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Introducing the Nc'nean Huntress Spring 2022: A Whisky Crafted with Sustainability in Mind
Nc'nean Distillery, located in Drimnin, by Lochaline, has once again captivated whisky enthusiasts with their highly anticipated release - the Nc'nean Huntress Spring 2022 edition. Distilled in August 2018 and bottled in March 2022, this exquisite whisky has matured in a unique combination of 61% STR Red Wine casks and 39% Ex-Bourbon casks, resulting in a truly exceptional flavor profile.
However, what sets Nc'nean apart extends far beyond the remarkable taste of their whiskies. With a steadfast commitment to sustainability, Nc'nean ensures that their production processes align with their values and respect for the environment.
The cornerstone of Nc'nean's sustainability practices lies in their organic farming methods. Their most important raw ingredient, barley, is cultivated organically, free from artificial pesticides or fertilizers. This approach not only promotes biodiversity but also enhances soil health and water quality. While the challenging terrain and wet winters of the west coast prevent them from growing barley locally, Nc'nean sources their organic barley from two farmers in Aberdeenshire and Fife, located in the east of Scotland. What's remarkable is that the organic barley they use has a 42% lower carbon footprint than average conventional barley. Their commitment to organic principles is verified by the Biodynamic Association, who annually inspect and certify Nc'nean's adherence to organic standards.
Nc'nean also prioritizes renewable energy in their distillery operations. By utilizing 100% renewable energy sources, they significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Their two copper pot stills are powered solely by a biomass boiler fueled by locally sourced wood chips, ensuring a sustainable energy supply. In addition, Nc'nean partners with Engie, a global supplier of low-carbon energy, to obtain a small amount of low carbon electricity. This combination of renewable energy sources results in an impressively low distillery production footprint of only 26.5 tonnes of CO2 per annum. When considering the emissions associated with their entire supply chain, Nc'nean's total carbon footprint for a year is less than that of a return plane journey from London to New York. Furthermore, their continuous efforts to reduce carbon emissions are evident in the decrease of their carbon footprint per bottle produced, from 1.87kg CO2e to 1.74kg CO2e in the 2021-22 period. To achieve net-zero status for their distillery operations, Nc'nean partners with Highland Carbon to offset their remaining carbon emissions through a sustainable forest planting project with a verified carbon standard hallmark.
As a zero waste distillery, Nc'nean actively diverts waste from landfill. In 2021, an impressive 99.97% of their waste was repurposed or recycled. Emphasizing the reuse of materials, they strive to minimize the amount of waste sent for recycling. Their commitment to sustainability extends even to their byproducts. The pot ale, the liquid left after distillation, is spread as fertilizer on local farmland, contributing to the circularity of their processes. Additionally, the leftover barley, known as draff, serves as a nutritious feed for cows on nearby farms.
Nc'nean recognizes the environmental risks associated with chemical waste and diligently sources natural cleaning products for their bar, office, and facilities. By avoiding the use of harmful chemicals, they minimize the potential impact on the surrounding environment.
Water conservation is also a key aspect of Nc'nean's sustainability practices. Despite the typically wet climate of the west coast, prolonged dry
spells resulting from climate change necessitate careful water management. Nc'nean constantly monitors their water usage to ensure minimal strain on local water resources and actively explores ways to improve water efficiency. They achieve significant water savings by recycling rainwater through their natural cooling pond, eliminating the need for additional energy consumption or chemical treatments.
All the water used in the whisky-making process at Nc'nean is sourced from a spring located just behind the distillery. This pristine water source requires no treatment, including chlorine, ensuring the purity of their whisky.
With the Nc'nean Huntress Spring 2022 edition, whisky enthusiasts not only savor a remarkable Scottish whisky but also contribute to a more sustainable future for the whisky industry. Nc'nean's progressive vision of sustainability sets a commendable example for the whisky industry, demonstrating that it is possible to produce exceptional whiskies while prioritizing environmental responsibility.
