There are distilleries that arrive with noise, and there are those that arrive with intent. Nc'nean falls firmly into the latter camp. The Huntress series has become something of a quiet statement from this Highland operation — limited bottlings that lean into botanical and flavour-led experimentation without ever losing sight of the spirit at their core. Lemon Meadow, bottled in 2025, is the latest expression to land on my desk, and it continues a track record that has earned my attention over the past few years.
At 48.5% ABV, this sits at a strength that tells you the distillery isn't interested in watering things down for the sake of approachability. That's a good sign. It's a NAS release, which in the context of the Huntress range makes sense — these bottlings have always been about flavour direction rather than age statements. At £86.50, you're paying a premium, but you're also buying into a bottle that won't sit on many shelves for long. Limited runs have a way of disappearing, and the Huntress editions have built a following for good reason.
The name — Lemon Meadow — gives you a strong indication of where this whisky wants to take you. There's a citrus-forward, bright character implied here, something that sits well within the Highland tradition of lighter, more fragrant malts. This isn't a peat bomb. It isn't trying to be a sherried heavyweight. It occupies a space that rewards curiosity: the kind of dram you pour when you want something that feels considered rather than conventional.
Tasting Notes
I'll be transparent — detailed tasting notes for this particular bottling aren't available for publication at this time. What I can say is that the Huntress series has consistently delivered expressive, well-balanced spirits that justify their botanical naming conventions. Lemon Meadow suggests a profile built around bright citrus and green, pastoral notes, and at 48.5%, there should be enough weight and texture to carry those lighter aromatics without thinning out. I'd encourage readers to approach this one with an open glass and form their own impressions.
The Verdict
I'm giving Lemon Meadow a 7.7 out of 10, and I want to be clear about why. This is a whisky that knows exactly what it wants to be. It doesn't overreach, it doesn't lean on gimmick, and it bottles at a strength that respects the drinker. The price point is fair for a limited Highland release at natural strength — you'll pay more for bottles with less personality. Where it lands just short of the upper tier is in the crowded field of NAS experimentals; at this price, I want to be fully convinced, and without confirmed production specifics, there's a small margin of faith involved. But it's faith well placed. The Huntress series has earned that.
Best Served
Pour this neat into a Glencairn and give it five minutes to open. If you find the 48.5% needs taming, a few drops of cool water — no more — will let the lighter notes breathe without drowning them. This strikes me as a whisky built for a late afternoon pour, something to sit with rather than rush. A classic Highball would work if you're in warmer weather, but honestly, I'd keep this one simple. Let the spirit speak.
