Dark Doesn’t Mean Better, Knockando 2008 PX Finish by Signatory Vintage
We all know the saying: whisky’s flavour isn’t determined by how dark it looks. I’ve heard it countless times and even agreed with it wholeheartedly.
Yet, human nature is a stubborn thing. Every now and then, a deep, dark whisky catches my eye, and I can’t help but take the bait.
The latest to lure me in? A Knockando 2008, bottled by Signatory Vintage, so dark it almost looked like espresso in the glass.
On the Nose – Sweetness Meets Damp Earth
The first aromas bring a slight acidity, almost like freshly baked sourdough, mingling with a fermented bread note. There’s sweetness in the air, but it’s shadowed by a damp barnyard character.
Given a little time, the whisky starts to reveal more:
• Dark fruits (raisins, prunes)
• Malty sweetness
• Gentle herbal tones
And yet, the nose feels thin and fragmented, especially when you consider its rich colour and age.
• Bottler: Signatory Vintage
• Distilled Year: 2008
• Cask Number: 101
• Cask Type: 1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Hogshead Finish
• Age: 16 years
• ABV: 50.5%
On the Nose – Sweetness Meets Damp Earth
The first aromas bring a slight acidity, almost like freshly baked sourdough, mingling with a fermented bread note. There’s sweetness in the air, but it’s shadowed by a damp barnyard character.
Given a little time, the whisky starts to reveal more:
• Dark fruits (raisins, prunes)
• Malty sweetness
• Gentle herbal tones
And yet, the nose feels thin and fragmented, especially when you consider its rich colour and age.
On the Palate – Proof That Looks Can Deceive
For a whisky this dark, I expected bold, syrupy depth. Instead, it’s more restrained — a reminder that colour and age don’t guarantee flavour intensity. There’s a pleasant mix of PX sweetness and malt, but it lacks the cohesion I’d hoped for.
Final Thoughts – The Colour Trap
If I were to guess, the whisky may have spent most of its life in a less active cask before being transferred to a PX hogshead — possibly as a “rescue” and to season the cask for future use. Two birds, one stone. Of course, this is just my personal speculation.
The real takeaway? Even knowing this, if I saw another whisky like it tomorrow, I’d probably still fall for it again. Some lessons, it seems, are meant to be repeated.
