knockdhu commenced production in 1894 and operated continuously until 1931 when economic depression forced a temporary closure. Wartime barley restrictions led to a second shutdown from 1940 to 1945.
After the war, the distillery transitioned to the national grid and retired its steam-powered engine in 1947. Knockdhu's doors remained closed during the industry's challenging times in the 1980s when it was mothballed.
In 1988, Inver House acquired Knockdhu and revitalized production in 1989. Renamed as "anCnoc" in 1994 to avoid confusion with Knockando, the distillery began releasing its single malt expressions, including popular options like the 12-year-old and annual vintage releases.
-Written (Mostly) by Robots-