Isle of Raasay Cask Strength Release Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Isle of Raasay Cask Strength Release Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Hebridean Single Malt | 61.3% ABV | 122.6 Proof | 700mL | Isle of Raasay, Scotland | Lightly Peated | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color

Process & Profile

Isle of Raasay Cask Strength Release presents the distillery’s signature six-component recipe at its natural bottling strength. Peated and unpeated spirits mature separately in first-fill American rye whiskey casks, virgin Chinkapin oak and first-fill Bordeaux red wine casks. These six components are then married together, combining dark fruit, fragrant smoke and oak spice.

Made with 100% Scottish barley, the whisky is distilled, matured and bottled on the Isle of Raasay. Its profile balances cherries and blackberries with cinnamon, black pepper and vanilla, while gentle wood smoke carries through the fruit and sweetness.

This release is bottled at 61.3% ABV, or 122.6 proof, without chill filtration or added color. The higher strength offers a concentrated expression of Raasay’s island style, with room to explore its flavors by adding water gradually.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Cherries and blackberries, with fragrant wood smoke and hints of vanilla.

• Palate: Rich dark fruit, cinnamon and black pepper, balanced by sweetness and gentle peat.

• Finish: Wood smoke, sweet spice and vanilla, with lingering dark fruit.

What Makes It Special

• Natural cask strength: Bottled at 61.3% ABV, equivalent to 122.6 proof.

• Six-component recipe: Peated and unpeated spirits mature separately across three distinct cask types.

• Varied oak influences: American rye whiskey, virgin Chinkapin oak and Bordeaux red wine casks contribute to the final profile.

• Lightly peated character: Fragrant smoke balances rich dark fruit and spice.

• Island production: Made with Scottish barley and distilled, matured and bottled on Raasay.

• Natural presentation: Non-chill filtered, with no added color.

How to Enjoy

Begin with a small neat pour in a tulip-shaped glass. Add water a few drops at a time, tasting as you go to find your preferred balance of fruit, spice and smoke.

For a pairing, consider aged cheddar, roasted nuts or dark chocolate to complement the whisky’s sweet and smoky character.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does cask strength mean for Isle of Raasay Cask Strength Release?
It means the whisky is bottled at its natural strength after the selected casks are combined, without dilution to the standard bottling strength. This release is 61.3% ABV, or 122.6 proof.

2. Is Isle of Raasay Cask Strength Release peated?
Yes, it is lightly peated. The recipe combines separately matured peated and unpeated spirits, balancing fragrant smoke with rich dark fruit.

3. What casks are used for Isle of Raasay Cask Strength Release?
The whisky combines first-fill American rye whiskey casks, virgin Chinkapin oak and first-fill Bordeaux red wine casks. Each cask type holds peated and unpeated spirit separately, creating six components.

4. Should I add water to Isle of Raasay Cask Strength Release?
Water is a useful option at 61.3% ABV. Start with a small neat taste, then add water gradually to soften the alcohol intensity and explore how the aromas and flavors change.

5. Where can I buy Isle of Raasay Cask Strength Release Single Malt Scotch Whisky?
You can purchase Isle of Raasay Cask Strength Release Single Malt Scotch Whisky directly from The Barrel Tap.