Nc’nean experiments with French yeast
Independent Scotch whisky distillery Nc’nean has launched the fourth edition of its Huntress series, Lemon Meadow, which was fermented using yeast from French sparkling wine production.
Nc’nean’s Huntress range is inspired by the distillery’s namesake, Gaelic goddess Neachneohain, who is known as a huntress who follows her own path.
The series is dedicated to exploration and Nc’nean’s pursuit of discovering unique flavours in whisky making. Each release pushes boundaries by experimenting with a variety of production methods.
Previous releases in the series include the 2024 release, Huntress Orchard Cobbler, which trialled different cut points on multiple spirit runs.
The fourth release in the Huntress series is said to highlight the distillery’s innovative approach to fermentation experiments.
The organic single malt was fermented using yeast derived from French sparkling wine production, which is rarely used in Scotch whisky making, contributing ‘buttery, citrusy and biscuity’ notes to the spirit.
Huntress Lemon Meadow includes spirits from the distillery’s first yeast trial in 2017, the same year Nc’nean began distilling.
The new release comprises whiskies aged 56% in shaved, toasted, and re-charred (STR) red wine casks, 42% in ex-American whiskey barrels, and 2% in ex-oloroso Sherry casks.
Offered at 48.5% ABV, the whisky displays flavours of lemon sorbet, chamomile, and butter shortbread.
Nc’nean Huntress Lemon Meadow is limited to 5,729 bottles globally, available from today (29 April) from selected retailers and the distillery’s website for £89.75 (US$119).
Established in 2017 by Annabel Thomas, Nc’nean is a B Corp-certified distillery located in Morvern on the south coast of Scotland.
Last year, the Highland distillery added a cask-strength expression to its core whisky range, bottled at 59% ABV.
Earlier this month, Nc’nean opened entries for its Creations cocktail competition, challenging European bartenders to create an apéritif using the distillery’s Botanical Spirit or whisky.
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