Isle of Raasay 2018 Distillery Special Release Rye and Sherry Double Cask 2021

 

 

 

52°

Distillery : Isle of Raasay - Islands

Ex-Rye Whiskey Cask and Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez Sherry Quarter Casks Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2021

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 48 ppm

 

 

 

Apparently, they plan to produce a special release each year from the distillery in Raasay. It says so on their website: "Our annual distillery special release..." And they're off to a great start with this one, which has been finished in Sherry Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks. Unfortunately, the length of the finishing process is not detailed. However, we do know that it is peated at 48 ppm and that around 9,000 copies are on sale.

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The Sherry shows through from the very first fragrances, with a lovely richness, a balance between the solidity of the Oloroso and the sweetness of the Pedro Ximénez, light fruits, but also peanuts, cashew nuts, heather and leather. It's quite rough and at the same time seductive. Mineral notes, lichen, iodine and salt. The peat is discreet, but gives the whole a deep and earthy thickness. Quite round on the palate, with blood orange, some exotic fruits, papaya. The spices are intense, paprika, cumin, nutmeg. A fine, fairly long finish, with hints of limestone and charcoal.

In Short, 

This is probably what was missing from the previous expressions, a touch of Sherry. This one goes very well with the distillery's profile, as long as it's not intrusive. The result is something very original and pleasant. This is a good limited edition, which I would classify more as a 6-8 year old than a 3 year old. It's sold almost exclusively on their website, and I have to say that it's too expensive for my taste. But enthusiasts may be tempted.

Score : 86

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

                                           Brutus - Sugar Dragon