Isle of Raasay Distillery "Oak Species Maturation" Tasting Pack 4 x 50ml

Celebrate the launch of the brand new Oak Species Maturation Series Tasting Pack! Four small (50ml), but mighty whiskies, each characterised by the virgin oak casks they have been fully matured in. Hand selected by Raasay Co-founder & Master Distiller, Alasdair Day, and bottled at 50.7% ABV. This year explore how Raasay spirit develops when fully matured in the following virgin oak casks: Quercus humboldtii, Quercus petraea, Quercus robur, and Quercus muehlenbergii.

Explore Raasay Whisky Oak Maturation

This unique tasting set of Raasay whisky offers a fascinating glimpse into the crucial role of wood in whisky maturation. You will find the same lightly peated single malt spirit in all, but each miniature is matured fully in virgin casks made from a different species of oak (Quercus).

This intentional experiment showcases how individual characteristics of each wood—its origin, density, and chemical composition—impart a distinctly different flavour profile. This allows the taster to directly compare the subtle to profound influence of the cask on the whisky’s final expression.

Isle of Raasay Whisky Review: The Origins

The Isle of Raasay Distillery was founded by Bill Dobbie and Alasdair Day on the small Isle of Raasay. This island, 15 miles north of Skye in the Inner Hebrides, is where their spirit production began in 2017.

Since then, Isle of Raasay has become one of the most highly regarded of the new Scottish distilleries. It builds on a rich history, rooted in centuries of illicit distilling, and connects traditional craft with a modern approach.

Raasay Whisky: Craft and Terroir

Raasay provides the ingredients for the perfect dram. Every drop of spirit for Raasay whisky is distilled, matured, and bottled on the island using water from the Raasay Distillery well.

This water source, Tobar na Ba Bàine, or ‘Well of the Pale Cow’, is mineral-rich and key to the whisky’s character. Long fermentations up to 118 hours (5 days) develop sweet blackberry notes in their spirit before it touches the oak of the cask.

The whisky sour enthusiasts should note how the natural sweetness and subtle peat in this Raasay spirit create an excellent base for balanced cocktails.

Virgin Oak Casks and Their Unique Influence

Quercus humboldtii Colombian Oak - Crème Brûlée & Heather Smoke (Creamy vanilla sweetness, almost like a burnt sugar crust, with fragrant smoke)

Quercus petraea Hungarian Oak - Savoury Spice & Wood Smoke (A refined, tighter-grained oak giving intense clove and dried herb notes alongside smoke)

Quercus robur French Oak - Warm Rich Fruit & Lingering Spice (Dark, ripe fruit notes balanced by deep, warming spiciness and leather)

Quercus muehlenbergii Chinkapin Oak - Dark Fruits, Maple Syrup & Bacon (A profile of rich, sticky dark fruit and caramel with a surprising, earthy, smoky-savoury kick)

This tasting pack allows comparison of how each oak species influences the whisky so profoundly.

Isle of Raasay Single Malt Review: Bottling Strength and Volume

Each miniature is a 4 x 50ml bottle set, bottled at a notable 50.7% ABV. This strength highlights the complexity and nuances imparted by the unique oak species.

Raasay whisky production on the island ensures a consistent quality and style across each bottling. Whether enjoyed neat or with a splash of water, this whisky pack reveals the depth and character of the distillery’s craftsmanship.