Isle of Raasay distillery uses a Six Cask Programme: unpeated and peated spirit, matured in Chinkapin, Bordeaux and rye casks. Apart from that there also seem to be some experiments, like the use of Columbian virgin oak.
There has been a wider release from this cask type, but we’re trying a limited edition selected for (and by) retailers in The Netherlands.
Isle of Raasay 4 yo 2021 (51%, OB for The Specialist’s Choice – NL 2025, Columbian virgin oak cask, peated)
Nose: rather sweet peat. A lot of vanilla custard, candied orange, stewed apple and plenty of honeyed notes. All this against a backdrop of warm ashes, burnt heather and deep smoke. Then back to cinnamon syrup, milk chocolate and some Jaffa cakes. Hints of freshly sawn oak underneath.
Mouth: rich texture, with a smoky style that wouldn’t misstand on Islay, including lightly herbal and coastal elements. Caramelized peanuts and blackberry, along with some green apple and hints of rosemary and juniper. Then chocolate again, crème brûlée, heather honey and coal.
Finish: long and ashy, with tobacco notes, sweet oak and a vegetal / herbal edge.
It’s clear that the Columbian oak added sweetness and spice, dialing things up. The good thing is that there’s no excessive virgin oak feeling. It’s my favourite Raasay release so far (granted, it’s theire first peated whisky I tried). Around € 80 from your favourite Dutch specialist. I bought a sample at Whiskysite.nl