Nc'nean Aon White Port 2020/2025
Nose
The flavour density of this whisky is like a bouquet of flowers put together by a drunken poet - extremely fruity, summery and full of blooming wildflowers. Sounds cheesy? It is.
Slightly grassy - as if someone had pressed a meadow into the shape of a bottle. A touch of honey joins in, followed by wet straw (that sounds less appetising than it smells) and a slightly vinous hint that is subtly reminiscent of the white port finish.
The best thing: despite the 61.1% alcohol strength, nothing burns unnecessarily in the nose. Nc'nean has obviously understood how to civilise strong whiskies without robbing them of their personality.
Taste
The first sip inevitably makes you think: "Oily, sweet, perfect!" The whisky covers the tongue like a velvety coat - peach and honey dance the tango, while a real fruit club waits in the background. And yes, we're talking about a kind of 5-fruit cocktail from a can here - but the good kind, not the stuff from the discount store.
Green grapes bring a nice acidity into play, which prevents the whole thing from becoming too sweet. The result? Still summery fresh overall - like sitting under an apple tree on a hot day and drinking a glass of perfectly chilled fruit salad. Only with 61% alcohol.
The texture is wonderfully oily - the sign of quality. Cheap whiskies feel like flavoured water. This one feels like liquid happiness.
Finish
Medium length is a polite way of saying: "It stays long enough to make an impression, but not so long that it becomes boring." Sticky - what sounds negative at first is actually meant positively here. Like a good summer's day that doesn't want to end.
There is also a pleasant woody flavour - the barrels have done a good job here. And then, as if that wasn't enough, white pepper creeps in and reminds us that, despite all the fruitiness, we are dealing with a genuine Scottish single malt.
Thoughts
"Can do, perfect for the summer" - that's a diplomatic way of putting it and means: this whisky is really good, but it has its limits. The 61.1% alcohol strength is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it brings intensity and complexity. A curse because it's not for everyone.
Imagine you're at a summer party and someone serves you a whisky that tastes of orchard, honey and adventure - that's the Nc'nean Aon White Port. The problem: not everyone at the party likes to drink whiskies that are strong enough to act as an accelerant.
The white port finish is not just a marketing gimmick here, but is actually flavour-defining. While normal port casks often bring heavy, sweet, almost sticky notes, white port provides freshness and elegance.
Rating: 83/100 - Excellent (Marcel: 82 | Sascha: 83)
Value for Money: 3/5 - Ok
Preview Image Source: Whiskybase
FAQ: The Most Common Questions
❓ Isn't 61.1% alcohol strength far too strong for everyday use?
👉 Yes and no. It's definitely too strong for whisky beginners. But: you can dilute it with a few drops of water - that even opens up additional flavours. Or you can drink it as a special occasion whisky, not as an after-work sip. The high strength also means that a bottle lasts longer.
❓ Is the surcharge worth it compared to standard Highlands?
👉 It depends on what you're looking for. If you value unique flavour experiences and find sustainability important, then yes. If you just want a solid Highland whisky for everyday enjoyment, there are cheaper alternatives. The Nc'nean is more of an experience than an everyday drink.
❓ What is the best way to drink whisky?
👉 Pure at room temperature reveals all the flavours. With 2-3 drops of water, it becomes more accessible and can release new flavours. Over ice, it is perfect for summer evenings. It would be a waste as a long drink - it is too complex and too expensive for that.