Nc'nean Distillery Huntress Woodland Candy 2023 48.5% 2017

Professional reviews

BOW (87.50)

Nc'nean Huntress Woodland Candy 2023: A Whisky Rooted in Sustainability and Nature

Nc'nean Distillery, nestled in the picturesque village of Drimnin, by Lochaline on Scotland's enchanting west coast, is renowned for its commitment to organic and sustainable whisky production. The eagerly anticipated second release in their Spring series, the Nc'nean Huntress Woodland Candy 2023, showcases the distillery's dedication to crafting exceptional whiskies while prioritizing environmental stewardship.

At the heart of Nc'nean's ethos is their use of organic barley, the most important raw ingredient in their whisky-making process. Sourced from two carefully selected farmers in Aberdeenshire and Fife, the barley is cultivated without the use of artificial pesticides or fertilizers. This organic farming approach not only promotes biodiversity but also enhances soil health and water quality. In fact, the organic barley used by Nc'nean boasts a remarkable 42% lower carbon footprint compared to conventional barley.

Certified by the Biodynamic Association, Nc'nean adheres to rigorous organic standards verified through annual inspections. This certification ensures that every step of their whisky production, from ingredients to processes, meets the highest organic criteria. By choosing organic, Nc'nean celebrates a natural and sustainable approach to whisky-making that resonates with environmentally conscious consumers.

In addition to their commitment to organic barley, Nc'nean Distillery minimizes its environmental impact through renewable energy practices. The distillery operates with 100% renewable energy, powered by a biomass boiler fueled by locally sourced wood chips from the surrounding forest. For their additional energy needs, Nc'nean partners with Engie, a global supplier of low-carbon energy, further accelerating the transition towards a carbon-neutral world.

Thanks to their renewable energy sources, Nc'nean boasts an impressively low distillery production footprint of only 26.5 tonnes of CO2 per year. When combined with emissions associated with their supply chain, their total carbon footprint for an entire year is equivalent to less than a single return plane journey from London to New York. Continuously striving for improvement, Nc'nean has worked to reduce their carbon footprint per bottle produced, achieving a decrease from 1.87kg CO2e to 1.74kg CO2e in 2021-22.

To achieve their goal of becoming a net-zero distillery, Nc'nean has partnered with Highland Carbon to offset their remaining carbon emissions. Through a sustainable forest planting project certified with a verified carbon standard hallmark, they actively contribute to carbon sequestration and environmental preservation.

A zero waste distillery, Nc'nean diverts an impressive 99.97% of their waste from landfill. By focusing on material reuse and responsible waste management, they prioritize minimizing their ecological footprint. Notably, the distillery's largest waste stream, pot ale, is repurposed as fertiliser for local farmland, enriching the soil and completing the natural cycle of whisky production. Even the draff, the leftover barley from the distilling process, finds purpose as a nourishing meal for the farm's resident cows.

Recognizing the potential harm of chemical waste to the environment, Nc'nean ensures that their cleaning products for the bar, office, and facilities are sourced from natural and eco-friendly alternatives. By making conscious choices throughout their operations, Nc'nean aims to preserve the surrounding environment and protect the natural beauty of their west coast home.

Water, a precious resource, plays a crucial role in whisky production. Nc'nean maximizes water efficiency by recycling rainwater for cooling the vapor during distillation. Through a natural cooling pond, they can

reuse water without the need for energy-intensive cooling or the use of additional chemicals. In response to changing weather patterns and prolonged dry spells caused by climate change, Nc'nean constantly monitors their water usage to ensure responsible water management and minimize their impact on local water resources.

Emphasizing their commitment to pristine water sources, all the water used in Nc'nean's whisky production is drawn from a natural spring located just behind the distillery. This crystal-clear spring water requires no treatments or chlorine before use, further highlighting Nc'nean's dedication to preserving the purity and integrity of their whisky.

The Nc'nean Huntress Woodland Candy 2023 encapsulates the spirit of sustainability, craftsmanship, and the untamed beauty of Scotland's west coast. With its unique recipe featuring red and white wine yeasts, this whisky transports the senses to the wild and magical landscapes that inspire Nc'nean. As whisky enthusiasts savor each sip, they can appreciate not only the complex flavors but also the deep-rooted values that underpin Nc'nean's whisky-making process.

Nc'nean Distillery exemplifies a new generation of whisky producers, demonstrating that exceptional spirits and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. With their unwavering dedication to organic farming, renewable energy, waste reduction, and water management, Nc'nean sets a commendable standard for sustainable whisky production. As whisky lovers raise a glass of Nc'nean Huntress Woodland Candy 2023, they partake in a celebration of nature, craftsmanship, and a brighter future for the whisky industry.

Serge Valentin (80)

Zero emissions, organic, an STR red wine cask finish, NAS, stories, and a bottle that can be reused to hold... bath salts, for example. Nothing against bath salts. Oh, and 100 to 130€ a bottle. Colour: white wine. Nose: much gentler than the previous ones, on cakes, brioches and a little wet earth, pancakes, barley sirup, overripe apples, vanilla… Not the epitome of originality, but this nose is pretty and serene, especially after the restless Laggs and Harris. Mouth: more action, some Timut pepper, agave syrup, very fresh pumpernickel, then rather sweeter beers and a few jelly babies. Cranberry drops. Finish: some fruity wine, perhaps Beaujolais? Some grittier oak in the aftertaste. Comments: more than fine now. Apparently, they've used wine yeast. In short, not much Scotchness – so much for terroir - but I think it is a pretty fine drop.