Nc'nean Aon White Port 2020/2025
Imagine this: A young, sustainable Highland distillery meets white port and the result is... Magic? Well, at least the Nc'nean Aon White Port 2020/2025 is the result - a whisky that proves that good things can happen if you're brave enough to be a little crazy. With a proud 61.1% alcohol strength, this is definitely not a whisky for sissies, but for everyone else it could be a summery dream.
Tasting Notes
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.
Palate
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
Marcel 82/100
A whisky that really lifts your spirits in the summer – intense, fruity, and packed with plenty of character. The 61.1% ABV is no joke, but that’s exactly what makes the drinking experience exciting and unforgettable. Nc'nean proves you can score with both power and elegance at the same time, even if not everyone wants to handle that much fire.
Sascha 83/100
The Nc'nean Aon White Port impresses with its balanced interplay between fruitiness and alcohol strength, which, despite the 61.1%, never feels overwhelming. The white port finish adds a refreshing elegance that clearly structures the profile and highlights its complexity. A well-crafted Highland whisky that combines summery freshness with technical finesse, though it might not be for everyone.
Value for Money: Fair
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
Nc'nean Huntress Lemon Meadow 2019/2025
The Nc'nean Distillery, nestled in the Scottish Highlands, is renowned for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the exploration of new flavors. Their Huntress series, inspired by Neachneohain—the "Queen of Spirits" from Gaelic mythology—embodies this spirit. The Nc'nean Huntress Lemon Meadow 2019/2025 continues this journey: a single malt whisky without age statement, bottled at a robust 48.5% ABV, and free from coloring or chill filtration.
81/100
Glencadam Reserva Andalucia
With 46% ABV, uncoloured and non-chill filtered, this bottling promises honest craftsmanship. But can a NAS whisky, which was first matured in bourbon casks and then finished in Oloroso sherry butts, really convince? Or does the delicate Glencadam spirit disappear under the powerful sherry wave?
74/100
Deanston 12 Years 2012/2024 - The Cask Hound
The Deanston Distillery, located on the banks of the River Teith in the southern Highlands, is known for its unfiltered character and use of Scottish spring water. The Cask Hound has selected a special cask from the 2012 vintage and bottled it in 2024 after twelve years of maturation. The promise: pure Highland essence without compromise.
82/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the white port finish influence the flavor of the Nc'nean Aon White Port 2020/2025?
The white port finish imparts a subtle wine-like note and a summery, fruity aroma. It creates a complex fruitiness with hints of green grapes and a slightly sweet character, making the whisky fresh and lively.
Why does the Nc'nean Aon White Port 2020/2025 not have sharp burning notes on the nose despite its 61.1% alcohol strength?
Nc'nean has managed to tame the high alcohol content through careful distillation and maturation. As a result, the whisky feels very approachable and soft on the nose despite its 61.1% ABV, without any unpleasant burning from the alcohol.
What makes the Nc'nean Aon White Port 2020/2025 a sustainable whisky?
Nc'nean is a young distillery that places great emphasis on sustainability, for example by using renewable energy and environmentally friendly production methods. This whisky reflects the distillery’s commitment to ecological responsibility without compromising on quality and flavor.