Nc’nean

Introduction:

Nc’nean Distillery, inspired by the spirit of Neachneohain, a protector of nature, is committed to sustainable practices. They use 100% organic barley and pure spring water from their own source. The distillery operates entirely on renewable energy. As part of their waste avoidance principle, leftover barley is fed to the cows on the farm. The first whisky released in 2020 is called Nc’nean Organic, and subsequent batches mature in former red wine and bourbon casks. They also release limited special bottlings like the Quiet Rebels series, named after environmentally conscious connoisseurs, and the Huntress series, which explores different flavors.

Production:

Nc’nean Distillery adopts experimental approaches to create an easily enjoyable and blendable whisky. They use longer mash times, slower fermentations (ranging from 65 to 120 hours), and special yeast. The barley is sourced from Scotland, malted in Inverness, and transported to the distillery. The distillery has four stainless steel washbacks with a capacity of 7,000 liters, although only 5,000 liters are filled. The stillhouse houses two stills: a wash still with a capacity of 5,000 liters and a spirit still with a capacity of 3,500 liters. The unique lantern shape and constriction of the stills promote gentle distillation and substantial reflux, resulting in a lighter alcohol with fruity notes. Temperature controls in the warehouses influence the flavors over time.

Gin:

Nc’nean Botanical Spirit, although not defined as a gin, is produced by redistilling their own new-make malt spirit with botanicals, including small amounts of juniper. The aim is to bring other ingredients like bog myrtle, grapefruit, and thyme to the forefront of flavor. The final distillation takes place at another distillery near Campbeltown, where all the botanicals are distilled in an aroma basket according to Nc’nean’s recipe, resulting in the creation of the Botanical Spirit.

Warehouse:

Nc’nean Distillery has three traditional dunnage warehouses with rammed earth floors. The casks are typically stacked three tiers high, and approximately 700 casks are filled each year. The distillery uses a combination of half bourbon and half wine casks for maturing its whiskies. Additionally, Oloroso sherry casks and a few experimental casks such as rum, tequila, and Bordeaux are utilized.

History:

The distillery’s story began in 2012 when Annabel Thomas had the vision to establish a malt distillery on the Drimnin estate, which her parents had purchased a decade earlier. Originally named Drimnin, the distillery was renamed Nc’nean in 2017.

Visitor Centre:

Nc’nean Distillery opened its doors in July 2017 and offers guided tours to visitors once a day on weekdays. The tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at the distillery, tastings of their bottlings, and the opportunity to enjoy a cocktail at the bar. Refreshments such as coffee, cupcakes, or lunch are also available. It is recommended to book tours in advance online or by calling the distillery. The tour duration is approximately three hours, and the cost is £18.

Visitor information:

Brennereiadresse

Nc’nean Distillery
Drimnin
By Lochaline
PA80 5XZ
Tel: +44 (0)1967-421698
Email: hello@ncnean.com