“Scotch’s new sustainable spirit.” – Financial Times The first releases from brand-new Scottish distilleries are always hot property, but Nc’nean’s broke the world record. Bottle number one of their inaugural single malt, a cask-strength whisky called Ainnir, sold for a staggering £41,004 via an online auction. So, we are super excited to have gotten our hands on their stunning first core line, Organic Single Malt Whisky. Made in tiny batches, it was filled into 35% ex-Bourbon casks and 65% STR (shaved, toasted and re-charred) red wine casks. Non-chill filtered and natural colour, it was bottled at 46%. And it’s a thing of beauty. Rich and flavoursome granola-like cereals combine with crispy apple pie, rye bread, vanilla custard, crunchy peach, lemon posset, a hint of something maritime like seaweed and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. This rebellious little distillery is going to light a match under the whisky world with this phenomenal release. Annabel Thomas started Nc’nean to change perceptions of Scottish whisky. Out with the fusty history, scratchy tartan and old boys’ club vibes, and in with an independent new breed of light and delicious Scotch, powered by renewable energy and a passion for sustainability. The name – pronounced ‘nc-nee-an’ – is an abbreviation of Neachneohain, a protector of nature known as the Queen of Spirits in Gaelic legend. A fitting moniker for such a wild, regal and environmentally friendly whisky. Located on the remote Morvern peninsula on Scotland’s west coast, just across the Sound of Mull from Tobermory, Nc’nean has already been named in the top 10 Scottish distilleries to visit by The Guardian, not just for the exceptional whisky, but also because “walks in in any direction offer the chance to spot otters, pine martens and sea eagles.” And they are doing everything they can to protect the nature that surrounds them. Nc’nean is the first certified net zero whisky distillery in the UK and only the second Scotch distillery to become B Corp certified, which means that they’re part of a global movement of companies that put people and the planet before profit. They use organic ingredients, are powered by renewable energy and recycle 99.97% of their waste, the whisky is even bottled in 100% recycled glass. Nc’nean got a little help in the early days from the late, great Dr Jim Swan, a celebrated whisky maker who was described as “the Einstein of whisky” and who was instrumental in setting up a raft of great distilleries, including Cotswolds, Kavalan, Penderyn, Kilchoman, Victoria Caledonian and Milk & Honey. Sadly, he died just as the Nc'nean began to make its first whisky, but this organic single malt pays homage to him by using the STR cask, which is created to a specific formula of his invention.
£9 per 100.00ml
