One of anCnoc’s limited-edition range of peated (11ppm) single malts from Knockdhu Distillery in the Highlands, and named for the shovel used by peat cutters in Scotland, with a nose that shows just a gentle kiss of smokiness that accents the distillery’s natural fruity nature. The smoke is mild and heathery balancing notes of coconut, vanilla, and hints of honey and roasted almonds. The taste starts off thick and fruity, followed by an intense and unexpected blast (given the mild nose) of cinnamon and peat with a healthy phenolic touch. There are notes of coconut and dried apples underneath that linger through the finish along with the smoke and a fading touch of cinnamon. (April, 2014)