Ncn'ean releases botanical spirit

Scotland's Ncn'ean Distillery has released a botanical spirit, neither a gin nor a whisky, in a take on new-make spirit. 

This new, botanical spirit is a hybrid: a base of Ncn’ean’s new make whisky redistilled with a selection of botanicals including grapefruit, local herbs such as bog myrtle and heather, and coriander and juniper.

Claiming to be inspired by its new make spirit, this is the first spirit released by Ncn’ean and a milestone on its journey to releasing its single malt whisky.

Initially released in a limited run of 5,000 bottles, the spirit is gaining momentum in some of London’s bars. It is available through Speciality Drinks and the ​Whisky Exchange​.

The new make single malt spirit is distilled twice at Ncn’ean, the first 100 per cent organic whisky distillery in Scotland. Then for a third time at west coast gin distillery, Beinn an Tuirc, where ten botanicals are added including sorrel, heather, fresh grapefruit and wild bog myrtle.

Annabel Thomas, founder of Ncn’ean, says: “While laying down whisky in our warehouses, a lot of people commented that our new make spirit was so good we should bottle it. Credit for this must go in part to Dr Jim Swan, one of the legends of our industry, who helped shape our recipe and whole approach to whisky making. And it was this, combined with the wild herbs and flowers we find all around the distillery, that inspired us to create this spirit.”

Jamie Jones, World Class GB winner in 2017 and director of drinks for Scotch+Limon says: “The range of flavours in the botanical spirit and its versatility makes a fantastic base for cocktails. It makes a cracking martini, and the unusual combination of flavours is great inspiration for new creations.”

7 September 2018 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editor