Nc'nea Organic Batch 5 2017/2021
The Nc'nean Distillery in Drimnin on the Morvern Peninsula stands for radical sustainability in whisky production. 100% renewable energy, certified organic barley and innovative cask experiments - the concept is well thought out. Organic Batch 5 represents this philosophy as the flagship of the regular bottlings, even if it comes across as a no-age statement.
Tasting Notes
Nose
On first nosing, the Nc'nean Organic Batch 5 reveals a thoroughly appealing aroma. Vanilla and apple dominate the first impression, followed by white pepper and subtle floral notes. The malt sweetness is present without being overpowering. There is an interesting note reminiscent of Federweißer - an indication of the young ageing process. These youthful traits are not negative per se, but clearly show that a whisky has not yet reached its full maturity.
Palate
On the palate, the whisky presents itself with white pepper as the leading flavour, accompanied by light fruity notes and an interesting complexity of spices. Light grape notes and, surprisingly, apple cider vinegar are added - the latter is a critical point that indicates possible immaturity or sub-optimal cask selection. The texture is pleasantly oily, but the balance of flavours is not yet fully mature.
Finish
The short finish is the Achilles heel of this whisky. Youthful dryness and bitter tannins dominate the finish without conveying the more complex aromas from the nose and flavour.
Thoughts
Marcel 71/100
A whisky that scores with a lot of heart and a sustainable concept, but doesn’t quite ignite fully – the Nc'nean Organic Batch 5 shows character, yet lacks the depth and maturity to truly captivate. For fans of fresh, lively Highland drams, it’s definitely worth a try, even though the finish remains somewhat short and dry.
Sascha 70/100
The Nc'nean Organic Batch 5 reveals an interesting aromatic spectrum but falls short in balance and maturation depth. The structural imbalance, especially in the finish, clearly indicates there’s still room for development – a solid, but not yet a fully refined organic whisky.
Value for Money: Expensive
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82/100Frequently Asked Questions
What does No Age Statement (NAS) mean for Nc'nean Organic Batch 5?
No Age Statement means the whisky does not display a specific age on the label. For Nc'nean Organic Batch 5, this suggests a younger maturation, reflected in fresh but not yet fully developed aromas.
What role does sustainability play in the production of this whisky?
Nc'nean uses 100% renewable energy and organically certified barley. Additionally, the distillery experiments with innovative cask types to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable production methods.
Why does the Nc'nean Organic Batch 5 have a rather short and dry finish?
The short, dry finish with bitter tannins likely results from the relatively young maturation and the choice of casks. These factors can limit the balance and complexity in the finish.