Isle of RAASAY Hungarian Oak Single Malt Limited Release 50% Vol. 0.7l Giftbox

Isle of Raasay Distillery continues its exploration of wood influence with the third instalment of its Oak Species Maturation Series, a project dedicated to uncovering how different oak varieties shape the character of Scotch whisky. This edition turns the spotlight on Quercus petraea, a distinguished Hungarian oak sourced from the Zemplén Mountains in the northeast of the country - a wood long celebrated for its role in ageing fine wines.

Departing from earlier releases in the series, this whisky spent its entire maturation in ex-Oloroso sherry barriques constructed from Hungarian oak. The result is a marriage of spicy, woody character from the oak itself with the deep, dried-fruit richness typically imparted by Oloroso sherry casks. Both peated and unpeated Raasay spirits were matured separately before being blended together, producing a whisky with a gentle smoky thread running at roughly 13-15 ppm.

True to the distillery's approach, the whisky is bottled without chill-filtration or added colouring, preserving its natural texture and hue. Production is strictly limited to just 8,000 bottles worldwide, making this a sought-after addition for collectors and whisky enthusiasts alike.

Bringing together the maritime island character of Raasay, the elegant spice of Hungarian oak, and the fruit-forward depth of Oloroso sherry maturation, this single malt stands as a genuinely multi-faceted expression - a fitting and exciting entry in the Oak Species Maturation Series for those who appreciate distinctive and thoughtfully crafted cask finishes.