Tasting notes·Nc’nean

Nc'Nean Huntress Orchard Cobbler (2019/2024)

Nc'Nean makes it exciting again! With the Huntress series, the innovative Highland distillery is exploring bold new paths in the world of whisky. The Huntress 2019/2024 Orchard Cobbler relies on a special fermentation process: Long Maturation Recipe, no mash rest, only one type of yeast - and all in a blend of 66% STR casks, bourbon and a touch of sherry (3%, to be precise - so just enough to feel important).

The panel

Marcel
78
Sascha
76

Mean 77.0 · spread 2

Value for money 2/5

Distillery
Nc'Nean
Type
Single Malt
Region
Highlands
Country
Scotland
Strength
48.5% ABV
Character
floral

Tasting

Nose

The first impression? Vanilla meets mint - as if someone had thrown a bourbon into a herb garden. Then apple and peach come into play, accompanied by a fine acidity that lends freshness to the whole. Red grapes and honey round off the flavour, while a slightly alcoholic note lurks in the background (a little cheeky, but charming). Anyone who likes sweet, fruity yet invigorating whiskies will immediately find their nose stuck in the glass.

Palate

The first sip? Stone fruit at full volume! Peach, apricot and a little nectarine - as if someone had distilled fruit salad in liquid form. This is joined by a load of vanilla, freshly picked herbs and a hint of grapefruit, which provides a tangy freshness. Malty? And how! Anyone familiar with Nc'Nean's Organic Flagship will immediately feel at home here - just in an even rounder, fuller-flavoured version.

Finish

Where other whiskies end with strong oak, the Huntress prefers to remain fresh, fruity and berry-flavoured. The tannins remain in the background while the fruitiness gently fades away. Anyone who has ever tasted Nc'Nean's standard bottling will notice the difference - the Orchard Cobbler is softer and smoother without losing its characteristic freshness.

Verdicts

Marcel

A lively delight that, with its fruity lightness, really lifts the spirits – perfect for anyone not looking for a heavy hitter, but a whisky with charm and character. Nc’nean shows here just how much fun experimentation can be without ever becoming dull.

Sascha

The Huntress 2019/2024 impresses with a precise balance of fruit notes and subtle wood spice that skillfully plays around its youthful character. The structured development of aromas and the lasting finish make it an intriguing, expertly crafted reinterpretation in the realm of innovative Highland whiskies.

What it is worth

We do not yet hold bottle-level auction results — that sits behind Whisky Hunter’s authenticated feed. What follows is the market for Nc’nean as a whole, which sets the weather for this bottling without pricing it.

£10£100£1k£10k201920202021202220232024

Latest mean bid £57 across 75 lots · 2024-08

Source

Tasting note and scores by WHISKY:EDITION — tasted by Marcel and Sascha, published 2025-02-21.