NC'NEAN CREATIONS 2025

THIS YEAR'S THEME IS "TO OPEN"

We’d like competitors to create the perfect Aperitif, using either Nc’nean Organic single malt Scotch whisky or Nc’nean Botanical Spirit.

At Nc’nean, we want to open single malt Scotch whisky up to the widest possible audience, encouraging more people to embrace the category and all its possibilities. One way we approach this is by “moving whisky up the menu”. Whilst whisky is commonly found at the end of a menu, to be consumed with or after dessert, it needn’t be confined there. By creating more aperitif serves for whisky, not only do we open up more opportunities to enjoy it, we give our guests even more ways to do so.

For this years’ Nc’nean Creations cocktail competition, we’re challenging you to create the perfect aperitif using Nc’nean. We want a serve that whets your guests’ appetite and prepares them for the evening ahead. A bone dry, savoury Martini? A bright and bubbly Spritz? A rich, bittersweet sipper? Whichever route you chose, like Nc’nean, your drink should be as innovative and as sustainable as possible.

A very quick overview

1. You must be 18 years of age or over, and working in the hospitality industry to enter.
2. Your cocktail must use either Nc’nean Botanical Spirit or Nc’nean Organic single malt Scotch whisky.
3. Homemade ingredients are permitted (please don’t try and poison the judges).
4. Maximum of 5 total ingredients, excluding garnish (aim for a drink that is "easy to read").
5. The judges score card for the heats can be found here. And the guide to the judges scorecard can be seen here.
6. Digital entries will be scored on: Suitability to the brief, unique approach, & sustainability.
7. Successful entrants will be contacted with heat details in May, with heats taking place in June & July 2025