Nc'nean Distillery — Highland Single Malt Whisky

Nc'nean Distillery is a Scotch whisky distillery located near Drimnin, on the Morvern peninsula in the Scottish Highlands. It was founded in 2017 and is currently owned by Drimnin Distillery Co. Nc'nean is notable as an organic, sustainability-driven distillery that was the first in the UK to achieve net zero carbon emissions during whisky production.

History

Nc'nean Distillery was founded by Annabel Thomas, who set out to build a whisky distillery run on renewable energy and organic ingredients. Production began in 2017, funded by family, friends, seed investors, and a £600,000 grant from the EU via the Scottish Government (broadcaster Jeremy Paxman is also a small shareholder). Master distiller Jim Swan, who consulted on the distillery's whisky-making approach, died shortly before the first distillation took place; Gordon Wood, previously of Diageo, subsequently became master distiller. The distillery's first spirit, an unaged botanical spirit made from newmake mixed with wild herbs, was released in September 2018. Its debut single malt whisky went on sale in 2020, with an early cask sold at charity auction for £41,004. The distillery takes its name from Neachneohain, the Gaelic legendary "Queen of Spirits." Nc'nean achieved B Corp certification in February 2022 and has continued to expand its sustainability programme, including a bottle-return scheme for its 100% recycled glass packaging.

Quick Facts

• Region: Highland
• Founded: 2017
• Owner: Drimnin Distillery Co
• Status: Active
• Stills: 1 wash still, 1 spirit still

Core Range

Nc'nean's core range centres on its Organic Single Malt Scotch Whisky, alongside a Cask Strength Organic Single Malt. The distillery also produces limited-edition single malt series such as "Quiet Rebels" and "Huntress," along with single cask bottlings, and an unaged Botanical Spirit made from malted barley and wild herbs.