anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch whisky was established in 1894 and is produced at Knockdhu Distillery. Nuanced, elegant taste with barrel character, hints of peach, heather honey, yellow pear, orange and herbs. anCnoc has teamed up with the amazing award-winning Scottish- born fashion designer, Patrick Grant. He has designed their new Blas, limited edition expression, which he drew inspiration from anCnoc single malt’s heritage and history. The talented Patrick Grant is the creative director of bespoke tailors Norton & Sons of Savile Row.
Q: How did this collaboration with anCnoc start?
A: They asked me and I loved the idea of working with such a great company. My father’s family (and the rest of the Grant clan) are from the region to the east of the Great Glen. It’s an area I feel a strong personal affinity with, and it’s a beautiful part of Scotland. I am also a lover of the smaller, finer, rarer things in life so for me anCnoc was a perfect whisky to work with.
Q: Have you always been a whisky fan?
A: For around twenty years now. I like to drink whisky at home, with friends. It’s the best way to end a night. My love of whisky started with a bottle of excellent single malt ‘borrowed’ from my friend’s Dad’s drinks cabinet one New Year’s Eve in the western highlands. Three friends and I finished it in big arm chairs in front of a roaring fire at about 5 in the morning.
Q: What was the best experience working with “The Men of Knock?
A: There are a lot of similarities between bespoke tailoring and whisky making. We both start with the finest materials. Both are lovingly crafted by craftspeople whose skills have been refined and passed down over many generations (there have been bespoke tailors in London for over 700 years). Both are enjoyed by connoisseurs from around the world. I felt honoured to work with the ‘Men of Knock’.
Q: How do you incorporate “a modern tradition” in your work when it comes to fashion?
A: By looking, and seeing. Not staying still, observing the smallest of details. At E.Tautz we work with modern fabrics, but made using traditional techniques, we cut modern clothing but sew it in the most painstaking traditional ways. It’s about traditional craft meeting modern aesthetics.
Q: Will we see more fashion designers working together with whisky brands in the future?
A: I hope so, you get some very interesting results when creative forces come together.
Q: What would be your own tasting notes on anCnoc Blas?
A: I think on the nose there’s wonderful scent of candied citrus fruit, lemon or grapefruit, or candied orange peel. To taste there’s maple syrup and maybe tinned pears, a waft of autumnal hay, and a hint of malt.
