Origin: Highlands (Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 48.8%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon, ex-STR and ex-wine
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Nc’nean Distillery
Average price: € 100.00
Official website: ncnean.com
Nc’nean is definitely unique in the Scottish whisky scene, an (almost) entirely female-run distillery that is environmentally conscious, organic and independent, the result of the dedication of its founder Annabel, who since 2017 has been producing whisky exclusively from organic Scottish barley using 100% renewable energy and recycled materials for packaging.
Fermentation takes between 68 and 114 hours, with two varieties of yeast, a narrow cut during distillation (except for experimental editions) and main maturation in ex-bourbon, oloroso sherry and STR casks.
The Quiet Rebels series refers to the nickname they gave themselves, with four seasonal bottlings created by four members of the team: Annabel, Gordon (the distillery manager), Lorna (distiller) and Amy, who manages the visitor centre and is responsible for sustainability.
Amy’s is the most recent release, towards the end of 2024, which sees the combination of different vintages, the youngest of which is from 2020, with a vatting of 63% STR casks, 18% ex-Bourbon and 19% ex-Maury, a type of fortified wine similar to Port that is produced by a small French winery.
Tasting Notes
The winey note is present on the nose but not overwhelming, reminiscent of white wine with moderate oxidation, framing a fruity heart of peach, cooked apple, pear, apricot, ripe plum, raspberries and lychee. Blood orange juice. In the background are sweeter notes of praline almonds, malt sponge cake, candyfloss and banana bread. A hint of honeysuckle. The acidic components are well balanced, giving it a marked freshness. Spring-like.
On the palate, it has good body, fairly oily and full, with an initial spiciness of black pepper, nutmeg and ginger that enhances the more convincingly acidic fruit attack, giving ample space to gooseberries and unripe white fruits, with a discreet contribution of lime. The citrus fruits are more evident, also appearing in confectionery with a lemon tart, and staying on the pastry side, we also add sugar paste, sugared almonds and lemon jelly. Liquorice root and aniseed in the finish, with a slight astringency together with salty notes.
Medium-length finish, with bitter and vegetal notes, white fruit, almonds, sugar paste, spices and dried apple.
Review: A good example of how ageing in wine casks should be done, leaving an impression without altering the distillate. Youth doesn’t work in its favour, but the quality emerges and makes itself felt in a pleasant and sparkling dram.
Vote: 85/100