Isle of Raasay Lightly Peated R-02.1 3 yo

 

 

 

46,4°

Distillery : Isle of Raasay - Islands 

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

Original Bottling 

Limited Edtion 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 25 ppm

 

 

 

After the R-02 released in Autumn 2021, here is its little sister, which has undergone exactly the same maturation. Six different cask types, three peated, three unpeated, and each made from either Rye Whisky, Bordeaux red wine, or virgin. The difference with the R-01 which comes out in Spring is that it is slightly more peaty. The number of bottles produced is not mentioned.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The peat is fuller, vaguely earthy and cereal-like, with dried hay, rice cake and rough smoke. But it remains very balanced, mineral, with white fruits, plums, banana and forest berries. Light, fresh iodine, sea salt. The palate is still a bit too light, but fruity, velvety and spicy. A pinch of cumin, paprika. Clouds of citrus fruit. Grape oil and liquid honey. Pleasant finish, a hint of vanilla, pastry cream, and the peat that slowly returns. Chestnut and walnut.

In Short, 

Last year, it seemed to me that I preferred 01 to 02, and now I feel like 02.1 is better. That said, the difference is slim. But here the juice is more raw, more radical. The other one was softer, rounder. Anyway, it remains a success in both cases, a very well made whisky despite its very young age, unfortunately a bit expensive. Hopefully they'll have some older stuff out soon.

Score : 85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Sarah Olivier - Rose Garden