Latest news with #RaasayDistillery
The National
a day 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
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.
