anCnoc (pronounced “a-nock”) Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky announces its release of a Limited Edition Series featuring the highly imaginative artwork of Scottish illustrator, Peter Arkle. Each of the two Limited Edition bottlings celebrates a different aspect of anCnoc’s Knockdu Distillery, which opened its doors in the village of Knock in Aberdeenshire, Scotland in 1894. At the time, it was considered the ultimate embodiment of a modern distillery. Over the decades, anCnoc’s refreshing taste continued to adapt to modern times, while maintaining its traditional, quality production methods.
Arkle, whose illustration style is recognized around the world, says his drawings were inspired by his Scottish heritage and the unusual character of the whisky. “I was intrigued by the challenge of depicting anCnoc because it’s such a surprising whisky,” said Arkle. “It has a light, modern taste, yet its production methods have not changed in more than 100 years. My illustrations had to capture both its rich history and its contemporary charm.”
Arkle’s detailed drawings capture anCnoc’s multifaceted character and complexity. He depicted each ingredient of anCnoc on the canister and bottle: barley, spring water (from the nearby Knock Hill), yeast, heat, time and the final ingredient he called “Magic.” The anCnoc Limited Edition Series is matured in Spanish oak sherry barrels, as opposed to its traditional American wooden barrels. This gives the whisky a darker color with hints of dark spices and dried fruits.
According to Gordon Bruce, anCnoc distillery manager, the new designs reflect the spirit of what’s inside the bottle. “anCnoc has a mind of its own, and Mr. Arkle was able to draw it out and put it on our package. Now, what’s inside and outside our bottle is a work of art,” says Bruce. The Limited Edition Series will be available at select retailers priced at $49.99 in the New York, Chicago, Seattle and New England markets. A second Limited Edition will be launched later in the year.
About anCnoc
anCnoc (www.anCnoc.com) Single Malt Scotch Whisky is marketed by International Beverage, Inc. Its history began when John Morrison purchased the Knock estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland in 1892. The surrounding land was full of peat and barley and the Great North Railway line ran nearby. When Morrison discovered a source of pure, clear water on the land, he negotiated with The Distillers Company of Edinburgh and the Knockdu Distillery opened its doors in 1894. It was regarded as the perfect embodiment of a modern distillery at that time, and today continues to produce a light, modern whisky.
About International Beverage
International Beverage, Inc. (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in more than 80 countries and territories. The company’s success is built on a strong understanding of local cultures and markets along with the creation of a global operational network.
About Peter Arkle
Peter Arkle (www.peterarkle.com) is an illustrator whose work has appeared in numerous books, magazines and advertisements. He lives in New York City and his work takes him around the world, including his native Scotland. Peter has created artwork for dozens of premium brands and entities including Apple, Starbucks, Blackberry and The New Yorker.