Nc'nean Quiet Rebels ‘Annabel’

I think you can safely say that I am a fan of Nc'nean. I've tasted the first ten batches and it's become a bit of a daily sipper. So accessible and pleasantly priced that I can drink it daily without any problems. But they recently launched the so-called Quiet Rebels series – an ode to the distillery's employees, each time vatting something special – and start with the distillery’s leading lady: Annabel Thomas. In addition to the classic bourbon and STR casks, she now also chose Tokaji and sherry casks. Tokaji is the oldest type of wine made in Hungary. Very excited to try this.

Nice nose! Sweet on red fruit and melon, but also some peach and apricot come peeking around the corner. That's followed by some herbal notes that give it real depth: camphor, candied ginger and some sage. Patience! It's not done yet. Some sweet sandwich dough appears, along with a touch of mustard seeds and a leaf of mint. Amusing and tasty.

It starts off friendly and sweet, just like the 'regular' batches, but that is soon drowned out by the wood's spicy notes. Pepper, ginger, tannin... but in a good dose so that the malt tastes spicy without becoming oaky. Fine piece of craftsmanship. Some jam of quince and dried apricots appear, supplemented with a late touch of cloves. Gets nice and warm, mind you.

The finish is softly drying and nicely spicy. Ginger and black pepper. Red fruit on the deathbed, along with a hint of origin chocolate and even some pale rum.

The picture is perfect once again. Revolutionary packaging, fair price, good story and excellent whisky. Kudos!