EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – At the prestigious World Whiskies Awards 2026 Scotland round, held at the Signet Library on December 4, 2025, Nc’nean Distillery solidified its position as a leader in innovation and sustainability. The distillery’s limited-edition release, "Quiet Rebels: Simon," emerged victorious, claiming the title of Category Winner for Small Batch Single Malt (Scotch Highlands — No Age Statement).

"Quiet Rebels: Simon" – A Fusion of Whisky and Craft Beer Artistry

This award-winning expression is the third installment in Nc’nean’s Quiet Rebels series, which celebrates the individual team members behind the distillery’s success. This specific release was developed by Simon Hewitt, a distillery team member and avid craft beer enthusiast.

• Cask Innovation: The liquid was initially matured in STR (Shaved, Toasted, and Re-charred) red wine casks.
• Unique Finish: It was finished in Oat Stout casks from the renowned Scottish brewery Innis & Gunn, which added layers of velvety richness.
• Tasting Notes: The whisky features distinct notes of chocolate brioche, coffee fudge cake, and cherry jam.
• Limited Production: Only 6,894 bottles were produced for this global release.
• Pricing: The expression launched with an RRP of approximately $110 - $119.99, currently retailing around $109.99.

Nc’nean: Pioneering the "Carbon-Negative" Frontier

The victory of Quiet Rebels: Simon highlights the excellence of a distillery founded by Annabel Thomas on a mission to prove that spirits can be world-class while remaining eco-conscious.

• Green Hydrogen Leadership: Nc’nean is at the forefront of the "green whisky" movement, utilizing Green Hydrogen and 100% renewable energy in its distillation processes.
• Carbon-Negative Status: The distillery is recognized as the first in the UK to achieve a net-zero/carbon-negative footprint for its operations.
• Organic Commitment: Every bottle is crafted using 100% organic Scottish barley.