Isle of Raasay R01.2 - 46.4%
From the distillery website
The signature Isle of Raasay Single Malt Scotch whisky. This flagship whisky was first introduced in 2021 and officially named The Draam in 2025. The unique six-cask recipe created by Master Distiller, Alasdair Day, remains unchanged. The same whisky we all know and love has a new name to define it and help you find it on the back bar.
Two Isle of Raasay spirits – peated and unpeated – are matured separately in first fill Rye whiskey, fresh Chinkapin oak and first fill Bordeaux red wine casks.
Tasting notes:
Appearance: Old gold, forms a thin line which falls gradually as thick, oily legs
Nose: Malted milk biscuits, cedarwood, subtle smoke, mild nuttiness and a touch of minerality take centre stage against a backdrop of sweet red berries
Palate: Soft, creamy mouthfeel. Cinnamon, ginger and rye-cask spice at first, immediately followed by strawberries with cracked black pepper and vanilla ice cream, goji berries, Macadamia nuts and gentle bonfire smoke before turning a little woody and drying. Water brings more astringency at the expense of the fruitiness
Finish: Soft, slightly astringent oak, old leather ginger, cinnamon and black pepper
Overall: I was surprised to find I hadn’t reviewed this before now as I’ve had it many times and even did a review on the Na Sia casks, which make up this whisky, way back in 2022. One thing that is immediate striking about this whisky is that elements of all six component casks have been given the opportunity to shine in the finished product.
It’s a really well made whisky, with a level of complexity and lack of anything jarring or challenging that isn’t often seen in one so young. This is already one of those easy drinking whiskies for the times you just want to pour, sit and enjoy without taxing the brain cells.
The price on the website feels a little steep at around £55 but it can be picked up much cheaper. I managed to get this one at auction for the princely sum of £30.
If you would like more information on this whisky, or the Isle of Raasay distillery, follow the link to the company website.
