Ncn’ean creates whisky internships for women

Highland distillery Ncn’ean is hoping to entice more women into the whisky industry by offering two week-long, all-expenses-paid internships.

Ncn’ean Distillery founder Annabel Thomas foraging for botanicals

Ncn’ean hopes to break down gender stereotypes in the whisky world through the Whisky’d Away internships and help women realise that “opportunities exist in all areas of whisky production”.

The successful applicants will have the chance to explore all aspects of whisky production at the distillery, including mashing, distilling, maturation and making cocktails.

The interns will also have the opportunity to sample the still-maturing ‘whisky’, set to launch in 2020, and forage for local plants used in Ncn’ean’s Botanical Spirit.

Set to take place from 15 to 20 July, entrants must be female, over 18 years old, and available to travel to Scotland from 14 to 20 July inclusive. Travel, accommodation and food will be covered throughout the week.

Annabel Thomas, founder of Ncn’ean, said: “I wanted to challenge the out-dated views a lot of people still have. The number of times people ask me ‘do you actually like whisky?’ just because I am a woman, and the lack of gender balance in the industry in Scotland suggests we all still have more work to do.

“The internship will be a chance for two women to experience all aspects of the small operation and invite them to understand what working in a distillery really involves.

“We hope that women from all walks of life that want to try their hand at something new will apply.”

For further details and to apply, visit ncnean.com/internship.

Ncn’ean Distillery is located in the Scottish Highlands