Nc'nean Organic Single Malt Batch RA08

While the 'normal' batches continue unabated (at the time of writing Batch 18 was already a fact), Nc'nean launched two completely new batches in 2022 with a new system of numbering. In addition to this Batch RA08, there is also a Batch BU06. This first one (which is now also in my glass) was composed with 43% STR red wine casks, 55% former American whiskey barrels (the vast majority of which are first fill bourbon) and 2% oloroso sherry casks. Oh, yes, another small detail: the bottle is now not transparent green or opaque dark blue, but simply transparent – albeit with the same beautiful print.

Honey, citrus, caramel, nougat and chocolate I get on the nose. A slightly floral touch (ferns?) also greets me. Some eucalyptus in the background. It smells surprisingly rich and even a tad creamy.

Nice and round and creamy on the tongue, absolutely. Even though there is only 2% of oloroso-matured malt, that gives it a bit more body and spiciness. Apart from that, the difference in taste is not that big with previous batches, but that was not the intention either. I do get a touch of sweet chestnuts and licorice. White pepper. Slightly drying towards the end.

The finish is medium length, gently drying and spicy.

It is known that I am a fan from the first hour. But this release just confirms what I already knew from Batch 01: this is just top stuff (for that age and price). Just under 60 EUR, which is okay in my opinion.