Nc'nean Aon Calvados 2017/2025
There are whiskies that tell stories – and then there are those that merge worlds. The Nc'nean Aon Calvados 2017/2025 belongs to the second category. Originating from the young, ambitious distillery in the Scottish Highlands, this seven-years single malt presents itself as a fascinating experiment: matured in former Calvados casks, it combines the rugged beauty of the Highlands with the fruity sophistication of Normandy.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Cotton candy is the first association that comes to mind – light, almost ethereal, yet with a substantial presence. Underneath lies a thick layer of honey and caramel, which gives the whole thing an almost creamy texture even before you take your first sip. But the real magic unfolds when you give the whisky time. Juicy apple juice, freshly pressed and lively, pushes to the fore – here the Calvados heritage is unmistakable. It is not the perfumed sweetness of ripe apples, but the juicy freshness of crisp autumn fruits. Subtle oak notes play around the fruity centre like a restrained wooden frame around a lively painting. The high alcohol content is noticeable, but never aggressive – rather, it enhances the aromas and carries them powerfully to the nose.
Palate
Lots of apple, lots and lots of apple. The fruitiness of the nose continues, taking on a slightly compote-like quality without losing its freshness. Interestingly, a slight dryness develops in parallel, giving the sweet apple core contour and preventing the whisky from becoming too one-dimensionally sweet. Well-integrated vanilla notes form the foundation of this explosion of flavour – creamy, round, perfectly balanced. The honey spice that was already present on the nose comes into its own on the palate: non-stop, continuous, like a sweet melody that runs through the entire tasting. Oak spice joins in, never dominant, but always present.
Finish
Long-lasting, a very exciting wood note develops, contrasting with the subtle oak on the palate. This is where the complexity of barrel ageing comes into play: the Calvados barrels have not only imparted fruitiness, but also their own structure.
Thoughts
Marcel 82/100
A whisky that brings so much joy you almost forget how young it is – the Nc'nean Aon Calvados 2017/2025 is a true seducer with its sweet fruitiness and intriguing Calvados twist. Not a classic Highland malt, but precisely for that reason, an experience not to be missed.
Sascha 82/100
This seven-years single malt impresses with its balanced structure and the successful integration of Calvados cask notes, which lend the whisky a complex woodiness and fruity freshness. Despite the high alcohol strength, the Nc'nean Aon Calvados 2017/2025 remains harmonious and well-balanced, an interesting experiment with a distinctive character.
Value for Money: Expensive
Discover our value for money winnersThis product was kindly provided to us by Kirsch Import. This does not influence our rating. No payments or other benefits were received in exchange for this provision.
Related Reviews
Royal Brackla 10 Years 2014/2024 - Thompson Bros
Who would have thought that such a treasure was hidden behind the unassuming name Royal Brackla? The distillery from the Scottish Highlands often leads a shadowy existence alongside the big names, but Thompson Bros impressively proves with this 10-years bottling why Royal Brackla deserves the title "The King's Own Whisky".
86/100
Royal Brackla 2009/2021 11 Years - van Wees
After 11 years of maturation in Scottish warehouses, this Royal Brackla is presented at 46% ABV – a strength that promises to unfold its royal flavours while remaining drinkable for us mere mortals.
73/100
Glen Moray 2007/2021 14 Years - Malts of Scotland
There are whiskies that invite reflection, others that astonish. And then there are those that smile at you sweetly – only to throw a ginger bomb onto your palate a second later. The Glen Moray 2007/2021, bottled by Malts of Scotland, belongs to this third category – a surprising and exciting release from the Glen Moray distillery, located in the Speyside region near the Highlands. Aged for 14 years in a bourbon cask, bottled at a bold 56.3% ABV, non-chill filtered, natural colour – just the way we purists like it.
81/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does maturation in Calvados casks influence the flavor of the Nc'nean Aon Calvados 2017/2025?
Maturation in former Calvados casks imparts pronounced apple notes reminiscent of fresh apple juice and stewed fruitiness. Additionally, the wood of the casks contributes a subtle woody note and structure, making the flavor complex and multi-layered without overshadowing the natural freshness.
What role does the 60.1% alcohol content play in enjoying this whisky?
At 60.1% ABV, the Nc'nean Aon Calvados 2017/2025 is powerful and intense. The high strength amplifies the aromas, making them more present and delivering a robust tasting experience. Yet, the alcohol never feels aggressive; instead, it supports the complexity along with the fruity and spicy notes.
What sets the Nc'nean Aon Calvados 2017/2025 apart from classic Highland whiskies?
Unlike classic Highland whiskies, which typically mature in bourbon or sherry casks, this whisky is distinguished by its maturation in Calvados casks. This results in a fusion of the rugged, spicy Highland character with the fruity freshness and sweet honeyed notes of Normandy, creating an unusual and complex profile.