Vinology: News

Production of anCnoc began at the Knockdhu Distillery in 1894 following the discovery of several springs of the purest, crystal clear water on the southern slopes of the Knock Hill. At this time two pot stills could turn out 2500 gallons of spirit per week, motive power being supplied by a 16hp steam engine. Cottages were built for the workers and their families, creating a new community around the Distillery. Much has been done to modernise buildings and machinery, but very little has changed in the distillation process. The two originally designed pot stills remain, giving Knockdhu the same traditional, distinctive flavour as was first tasted more than 100 years ago.

It has a soft, aromatic nose with a hint of honey and lemon in the foreground. It has an immediately recognisable amber colour and is sweet to taste followed by a fresh appetising fruitiness and a long smooth finish.

Knockdhu Distillery nestles under the dark 'Knock Hill', known to the local villagers by its Gaelic name of 'Cnoc Dubh', which provides the source of the pure clear spring water for the malt. At certain times of the year, the hill appears black when seen from the distance, the heather is magically transformed by the soft light, wind and weather. Hence the name Knockdhu from the Gaelic Cnoc Dhubh meaning 'black hill'.

Contact us to reserve your bottle. We offer free local delivery (within 20 miles of Stratford-Upon-Avon) on whisky purchases of 3 bottles or more.

On April 17th 2008 we were delighted to be able to welcome Gregory Patriat, winemaker for Jean-Claude Boisset to Stratford-Upon-Avon to host an evening of fine dining at Malbec restaurant and what an excellent evening it was. Gregory was a fantastic host, telling us great stories of his work at Jean-Claude Boisset and introducing us to many of their amazing range of Burgundies. The aperitif on arrival was the excellent Bourgogne Chardonnay 2006, a wine that immediately puts Chardonnay back on the map as a fine grape variety with seductive elegant apple and vanilla fruit.

Starters were a choice of Fillet of Torbay plaice, Pea puree, Pea shoots, cucumber spaghetti and fennel cream or Grilled boudin blanc, fine beans, hazelnuts, apple compote, both of which were served with a run of three fine white Burgundies: Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de Nuit Gregory Patriat and Simon Malin s Blanc 2005, Monthelie Blanc 2006 and Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Sur Gamay 2006. All three shone, the elegant aromatic Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de Nuits, followed by the fatter, riper fru Diner's at Vinology's Jean-Clude Boisset Evening at Malbec it delivered by the Monthelie Blanc, beautifully described by Greg as a 'baby Meursault'. The Premier Cru St. Aubin was my personal favourite, a rich, sublime Chardonnay with excellent elegance, length and complexity.

For the main course Simon Malin of Malbec had prepared two stunning options to give a difficult decision. The choice was between Fillet of beef, oxtail “en crepinette”, parsley root, shallots and Burgundy wine sauce or Poached fillet of Brill in red wine, wilted gem lettuce, girolles, Rosemary beurre blanc. Now was the time for the reds and the mains were served with another run of three great wines... Bourgogne Rouge 2006, Nuits-St. Georges Les Charbonnieres 2005 and Beaune 1er Cru Les Greves 2004. Again all three were difficult to knock, starting with the lighter, forward fruit driven Bourgogne Pinot Noir, beautifully perfumed, soft and mellow. The Nuits-St. Georg Mark Archer, Gregory Patriat and Matt Cowan es, one of Burgundy's m Diner's at Vinology's Jean-Clude Boisset Evening at Malbec ost celebrated appellations was the winner of the evening for many people, with it's deeper, darker fruit elegantly tamed by a blanket of vanilla oak. The finale was the amazing premier cru single vineyard Beaune, elegant but full, rich and beautifully mature.

Gregory continued to entertain throughout the meal and following the main courses a fine selection of cheeses were served with which people enjoyed an additional glass of the wine that most dazzled them.

All in all this was an amazing evening and we now look forward to our next outing at Malbec which will be for May's Supper Club on Thursday May 29th. Click here to view the events page listing the full details on this exciting evening and give Malbec a call now to make your booking.

Diner's at Vinology's Jean-Clude Boisset Evening at Malbec Thanks for reading,
Matt.