Isle of Raasay Lightly Peated R-01.1 3 yo

 

 

 

46,4° 

Distillery : Isle of Raasay - Islands

Ex-Rye Whiskey, Virgin Chinkapin and 1st Fill Bordeaux Red Wine Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 25 ppm

 

 

 

Isle of Raasay mainly produces two batches a year, one in the spring, 01, and one in the autumn, 02. Each new batch is given a new tail number, after R-01 there is R-01.1, and next year there will be R-01.2, and so on. Spring batch is slightly less peaty than Autumn batch, and fruitier. However, it is no more than three years old. It is always a blend of six different types of cask, three peated and three unpeated, either virgin or previously filled with Bordeaux red wine or Rye Whisky. The number of bottles produced is not known.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Softly coastal profile, fine and sandy iodine, more peaty than last year, but creamier too, I find there a little more character. Forest berries, wild strawberries, a vegetal touch with pine needles and holly, a hint of earth. On the palate, relatively mature for its age, the fruits come through, with lemon and spices, pepper and paprika. The finish is long and sunny, with citrus peel, a drizzle of vanilla and rye. Cola. A pinch of salt. Dry earth and chestnut cream.

 

In Short,    

It's exactly the same maturity as last year, so it's very close. However, I find it a little more solid and harmonious. It's not getting any better, but it's more spring-like, softer. It's still a costal and pleasant whisky, at an affordable price, and we're looking forward to older vintages.

Score : 85

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                          Black Pistol Fire - Oh Well/Where you Been Before