Time is running out if you want to buy a cask

Whisky fans looking to get their hands on the first cask release from organic and sustainable whisky distillery Ncn’ean has better get their skates on.

After the success of a previous sale, the distillery, based in Drimnin, By Lochaline, Oban, offered 60 more casks to the public.
However, 30 of them have already gone.

Each cask is filled with the 63% ABV spirit, holding 195-220 litres, which the distillery expects to result in over 300 bottles. The barrels are priced between £3000 – £4400, depending on the selected cask type (ex-bourbon or ex-wine) and initial maturation period.

Annabel Thomas, founder of Ncn’ean, said: ‘Scotland has a long history of experimentation which we are continuing with the development of our whisky.

‘We have 60 casks available for private individuals to own, inviting them to join the family and come along with us on our journey, as we watch our whisky develop. Whether as an individual, a family or group of friends, those who purchase a cask will have the opportunity to visit the distillery on the west coast, sample the spirit as it matures, and most importantly, enjoy over 300 bottles of organic Scotch whisky at the end.’

Annabel offered some suggestions to those interested in purchasing a cask.

• ‘Think about which distillery is right for you. Ncn’ean has a great offering: it’s the first 100% organic whisky distillery in Scotland and offers two different types of whisky spirit. The distillery’s approach to sustainability is what sets Ncn’ean apart, as does the experimentation and imaginative distilling ideas.’
• ‘Location is also important – Ncn’ean is on the beautiful west coast of Scotland and buying a cask here provides you with a brilliant excuse to visit. But if our location is too remote for you, think about buying somewhere more local.’
• ‘The ageing process. When do you want your whisky? Five years, ten years or maybe fifteen years? – this should guide which recipe you choose. At Ncn’ean, if you choose the ‘young’ recipe, you have the flexibility to bottle it young or extend the maturation process.’
• ‘Once you have chosen which distillery to buy from, the biggest variable will be which cask you choose. If you can, go to a bar or distillery and try some whiskies matured in ex-bourbon and ex-wine casks, to see which you prefer – this will give you the best idea of what to expect from your own cask.’
• ‘Bottling it. Do you want 300 bottles? Do you want to share it with friends? Do you want to bottle some now and leave the rest to continue to age in the cask? All options we offer at Ncn’ean.’
• ‘Ask questions. Every buyer is unique and a distillery will be more than happy to share their knowledge with you, to help you make your decision.’

Ncn’ean is trailblazing a sustainable approach to distilling in Scotland using not only 100% renewable energy but creating a whisky that will be certified organic – something quite unique in Scotland.

Visit www.ncnean.com for more details.