Nc'nean Distillery Organic Single Malt Batch 2 46% 2017

Professionelle Bewertungen

Words of Whisky (88)

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Nose: It’s herbal, somewhat floral and green with a touch of resin and juniper at first, followed by nectarines and peaches, but also a whiff of lemon pith. There’s a subtle malty layer with notes of porridge, and then some freshly mown grass also. Finally some icing and vanilla. Pretty attractive.
Taste: It has a little less to offer on the palate, although I enjoy the creamy mouthfeel. A sweet, malty arrival, but also butter, almonds and macadamia nuts. Charred oak with subtle touches of fennel and nutmeg. Finally a slight citrus-y note.
Finish: Lingering oak, malt and a whiff of peach.

Score: 80

The oak speaks a little too loudly at times, which I would at least partly put down to the STR casks. They are the legacy of Dr. Jim Swan and are used by many young distilleries around the world, as they are designed to impart flavour quickly. I’ve yet to be truly blown away by single malt whisky from such a cask.

That being said, the Nc’nean Organic Single Malt shows promise beyond the cask influence. I’d be curious to see a more naked Nc’nean matured solely in (refill) bourbon casks.

BOW (88.50)

Nestled in the picturesque Drimnin, near Lochaline, the Nc'nean Distillery is renowned for its commitment to organic and sustainable whisky production. One remarkable expression that embodies their values is the Nc'nean Organic Single Malt Batch 2. Distilled in August 2017 and bottled on September 28, 2020, this exquisite whisky has been matured in a combination of 65% STR red wine casks and 35% ex-bourbon casks, resulting in a unique flavor profile.

At the heart of Nc'nean's ethos is their organic farming of barley, the primary raw ingredient in their whisky production. By working closely with farmers who avoid the use of artificial pesticides and fertilizers, Nc'nean promotes biodiversity, fosters soil health, and enhances water quality. While the rugged terrain and wet winters of the west coast of Scotland make barley cultivation challenging, Nc'nean sources their organic barley from two farmers in the east: one in Aberdeenshire and another in Fife. What sets their barley apart is its impressive 42% lower carbon footprint compared to conventional barley. This emphasizes the distillery's dedication to sustainable practices throughout their supply chain.

Being certified organic entails rigorous scrutiny of both ingredients and processes. Nc'nean proudly holds certification from the Biodynamic Association, ensuring adherence to strict organic standards. These annual inspections confirm that Nc'nean maintains the highest level of organic integrity.

Beyond organic farming, Nc'nean excels in sustainable energy practices. The distillery operates with an incredibly low carbon footprint thanks to their use of 100% renewable energy sources. Their two copper pot stills are powered exclusively by a biomass boiler fueled by locally sourced wood chips. For every tree harvested for energy production, a new one is planted, ensuring a sustainable cycle. Additionally, 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 and green electricity results in an astonishingly minimal distillery production footprint of only 26.5 tonnes of CO2 per year. 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. Furthermore, Nc'nean continues to reduce their carbon footprint per bottle produced, with the 2021-2022 period seeing a decrease from 1.87kg CO2e to 1.74kg CO2e. To achieve their goal of net-zero emissions for distillery operations, Nc'nean partners with Highland Carbon in a sustainable forest planting project, offsetting their remaining carbon emissions with a verified carbon standard hallmark.

Nc'nean prides itself on its zero waste policy. In 2021, an astounding 99.97% of all waste generated by the distillery was diverted from landfills. Their focus on material reuse minimizes the amount of waste sent for recycling, further reducing their environmental impact.

One of their significant waste products is pot ale, the liquid residue left after distillation. Instead of discarding it, Nc'nean spreads pot ale on local farmland as a natural fertilizer. Additionally, the draff, the leftover barley from the whisky-making process, provides nourishment to the farm's cows, creating a sustainable and circular system.

Nc'nean remains committed to avoiding chemical waste and its potential harm to the environment. The distillery prioritizes the use of natural cleaning products throughout their facilities, including the bar, office, and restrooms.

Water conservation and recycling are integral aspects of Nc'nean's

operations. Around 90% of the water used is dedicated to cooling the vapor as it emerges from the stills. Nc'nean achieves water recycling by utilizing rainwater through a natural cooling pond, enabling them to reuse the same water repeatedly without the need for energy-intensive cooling or chemical additives to maintain cleanliness.

Despite the region's ample rainfall, climate change has led to prolonged dry spells, particularly in the spring and early summer. To alleviate any undue pressure on water resources, Nc'nean diligently monitors water usage and continually seeks ways to enhance water efficiency.

Nc'nean's commitment to sustainability extends to the very source of their water. All the water used in their whisky-making process is drawn from a pristine spring located just behind the distillery. This naturally clean spring water requires no treatment, including chlorine, ensuring the purity of their whisky.

With their Nc'nean Organic Single Malt Batch 2, whisky enthusiasts can savor a truly exceptional spirit that embodies the distillery's organic, sustainable, and environmentally conscious practices. Each sip represents a dedication to the highest standards of craftsmanship while fostering a positive impact on the planet. Nc'nean invites whisky lovers to join them in their journey towards a more sustainable future, where exceptional quality and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.