anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is taking its successful arts sponsorship programme into England for the first time, and has selected the vibrant cultural city of Leeds as its first port of call south of the border.

Having supported the arts in Scotland for a number of years, anCnoc will partner with some of Leeds’ dynamic arts projects and events, including The Carriageworks and Project Space Leeds, the Dadi Awards, the Northern Art Prize and the 22nd Leeds International Film Festival. ‘Leeds’ contemporary arts’ scene and welcoming atmosphere were just some of the factors that led to our decision to invest in the city,’ says Nicola Ball, Brand Manager of anCnoc. ‘We are really looking forward to extending our arts sponsorhip programme in the city and we hope to establish ongoing partnerships with our selected venues and events. Leeds is already such a fantastic city, but we believe anCnoc will shake things up even more.’

anCnoc's ongoing sponsorship of the Scottish arts scene began in 2006 with The Arches in Glasgow, and now incorporates several of the country's best-known arts venues such as the Tron Theatre, The Tramway, The Traverse Theatre and The Fruitmarket Gallery.

Relaunched in 2003, anCnoc has a contemporary and distinctive identity, making it a natural partner for the arts. While it remains one of Scotland's finest single malts, it is also well established as a whisky which is perfect for mixing. Together with LA Bartenders, anCnoc has created a series of mouthwatering “anCnoctails”, which those attending events in Leeds will be able to enjoy along with a traditional dram. Darren Potter, Development Manager at the Leeds International Film Festival, said: ‘We're thrilled to be involved with anCnoc and to have this exciting brand on board with us as the exclusive whisky for the 22nd Leeds International Film Festival is fantastic. We have a lot of high-class events scheduled for the festival and I’m sure that those attending will very much appreciate a complimentary dram or cocktail.’  anCnoc, meaning “hill” in Gaelic, and pronounced “a-nock”, is carefully crafted at Knockdhu distillery in the Scottish Highlands. It’s a product of the region’s rich and pure natural resources and the undoubted expertise and passion of Master Distiller Gordon Bruce. In unison they contribute to anCnoc’s complex and perfectly balanced flavour.

Hints of lemon, the sweetness of honey and other very fine nuances, extracted from the  malted barley, the local water, the fresh air and a combination of American bourbon,  American sherry and Spanish sherry barrels, give anCnoc its distinctive flavour and make it a very maluable – “perfect to mix with” - malt.