Whisky Review: Nc’nean Quiet Rebels Gordon

Editor’s Note: We received a review sample of this whisky from the brand. However, in accordance with our editorial policies, this has not influenced the outcome of our review in any way.

Nc’nean, which began distilling in Scotland’s Highland region in 2017, is one of a newer wave of distilleries to pop up in this historic whisk(e)y making region of the world. Focused on being fully organic and sustainable in its practices, it distills from organic barley, makes its bottles from 100% recycled glass, recycles or reuses 99.9% of its waste, and, in 2021, achieved verified net zero status for carbon emissions from its operations.

Alongside the highly green-focused footprint, Nc’nean has seen solid marks for its releases, leading to it being crowned Craft Producer of the Year 2023 at the Icons of Whisky Scotland Awards. They’ve recently begun bringing some of their award-winning inspired expressions to the United States, with one of the newer bottlings being Nc’nean Quiet Rebels Gordon.

What’s in the bottle

Nc’nean Quiet Rebels Gordon is part of a series of one-off expressions celebrating the diverse distillery team led by founder Annabel Thomas. For this offering, Nc’nean’s distillery manager, Gordon Wood, had the pick of the litter to put it together. He used a combination of STR (shaved-toasted-recharred) red wine (74%), ex-sherry (19%), and ex-Rivesaltes (7%) casks to bring it about.

“Working here as manager at Nc’nean Distillery has brought much enjoyment for me; the people, the views, the remote coastline and the nature surrounding the distillery is fantastic,” said Wood at the time of this whisky’s release. “I’ve loved seeing people taste this release in Europe so I’m really excited that it has finally reached the United States. Usually I go for a rich whisky with fruity notes and ones influenced with sherry casks are a particular favourite, so I wanted this release to bring about some of my go to flavours.

“Velvety, rich and definitely moreish. In my opinion, the best whiskies always leave your mouth wanting more.”

Nc’nean Quiet Rebels Gordon, bottled at 48.5% ABV, is a limited release in five US states (California, Hawaii, Colorado, Illinois, and Texas) and online. It costs around $100 per 700 ml bottle.