Nc’nean Cask Strength joins core range

Highland distillery Nc’nean has added a cask strength expression to its core whisky range in response to increasing consumer demand for the category.

Nc’nean’s 59% ABV cask strength whisky is the latest addition to the distillery’s core range of organic single malts, joining the brand’s ‘light and fruity’ signature organic single malt, which debuted in 2020. The B Corp-certified distillery said the release is in response to consumers’ requests for a permanent higher strength edition, following the launch of a cask strength expression created exclusively for the German market. Annabel Thomas, founder of Nc’nean, said: “I’m really excited to be adding a cask strength whisky to our flagship range. When this expression was previously bottled exclusively for some of our fans in Germany, we received such an enthusiastic response about the fruitiness and spice that the higher alcohol strength brings to our signature whisky. With this in mind, we decided to roll it out across our other markets. If you’re a fan of cask strength whiskies, then this one is for you.” The previously bottled cask strength expression for the German market claimed a Master medal at The DB and SB Spring Tasting, with judges calling it “an excellent example of a cask strength Scotch single malt. Incredible depth and complexity, and great integration of high ABV.” Nc’nean’s signature recipe at cask strength is said to represent ‘the organic single malt in its most natural form’. As with the brand’s flagship bottling, the higher ABV expression is made from organic Scottish barley, however consumers can expect ‘slightly more intense’ notes of spiced rye bread, juicy peaches and tangy lemons, in comparison with the original bottling, which rests at 46% ABV. The whisky has been matured in STR (shaved, toasted and re-charred) red wine casks and American whiskey barrels, as well as a small number of oloroso Sherry casks, to develop Nc’nean’s trademark body and sweetness. Each 700ml bottle is certified organic, suitable for vegans, and gluten-free, having been crafted in Nc’nean’s renewable energy-powered distillery. Nc’nean Cask Strength Batch will be released in the UK on 4 September at an RRP of £74.95 (US$98), with bottles going live across Nc’nean’s other markets over the next nine months.