Nc'nean Huntress Orchard Cobbler 2019/2024
Nc'Nean makes it exciting again! With the Huntress series, the innovative Highland distillery is exploring bold new paths in the world of whisky. The Huntress 2019/2024 Orchard Cobbler relies on a special fermentation process: Long Maturation Recipe, no mash rest, only one type of yeast - and all in a blend of 66% STR casks, bourbon and a touch of sherry (3%, to be precise - so just enough to feel important).
Tasting Notes
Nose
The first impression? Vanilla meets mint - as if someone had thrown a bourbon into a herb garden. Then apple and peach come into play, accompanied by a fine acidity that lends freshness to the whole. Red grapes and honey round off the flavour, while a slightly alcoholic note lurks in the background (a little cheeky, but charming). Anyone who likes sweet, fruity yet invigorating whiskies will immediately find their nose stuck in the glass.
Palate
The first sip? Stone fruit at full volume! Peach, apricot and a little nectarine - as if someone had distilled fruit salad in liquid form. This is joined by a load of vanilla, freshly picked herbs and a hint of grapefruit, which provides a tangy freshness. Malty? And how! Anyone familiar with Nc'Nean's Organic Flagship will immediately feel at home here - just in an even rounder, fuller-flavoured version.
Finish
Where other whiskies end with strong oak, the Huntress prefers to remain fresh, fruity and berry-flavoured. The tannins remain in the background while the fruitiness gently fades away. Anyone who has ever tasted Nc'Nean's standard bottling will notice the difference - the Orchard Cobbler is softer and smoother without losing its characteristic freshness.
Thoughts
Marcel 78/100
A lively delight that, with its fruity lightness, really lifts the spirits – perfect for anyone not looking for a heavy hitter, but a whisky with charm and character. Nc’nean shows here just how much fun experimentation can be without ever becoming dull.
Sascha 76/100
The Huntress 2019/2024 impresses with a precise balance of fruit notes and subtle wood spice that skillfully plays around its youthful character. The structured development of aromas and the lasting finish make it an intriguing, expertly crafted reinterpretation in the realm of innovative Highland whiskies.
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.
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76/100Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Long Maturation Recipe mean for Nc'nean Huntress Orchard Cobbler 2019/2024?
The Long Maturation Recipe describes a special fermentation process where no mash rest is used and only a single yeast strain is employed. This leads to a longer and more controlled maturation that supports the whisky’s fruity and fresh character.
How does the cask mix influence the taste of the Huntress Orchard Cobbler?
The whisky matures in a blend of 66% STR casks (Straw Wine Casks), bourbon barrels, and a small 3% portion of sherry casks. This combination creates a balanced profile of fruity, vanilla, and lightly spicy notes, with the sherry casks adding only a subtle depth.
Why does Nc'nean Huntress Orchard Cobbler have no age statement (NAS), and how does this affect the whisky?
Nc'nean deliberately omits an age statement on this whisky to retain maximum flexibility in cask selection and maturation time. The result is a fresh, fruit-forward whisky with a soft, smooth profile that benefits not from long aging but from innovative production methods.