Knockando

Translation: Black Hill
Region: Speyside

Great Opera in the UK.

In 1749, the young Italian Giacomo Justerini from Bologna comes to England - because of love. He follows the Italian opera singer Margerita Bellino, in whom he is in love with. Unfortunately, the artist does not return his affection. And so in 1760 Giacomo returned to Bologna with a broken heart. Before that, however, he laid the foundation for a piece of Scottish whiskey history.
He establishes an import trade for wines and liqueurs in London with his partner George Johnson. Not least thanks to his uncle's liqueur recipe, Justerini quickly achieved success and soon became the leading supplier to the British aristocracy, including King George III. From the royal supplier "Johnson and Justerini" - whose assortment includes Scotch whiskey since 1779 - becomes 1831 "Justerini & Brooks", short: J & B.
What does this have to do with Knockando? The history of the distillery is inseparably interwoven with that of J & B. The Knockando Malt has been at the heart of the globally successful "J & B Rare" blend right from the start until today. The distillery has also been owned by the same owners as Justerini & Brooks for decades.

A little history

The Knockando distillery was founded in 1898 by John Thomson. Only two years after the opening Knockando was closed again. In 1904, W. & A. Gilbey Ltd. took over. the distillery. By merger with the United Vintners originated in 1962, the International Distillers & Vintners (IDV), which include Justerini & Brooks among others.
In 1969, the distillery was completely renovated, the number of stills doubled from two to four. In 1975 Knockando went to the Grand Metropolitan Group.
Since the merger of Grand Metropolitan with Guinness Knockando belongs to the resulting company Diageo and is now part of their extended Classic Malts series.

What do I actually have in the glass?

The Knockando Malt is a rather fine, soft Speyside representative with clearly fruity notes and a delicate nutty aroma.

3 reasons to love Knockando

1) Because the malt is great opera.
2) Because he also masters the soft tones.
3) Because the "Black Hill" is so golden.

The one drama for the lonely island

The 18-year-old original bottling offers all-round successful Speyside enjoyment. Everything is there, everything is well balanced.

numbers and facts

Address: Knockando, Morayshire AB38 7RT
Founded: 1898 by John Thomson
Status: active
Owner: Diageo
Capacity: approx. 1,400,000 liters
2 wash stills (10,800 l)
2 spirit stills (7,000 l)
Water: Cardnach Spring
Visitor Center: -
Telephone: +44 (0) 1340/882000
Website: www.malts.com