Isle of Raasay Quercus Humboldtii Virgin Colombian Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Isle of Raasay released its namesake whisky back in 2021. Distilled on a tiny island north of Skye and only reachable via a ferry, they produce both peated and unpeated whisky from 100% Scottish barley and then blend the two to create a lightly peated style. While most single malt is aged in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, Isle of Raasay is harnessing the unique flavours and properties of first-fill rye, Chinkapin oak and first-fill wine casks from Bordeaux. Then there's this - part of the Oak Species Maturation Series showcasing how different woods interact with the spirit. Fully matured in Colombian oak (Quercus Humboldtii), it's a superbly vibrant malt that could be at least ten years old by Scottish standards. Mezcal-like in its smokiness, being earthy, slightly vegetal, and in moments, borderline rubbery, bittersweet dark chocolate, hints of salt and seaweed add to the complexity. It's young umami whisky with the presentation to match. 8500 bottles produced. 50.7% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Tasted from a 30ml sample.

Notes from the producers... flavours of crème brûlée and heather smoke in a mix of peated and unpeated malts.