Nc'nean Quiet Rebels ‘Lorna’

Nc'nean is steadily working on their releases and the number of bottles is also increasing. While the first Quiet Rebels – a tribute to founder Annabel – had a circulation of 4,504 bottles, Lorna's – in honour of Lorna Davidson, one of the female distillers – gets one of more than 7500 bottles. The composition is also interesting, because this vatting was made with 84% former bourbon barrels and 16% barrels that previously held Pineau des Charentes!

The nose starts surprisingly closed and needs some air and handwarmth to get going. But if you can afford that (just do it!) you will still be rewarded with a beautiful, sweet and fruity nose. Honey, caramel, vanilla and malt sugars are quickly embellished with apricots and peaches and overripe pears. At first an acid note appears as if from gooseberries, but with some patience this evolves into darker notes like figs and dried plums. Even later, some green garden herbs appear that complete the picture.

Quite oily and mouth filling on arrival and immediately quite spicy on white pepper and even some nutmeg. Then the fruit follows in full regalia, although it tastes less sweet than the nose made it seem. Nevertheless, I find this, especially for a 3-year-old malt, very beautiful. Midpalate appears some white chocolate and green grapes. That must be from the Pineau.

The finish is a bit on the short side and slightly drying, but that can no longer spoil the fun.

I have a soft spot for Nc'nean, that is known. And this Lorna confirms once again why I love this house. A disadvantage is undoubtedly the price tag. In Belgium you pay between 90 and 100 EUR for this.