Isle of Raasay 2021 Special Release Quercus Humboldtii Colombian Oak 3 yo

 

 

 

50,7°

Distillery : Isle of Raasay - Islands

Virgin Colombian Oak Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Slightly Peated

 

 

A first edition of Isle of Raasay aged in Colombian Oak Casks was released in 2023, but this was only a finish at that time. This one underwent its entire maturation in Quercus Humboldtii Oak Casks, known as Colombian. This bottling is included in the new Oak Species Maturation series. 8,500 bottles have been put on sale. 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is fresh, airy, aromas of crème brûlée, nougatine, sea breeze and a pinch of salt. The peat is light and fluffy, with some white fruit, banana and vanilla. It's very woody of course, but not bitter, and the wood is young and fresh, just cut. It is combined with good notes of pastry, whipped cream and salted butter toffee. On the palate, it's more thick honey, wood resin and mint candy, discreet spices. The finish is quite strong and powerful, you can feel the wood veins with touches of grainy cereals.

In Short, 

In general, I don't much like ageing in virgin casks, but this one is a great success. It's fresh and airy, pastry-like, and without those unpleasant bitter notes you sometimes find with this type of ageing. No doubt because it's still young, the wood hasn't had time to take too much effect. It's an original product, worth trying for the curious and fans of the distillery. I find that it lacks a touch of complexity. The price is a bit high, though.

Score : 87

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           alt-J - 3WW