Nc'nean Distillery Organic Single Malt Batch 18 46% 2018

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (82)

Right, bad luck, it's 2/3 ex-STRised red wine, now STR doesn't obligatorily make the whiskies winey, it often doesn't in my experience, so there is hope… Colour: straw. Nose: indeed, no obvious wine, but there are berries, probably rather elder, also peach syrup and orange blossom honey. Some Californian IPA. Well, a style of beer that was to be found in California back in the days, but the whole world seems to be making this style today. Then a little sweet bread and some vanilla. Fine, soft, fruity, with also quite some hay. Mouth: very sweet, clearly 'flavoured'. Szechuan pepper, tangerine, oranges, hay wine, the usual cinnamon and ginger, some herbal teas (rooibos, peach leaves), vanilla and zests... Finish: medium, sweet, with more citrus, which always works, I think. Comments: clearly fruitier than the only earlier batch I've tried, which was #7. Pretty 'modern world', very cask-driven, certainly well made.

BOW (86)

Nc'nean Distillery, located in Drimnin by Lochaline, is known for its dedication to sustainability and organic production. A prime example of their craftsmanship can be found in the Nc'nean Organic Single Malt Batch 18, distilled in June 2018 and bottled in July 2022. This exceptional whisky, matured in 65% STR red wine casks and 35% ex-bourbon casks, embodies the essence of organic and environmentally-friendly distillation.

The heart of Nc'nean's production process is their most important raw ingredient: barley. This barley is organically farmed by growers who refrain from using artificial pesticides or fertilizers, resulting in not only extensive biodiversity but also improved soil and water quality. While the rugged terrain and wet winters on the west coast of Scotland make it challenging to grow barley, Nc'nean sources their organic barley from two farmers in the east, one in Aberdeenshire and one in Fife. What's more, the organic barley they use has a 42% lower carbon footprint compared to average conventional barley.

When a product is labeled "organic," it signifies that its ingredients and processes have undergone a rigorous certification process. Nc'nean is certified by the Biodynamic Association, which conducts annual inspections to ensure compliance with organic standards.

Nc'nean's commitment to sustainability extends beyond barley cultivation to their energy supply. The distillery operates with 100% renewable energy, utilizing a biomass boiler fueled by locally sourced wood chips to power their two copper pot stills. All harvested trees are replanted, ensuring sustainable forest management. Additionally, they source a small amount of low-carbon electricity from their green energy partners, Engie, a global supplier of low-carbon energy committed to advancing the transition to a carbon-neutral world. The combination of green electricity and biomass energy results in a mere 26.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum from distillery production alone. When considering the emissions associated with their entire supply chain, Nc'nean's total carbon footprint for an entire year is less than that of a round-trip plane journey from London to New York. In the 2021-2022 period, their carbon footprint per bottle produced decreased from 1.87kg CO2e to 1.74kg CO2e.

To achieve their goal of net-zero emissions for distillery operations, Nc'nean has partnered with Highland Carbon to offset their remaining few carbon emissions through a sustainable forest planting project with a verified carbon standard hallmark.

Nc'nean prides itself on being a zero-waste distillery. In 2021, they diverted 99.97% of all waste from landfill and prioritize material reuse to minimize the amount sent for recycling. Their primary waste stream, pot ale (the liquid remaining after distillation), is spread as fertilizer on local farmland. Additionally, the draff, the leftover barley from the distillation process, serves as nourishment for the cows on the farm.

Nc'nean takes precautions to avoid chemical waste, recognizing its potential harm to the surrounding environment. They focus on sourcing natural cleaning products for their bar, office, and facilities.

Water recycling is a crucial aspect of their operations. Approximately 90% of the water used at Nc'nean is dedicated to cooling the vapors from the stills. This rainwater is recycled through a natural cooling pond, allowing them to reuse the same water without the need for energy-intensive cooling or chemical treatments to maintain cleanliness.

Despite the typically wet climate of the west coast, climate change has led to prolonged dry spells, particularly in spring and early summer. To avoid unnecessary strain on water resources, Nc'nean constantly measures water usage

and explores ways to enhance water efficiency.

All the water utilized in the whisky-making process at Nc'nean comes from a pristine spring located just behind the distillery. This naturally clean spring water requires no treatment, including chlorine, before use.

By savoring the Nc'nean Organic Single Malt Batch 18, you not only enjoy a remarkable whisky but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally-conscious beverage industry. Nc'nean remains committed to reducing their ecological footprint and creating a positive impact on the planet without compromising the quality of their products.