Nc’nean’s first whisky sets world record at £41,004

Highland distillery Nc’nean has broken a world record after bottle number one of its inaugural single malt whisky sold for £41,004 (US$54,183) during an online auction.

The first 10 bottles of Ainnir single malt were sold on Whisky Auctioneer in August to raise money for five charities. The bottles attracted more than 852 bids from 13 countries.

The sale of bottle number one of Ainnir quadrupled the previous record held for a first bottle from a new distillery to be sold at auction.

In total, the auction raised more than £92,000 (US$121,600), including a contribution of £8,560 (US$11,311), the 10% buyers’ commission donated by Whisky Auctioneer.

Iain McClune, founder of Whisky Auctioneer, said: “This is a fantastic result. The significant interest shown by our global community of whisky lovers and connoisseurs comes as no surprise, the first release from a forward thinking and exciting young distillery is an enticing prospect, as the generous bidding and record breaking price for bottle number one attests.

“We are incredibly proud to have hosted this auction and to contribute to the funds raised for Nc’nean’s chosen charities. We hope that these donations will make a real difference to their important work during such difficult times.”

All proceeds from the auction will be split between charities that support sustainability, the Morvern community and the UK hospitality industry, including Trees for Life, The Drinks Trust, The Ben, The Scottish Farm Land Trust and Morvern Community Trust.

Annabel Thomas, Nc’nean founder, said: “We could not be happier with the success of this auction. I’m really proud that Nc’nean has been able to give something back to support charities and the hospitality industry that have been particularly hard hit recently.

“Our maiden bottling has now completely sold out. Watch this space for the next chapter in the Nc’nean story, we have some exciting announcements ahead.”

The “unpeated, smooth and elegant” no-age-statement whisky is made from organic Scottish barley and is a combination of five casks. It is bottled at natural cask strength (60.3% ABV).

There were only 1,320 bottles released of the inaugural whisky, which sold out online within 36 hours. The first 10 bottles are different from the rest as they feature a special silver detail.

Nc’nean, which is based on the west coast of Scotland, was founded by Thomas and Derek Lewis in 2013. The site runs entirely on renewable energy.

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Author: Nicola Carruthers