Isle of Raasay
Hungarian Oak
- 50
- 70cl
- Taste: 3
- Islands
The Isle of Raasay Distillery was founded in 2014 by R&B Distillers, co-founded by Alasdair Day and Bill Dobbie. The goal was to create a unique whisky that would reflect the character of this island in the Inner Hebrides. The distillery occupies a former Victorian hotel on the island, chosen for its ideal whisky production conditions, such as pure water from the island’s well and the favourable local climate. Construction...
Read more
Read more
The Isle of Raasay Distillery was founded in 2014 by R&B Distillers, co-founded by Alasdair Day and Bill Dobbie. The goal was to create a unique whisky that would reflect the character of this island in the Inner Hebrides. The distillery occupies a former Victorian hotel on the island, chosen for its ideal whisky production conditions, such as pure water from the island’s well and the favourable local climate. Construction began in 2016, transforming the old Borodale House into a modern distillery while preserving its historical essence.
They began whisky production in September 2017 and released the first legal Isle of Raasay Single Malt Scotch Whisky in 2020.
Isle of Raasay Distillery places a strong emphasis on sustainability. They continue to utilise renewable energy sources and environmentally friendly practices in its operations. The distillery continues to experiment with different cask types and maturation processes to create unique expressions of its whisky.
This is the third instalment from the Isle of Raasay Distillery's Oak Species Maturation Series, which places the spotlight on the botanical species of oak. This expression highlights the distinctive character of Hungarian Quercus petraea, sourced from the Zemplén Mountains. Instead of virgin oak barrels however, they've chosen to use seasoned ex-Oloroso Sherry barriques.
They've used peated and unpeated spirit (made with 100% Scottish barley) matured separately in this distinctive cask type. Hungarian oak is renowned for its slow growth and exceptionally tight grain, allowing for a more controlled interaction between spirit and wood. The result is a whisky of remarkable depth and balance, with spice, sweetness and smoke intricately layered.
Official Tasting Notes
Nose - Orange peel, roasted hazelnut, geranium, cinnamon, ginger and sponge cake.
Palate - Ginger, coffee, sherry and dark chocolate.
Finish - Lingering sweet orange, ginger and smoky bacon.
They began whisky production in September 2017 and released the first legal Isle of Raasay Single Malt Scotch Whisky in 2020.
Isle of Raasay Distillery places a strong emphasis on sustainability. They continue to utilise renewable energy sources and environmentally friendly practices in its operations. The distillery continues to experiment with different cask types and maturation processes to create unique expressions of its whisky.
This is the third instalment from the Isle of Raasay Distillery's Oak Species Maturation Series, which places the spotlight on the botanical species of oak. This expression highlights the distinctive character of Hungarian Quercus petraea, sourced from the Zemplén Mountains. Instead of virgin oak barrels however, they've chosen to use seasoned ex-Oloroso Sherry barriques.
They've used peated and unpeated spirit (made with 100% Scottish barley) matured separately in this distinctive cask type. Hungarian oak is renowned for its slow growth and exceptionally tight grain, allowing for a more controlled interaction between spirit and wood. The result is a whisky of remarkable depth and balance, with spice, sweetness and smoke intricately layered.
Official Tasting Notes
Nose - Orange peel, roasted hazelnut, geranium, cinnamon, ginger and sponge cake.
Palate - Ginger, coffee, sherry and dark chocolate.
Finish - Lingering sweet orange, ginger and smoky bacon.
Tasting Rating Guide
1: Light, good for beginners - an aperitif on a summers day, i.e. Glengoyne, Auchentoshan
2: Also good for beginners but with more depth and body - a little stronger than 1, ie. Glenmorangie, Speyburn
3: A dram for everyone, a little more complex so the palate requires a little more experience, i.e. Cragganmore, Macallan
4: A stronger spirit, a big whisky with lots of character and body, excellent after dinner, i.e. Lagavulin, Laphroaig