Latest news with #Marsala
Scotsman
a day ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Isle of Raasay Distillery has released first ever Marsala cask single malt - an 'elegant and assertive' whisky
The team behind the Isle of Raasay distillery recently announced the launch of their first ever Marsala Cask Single Malt whisky, matured exclusively in rare Marsala Vergine casks sourced from the historic Frazzitta winery in Sicily. Bottled at 50.7% ABV and limited to just 12,300 bottles worldwide, this limited release also introduces a new look packaging, adding distinctiveness and clear identity to the distillery's growing portfolio. What sets this release apart is not just the cask type, but the provenance and pedigree of the wood itself. The casks used are Marsala Vergine DOC barrels from Frazzitta, one of Sicily's oldest Marsala producers, known for aging their wines for decades in traditional oxidative environments. Marsala Vergine wines are known for their nutty, dry, and deeply oxidative profile, much like a dry sherry. Master distiller Alasdair Day explained why the casks work so well with Raasay: 'Marsala Vergine casks, particularly from a historic producer like Frazzitta, are rare in the whisky industry, and the cask characteristics have brought an exceptional depth of flavour to our Raasay spirit. "The casks we've used to mature our whisky have been seasoned with the bone dry Marsala wine for up to 30 years. This adds beautiful layers of dried fruit, toasted nuts, and an oxidative depth. "The result is a whisky that is rich and complex, with baked apples and maple syrup on the palate, balanced with dried pear, apricots, and a balsamic sweetness that all lingers into a long smoky finish with echoes of roasted coffee. It's one of the most distinctive cask maturations we've ever released, elegant and assertive all at once.' The Marsala Cask Limited Release also features a new addition to the distillery's packaging portfolio. The colour scheme is inspired by the island's geology where the cool slate grey tones are reflective of the rugged volcanic landscape of Raasay, as well as the indentations of fossils which can be found on the bottle itself. "This new look is about giving our range a clearer identity,' said William Dobbie, managing director of the distillery. "We've rapidly grown in the last few years and have released many truly exceptional whiskies, this new packaging will help differentiate our limited releases from our core range whilst still telling the story of where we come from and what makes our whisky so unique.' As with all releases from Raasay, the whisky was distilled and matured entirely on the island. The distillery's spirit and distinctive lightly peated character is achieved by the combination of using peated and unpeated barley in the distillation process and maturing separately before being married together. The Marsala Cask Limited Release offers whisky lovers an experience of Sicilian and Scottish heritage in a single dram. It will be available at independent retailers across the UK and to buy on their website with shipments heading to key global markets including the UK, Germany, France and the US.
The National
6 days ago
- Business
- The National
Scotch whisky distillery releases 12,300 bottles from rare wine casks
The limited edition single-malt, bottled at 50.7% ABV, is restricted to 12,300 bottles worldwide and will be available from Thursday August 7 via the distillery's website and select independent retailers across the UK. Exports are also planned to key markets including Germany, France and the United States. The whisky has been aged exclusively in Marsala Vergine DOC casks sourced from the Frazzitta winery, one of Sicily's oldest Marsala producers. The winery is known for ageing its wine in traditional oxidative conditions for up to 30 years, giving the casks a dry, nutty, and complex character — closer to a dry sherry than the sweeter Marsala typically used in cooking. Master distiller Alasdair Day (above) said the casks imparted 'an exceptional depth of flavour' to Raasay's lightly peated spirit. 'It's one of the most distinctive cask maturations we've ever released,' he added, citing flavours of baked apples, dried pear, toasted nuts, and a smoky coffee finish. The release also debuts new packaging for the distillery's limited editions, with a design inspired by Raasay's volcanic landscape and fossil-marked geology. The bottle features slate-grey tones and embossed fossil textures as a nod to the island's terrain. Managing director William Dobbie said the redesign aims to give the brand 'a clearer identity' as it expands its portfolio. READ MORE: Media 'giving false impression' Scots care about independence, Tory MP claims 'We've grown rapidly in recent years, and this helps distinguish our limited releases from the core range,' he said. As with all Raasay whiskies, the spirit was distilled, matured and bottled entirely on the island. The distillery uses a mix of peated and unpeated barley, matured separately before being married together to create its signature profile. Founded in 2017, Raasay Distillery has become known for small-batch, experimental releases that aim to reflect the island's character and surroundings. This latest release brings a distinct international influence, combining Scottish craftsmanship with Sicilian wine heritage in an uncommon cask type.
Calgary Herald
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Chorney-Booth: L'Olivo Cicchetti and Lounge takes a big swing by going small
Article content Traditional cicchetti is typically enjoyed by visiting several different establishments — just picture the romanticism of dashing to several bars along a street with wine and salty snacks waiting at each — but since L'Olivo stands pretty much alone in Calgary's cicchetti scene, Di Gennaro created a menu to be enjoyed by guests looking for a quick series of snacks or those looking to build a full dinner. There is a section of actual cicchetti, all similar to what you'd get during an aperitivo hour in Italy, with items like seafood croquettes with lime-nduja aioli ($14), seared mortadella pockets with provolone cheese and pistachios ($12), and crostini topped with smoked chicken and apple-pecan pesto ($12). Article content The rest of the menu doesn't fall into that cicchetti category but keeps to the spirit of small plates as far as portion size goes. The pastas are restricted to 90-gram servings to allow for more flavours to hit each table with options like a prawn tagliolini in a crustacean bisque ($18) and pulled duck ziti with white wine and fresh sage ($18). The mains are similarly mini at 85 grams of protein each, including a little veal tenderloin tonnato ($23), bite-sized lamb chop with garlic aioli ($22), and peppered smoked duck breast in a Marsala reduction ($23). Even though they're small, these dishes all pack heavy-duty flavour and premium ingredients, making a bite or two when shared among several people enough to satisfy everyone's palate. Article content Article content Don't skip the bread basket ($8), filled with bread imported from Italy, or dessert, which can come in the form of a cheese plate ($10), cannoli ($7), or an absolutely delightful spiced cocoa affogato. The cocktails — many innovative spins on bitter Italian classics — are also on point, with lower-alcohol and non-alcoholic options available. Article content L'Olivo is located at 1023 9th Ave. S.E. and is also accessible through Lina's Italian Piazza. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. onward and can be reached at 403-960-1006 or through Article content In other food news, Village Ice Cream's dog-friendly ice cream has returned for the season. Village held a contest to come up with the flavour and, after over 1,500 entries, they settled on a dog-safe formulation called Freddie's Cheesy Cracker for pups who love cheesy snacks. The pint cups also feature illustrations of over 40 local ice-cream-loving dogs. Article content A dollar from every pint or scoop sold goes to the Canadian Animal Task Force's spay-neuter clinics in First Nations communities. The dog ice cream is available at all Village Ice Cream locations through to September long weekend, provided supplies last. For more information, visit
The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
We found a £2.50 tiramisu AND lemon ice cream that's even better than Remeo Gelato for a third of the price
WITH summer in full swing and shoppers racing to Aldi to snap up the supermarket's latest frozen gem, I knew that I needed to give it a try. I'm a huge lover of the iconic Remeo Gelato, but at £6 a tub when bought from Ocado, or £7.49 when ordered directly from the brand itself, my dessert obsession doesn't come cheap. Advertisement 3 If you're looking for a new ice cream for summer, you've come to the right place Credit: Abigail Wilson 3 Here, Abby Wilson shares her honest thoughts on Aldi's new gelato - but you'll need to move fast to nab them Credit: Abigail Wilson 3 Not only was Abby a fan of Aldi's Lemon Meringue Gelato, but she actually preferred it to the cult favourite from Remeo Credit: Abigail Wilson However, It's clear that the gelato's arrival has whipped And after shoppers have raced to snap them up, it's no surprise that they've been dubbed the 'Dubai chocolate' of 2025. There are two flavours to choose from and the ice creams, which recently landed in Aldi freezers, are just £2.49 for a 480ml tub. Advertisement Read more food stories Crafted in Italy, these posh puds take the classic tastes of tiramisu and lemon meringue to new heights. The tiramisu flavour is loaded with silky, creamy gelato, swirled through with a rich coffee sauce and finished with a boozy kick of Marsala wine. Meanwhile, as well as being layered and luxurious, the Lemon Meringue flavour is made with Sicilian lemon juice, silky-smooth ice cream and topped with meringue pieces. I'm a mega fan of the Remeo sorbets and gelatos, but thanks to Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Loving the lemon While the Remeo Lemon Sorbet can be quite sharp, the Aldi alternative is not bitter in the slightest. It is much more ice cream like, with an incredibly tasty creamy texture. I'm a die-hard Aldi shopper but I trialled M&S for a week, I was so surprised, I'll definitely be back The crunchy meringue pieces are delicious and if you ask me, it's the perfect sweet treat after a long day in the sun. Not only is it super refreshing and mouth-watering, but to top it all off, at less than £2.50 a tub, it's incredibly adorable too. Advertisement Can't get enough of coffee And it's not only the lemon flavour that gets a thumbs up from me - as the tiramisu gelato is another you'll need to add to your shopping list. It's crammed full of flavour and really packs a punch for those looking for a treat that's sure to get you drooling Abby Wilson The Remeo Tiramisu Gelato is out of this world, but super hard to get hold of - and at almost £7.50 for a 430ml tub, it doesn't come cheap. Thanks to the tiramisu trend, this tasty dessert is constantly sold out, but those strapped for cash can now breathe a sigh of relief, as Aldi's new tiramisu gelato is one you won't want to miss. Why do Aldi and Lidl have such fast checkouts IF you've ever shopped in Aldi or Lidl then you'll probably have experienced its ultra-fast checkout staff. Aldi's speedy reputation is no mistake, in fact, the supermarket claims that its tills are 40 per cent quicker than rivals. It's all part of Aldi's plan to be as efficient as possible - and this, the budget shop claims, helps keep costs low for shoppers. Efficient barcodes on packaging means staff are able to scan items as quickly as possible, with the majority of products having multiple barcodes to speed up the process. It also uses 'shelf-ready' packaging which keeps costs low when it comes to replenishing stock. Like the Lemon Meringue flavour, it has a texture that's much more like ice cream than gelato, but despite this, it's really nice and incredibly creamy. Advertisement It's crammed full of flavour and really packs a punch for those looking for a treat that's sure to get you drooling. But if you want to get your hands on these new Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Scottish Sun
15-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
We found a £2.50 tiramisu AND lemon ice cream that's even better than Remeo Gelato for a third of the price
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH summer in full swing and shoppers racing to Aldi to snap up the supermarket's latest frozen gem, I knew that I needed to give it a try. I'm a huge lover of the iconic Remeo Gelato, but at £6 a tub when bought from Ocado, or £7.49 when ordered directly from the brand itself, my dessert obsession doesn't come cheap. 3 If you're looking for a new ice cream for summer, you've come to the right place Credit: Abigail Wilson 3 Here, Abby Wilson shares her honest thoughts on Aldi's new gelato - but you'll need to move fast to nab them Credit: Abigail Wilson 3 Not only was Abby a fan of Aldi's Lemon Meringue Gelato, but she actually preferred it to the cult favourite from Remeo Credit: Abigail Wilson However, the German discount chain has left countless foodies (including myself), beaming yet again thanks to their Specially Selected Gelato tubs. It's clear that the gelato's arrival has whipped food fans into a frenzy, with many Aldi shoppers urging bargain hunters to 'get it while they can.' And after shoppers have raced to snap them up, it's no surprise that they've been dubbed the 'Dubai chocolate' of 2025. There are two flavours to choose from and the ice creams, which recently landed in Aldi freezers, are just £2.49 for a 480ml tub. Crafted in Italy, these posh puds take the classic tastes of tiramisu and lemon meringue to new heights. The tiramisu flavour is loaded with silky, creamy gelato, swirled through with a rich coffee sauce and finished with a boozy kick of Marsala wine. Meanwhile, as well as being layered and luxurious, the Lemon Meringue flavour is made with Sicilian lemon juice, silky-smooth ice cream and topped with meringue pieces. I'm a mega fan of the Remeo sorbets and gelatos, but thanks to Aldi's latest drops, it appears my dessert habits have now had a major mix-up. Loving the lemon While the Remeo Lemon Sorbet can be quite sharp, the Aldi alternative is not bitter in the slightest. It is much more ice cream like, with an incredibly tasty creamy texture. I'm a die-hard Aldi shopper but I trialled M&S for a week, I was so surprised, I'll definitely be back The crunchy meringue pieces are delicious and if you ask me, it's the perfect sweet treat after a long day in the sun. Not only is it super refreshing and mouth-watering, but to top it all off, at less than £2.50 a tub, it's incredibly adorable too. Can't get enough of coffee And it's not only the lemon flavour that gets a thumbs up from me - as the tiramisu gelato is another you'll need to add to your shopping list. It's crammed full of flavour and really packs a punch for those looking for a treat that's sure to get you drooling Abby Wilson The Remeo Tiramisu Gelato is out of this world, but super hard to get hold of - and at almost £7.50 for a 430ml tub, it doesn't come cheap. Thanks to the tiramisu trend, this tasty dessert is constantly sold out, but those strapped for cash can now breathe a sigh of relief, as Aldi's new tiramisu gelato is one you won't want to miss. Why do Aldi and Lidl have such fast checkouts IF you've ever shopped in Aldi or Lidl then you'll probably have experienced its ultra-fast checkout staff. Aldi's speedy reputation is no mistake, in fact, the supermarket claims that its tills are 40 per cent quicker than rivals. It's all part of Aldi's plan to be as efficient as possible - and this, the budget shop claims, helps keep costs low for shoppers. Efficient barcodes on packaging means staff are able to scan items as quickly as possible, with the majority of products having multiple barcodes to speed up the process. It also uses 'shelf-ready' packaging which keeps costs low when it comes to replenishing stock. Like the Lemon Meringue flavour, it has a texture that's much more like ice cream than gelato, but despite this, it's really nice and incredibly creamy. It's crammed full of flavour and really packs a punch for those looking for a treat that's sure to get you drooling. But if you want to get your hands on these new supermarket sweet treats, you'll need to move fast, as like all viral Aldi buys, they are sure to sell out fast. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
