Latest news with #Raasay
The National
3 days ago
- Business
- The National
6 flavour notes in Isle of Raasay's first Marsala Vergine cask whisky
The limited edition single-malt, bottled at 50.7% ABV, is restricted to 12,300 bottles worldwide 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. Raasay Distillery has built a reputation for bold, small-batch experiments that capture both the rugged Hebridean spirit and unexpected international influences. Their latest limited edition pushes that ethos further, and the result is one of their most distinctive bottlings to date. READ MORE: I went to the 'first legal wedding' at the Edinburgh Fringe – here's what it was like Nose The influence of Marsala Vergine is immediate: a dry, oxidative character reminiscent of fino or amontillado sherry rather than the sweeter Marsala most drinkers might expect. Aromas of baked apples, dried pear, roasted hazelnuts, and a touch of sea spray sit atop Raasay's lightly peated backbone. Subtle herbal and mineral notes echo the volcanic soils of the island. Palate At 50.7% ABV, the whisky carries a firm, oily mouthfeel. The flavour profile unfolds in layers: toasted nuts, caramelised orchard fruit, and a dry, savoury nuttiness from the casks. The Raasay peat lends a real heavy smoke and earthy undertone, balanced by a rich, slightly bitter coffee edge. The interplay between sweet dried fruit and briny smoke gives a sense of depth unusual for such a young distillery. Finish Long, dry, and complex. The finish lingers with smoky espresso, roasted almonds, and a saline tang. The roof of my mouth was left in an almost anaesthetic state, leading me to add a few drops of water to cut through the alcohol. Design and Presentation The new packaging feels like a statement of intent. The slate-grey bottle with fossil-like embossing ties the whisky firmly to Raasay's geology, while also giving it the kind of visual distinctiveness that collectors will prize. Verdict This is not an easy-drinking, sweet dessert dram — it's a dry, nutty, invitingly heavy single malt that leans on its Sicilian cask influence to deliver something rare in Scotch whisky. Fans of sherry-matured malts will find familiar territory, but with a twist of Sicily and smoke. A striking, distinctive whisky that shows Raasay's confidence as an innovator. For adventurous drinkers who enjoy drier, oxidative styles with subtle peat, this is a must-try. Rating: 4/5
Scotsman
11-08-2025
- 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.
Forbes
07-08-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why This Scotch Distillery Is Swapping Sherry For A Rare Sicilian Wine Cask
The new Isle of Raasay Marsala Cask Finish. The bottle's design, new for the distillery's limited releases, is inspired by the island's rugged, fossil-rich geology. Isle of Raasay The Isle Of Raasay scotch whisky distillery has released its first Marsala cask whisky. The limited release from the first legal spirit procedure on the Heridian island of Raasay also showcases the striking new packaging for their special releases. The Isle of Raasay Marsala Cask limited release launches today for $100 (£75). The lightly peated single malt scotch whisky takes their fruity new make, from their preferred long fermentation, and matures it in Marsala casks to create a whisky that combines the coastal notes of Sicily and Raasay. But what is Marsala? Marsala is a Sicilian fortified wine that is distinct from, but shares similarities with Sherry and Port. Despite this, Marsala casks have remained relatively rare within the scotch whisky industry, but that is what appealed to Isle of Raasay's Master Distiller Alasdair Day. 'Following the success of our Dun Cana releases and the awards it has received we wanted to build on this popular flavour style but with a direction other than ex sherry casks' Alasdair Day 'We were able to source these high quality Marsala Vergine casks, a fortified Sicilian wine aged using a solera system similar to sherry, but with a very different flavour style, which works extremely well with our new make spirit.' The new, limited release comes ahead of the anticipated 2025 Dun Cana, which is finished in sherry quarter casks. The 2024 Dun Cana won a gold award at the 2024 London Spirits Competition. Ahead of this year's edition Day encourages fans to explore the effects the different fortified wines have on the Raasay spirit. 'It is the perfect time to release and showcase this fully matured whisky from the Isle of Raasay prior to the next annual release of our Dun Cana 2025 so that everyone can taste the similarities and differences of these two releases.' A New Look For The Limited Range As well as a fresh cask type for the distillery, this release also introduces the striking new packaging for Raasay's limited releases. The updated bottle looks simultaneously like it has been cast from a stone and may melt into liquid at the same time. Incorporating the feeling of stone, fossils and liquid, it is at once delicately beautiful and stoically rugged. It is great to see how newer distilleries continue to push the boundaries with their presentation while keeping the pricing accessible. 'This new look is about giving our range a clearer identity,' says William Dobbie, Managing Director of the distillery in the official press release. '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.' At 12,300 bottles, the Marsala Cask single malt is limited without becoming a barrier to accessibility. The price is accessible too, at $100 (£75) for a 70cl bottle at 50.7%. The whisky itself is a lightly peated single malt and Day describes the whisky as 'rich and complex' with 'baked apples and maple syrup… balanced with dried pear, apricots, and a balsamic sweetness that all lingers into a long smoky finish.'
The National
07-08-2025
- 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.
The National
01-08-2025
- The National
Distillery to open 5 luxury lodges on island with 161 people
On an island with a population of just 161 residents, the Isle of Raasay Distillery is the only distillery in Scotland where you can stay overnight in the same building as a working distillery. Now, the distillery is to open more accommodation with the introduction of Na Bothain (The Bothies), five lodges inspired by the traditional Scottish bothy.. In Gaelic, 'bothan'/'bothain' (plural) refers to a homely shelter typically found across the Scottish countryside where travellers and travellers can find respite from the elements. READ MORE: Plans submitted to turn derelict Islay hut into off-grid sauna On the site, every Bothan will be different, but all will feature floor-to-ceiling windows that provide views of the island's wild beauty. Guests can also expect handcrafted Hebridean textiles, and island-inspired artwork. Bookings for the accommodation are open Thursdays through to Mondays from October 2025, and throughout November until the distillery closes for a short break over winter. The lodges will also be available for large group bookings Early reservations for 2026 are also now open. Coinciding with the launch of Na Bothain is the introduction of "The Draamers' Experience", an immersive whisky adventure designed for those who want to go deeper into the world of Isle of Raasay whisky. The new two-night distillery experience will take place Monday – Wednesday and Wednesday – Friday throughout November and select dates in December. 'We are thrilled to be opening Na Bothain this October and welcome more guests to our island,' says William Dobbie, managing director. READ MORE: Warning for 70mph winds issued for whole of Scotland as storm named 'They offer a whole new way to experience Raasay, not just as a whisky, but as a place. Along with the 6 bedrooms currently available in our distillery building, we will be able to host up to 28 guests so we are delighted to introduce The Draamers' Experience which will immerse Raasay enthusiasts into the heart of our distillery operations. "We look forward to welcoming this new exciting chapter in our journey.' Details of all accommodation options at Isle of Raasay Distillery, Na Bothain and Borodale House, can be found on the distillery's website. The distillery was recently been awarded the top 10% places to visit worldwide by TripAdvisor.
