After three “While We Wait” releases, the Inaugural Release is the first actual bottling of the new distillery on the barren and remote island of Raasay, located opposite that of Skye in the Inner Hebrides, in Scotland. The company boasts an elaborate and detailed communication, which culminates in a website rich in information. The bottle of this first release is particularly well made. The distillate’s natural color is truly unique, a rosé probably due to the finish in barrels that contained French wine.
- Type: Single malt
- Origin: Scotland
- ABV: 52%
- Cask: Tennessee whiskey, finish Bordeaux
- Age: not declared
- Price: $ N.A. – €120
- Details: –
TASTING NOTES – ISLE OF RAASAY INAUGURAL RELEASE
Nose
The olfactory approach is very vinous, almost ascetic, with smoky peat but overall not too aggressive—also, very ripe orange and dark fruit (black currant). Still very young, not very integrated, and uncertain at times, divided between the influences of the two types of cask used. Alcohol is present.
Palate
Sweetness and roundness outclass the first olfactory impression, with the alcohol appearing better integrated. It has an unexpected fruity dimension, which confirms the black currant and light peat—milky notes on the finish.
Finish
On the finish, the peat is still evident, not too invasive, joined by a very present saline dimension.
Interesting product, but still very young and which demonstrates evident limits of integration in the influences of such different and striking barrels. Note that the price is due to the fact that the release is the first of the new distillery, therefore subject to evident speculation.