Knockando, a distillery built in 1898, is another example of the railway distillery type from the late 19th century. It was designed to produce a light, nutty, and malty character, fitting into the trend of blenders seeking lighter whisky styles from Speyside. The distillery’s production method includes rapid mashing, short fermentation, and quick distillation, all aimed at creating a delicately flavored spirit.
Knockando was initially constructed by John Thompson & Co. during the final phase of 19th-century distillery building. However, it faced financial difficulties and was acquired by W & A Gilbey in 1904 for £3,500. This acquisition was part of Gilbey’s expansion into whisky blending, following its earlier purchases of Glen Spey and Strathmill. In 1962, the distillery became part of IDV (International Distillers & Vintners), which later merged with United Distillers, eventually forming part of Diageo.
Today, Knockando serves as a key component of the J&B blend, though it has also been bottled as a single malt, primarily at 12 years of age. It is notable for its practice of stating both the distillation and bottling dates, including the season of production. While it remains a central player in the J&B blend, Knockando is also well-regarded in its own right, particularly in markets like France, where it is a strong seller. Recently, the distillery has introduced a few line extensions.
