Origin: Isle of Raasay (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 61.6%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Rye, Chinkapin and ex-Red Wine
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: R&B Distillers
Average price: € 80.00
Official website: raasaydistillery.com
The young (and for now, the only) whisky distillery on the small island of Raasay launched its first basic bottling, The Draam, in 2021, although it initially carried “approaching” labels, including the R-01.1 tasted some time ago, acquiring its current name only in 2025.
Alongside the standard version, a cask strength one is released every year, based on the same recipe: Scottish barley and aging in three types of casks (new American Chinquapin wood, ex-rye, and ex-Bordeaux wine, both first-fill) for both the peated and unpeated parts, which are then blended together, effectively bringing the casks to six categories.
The proportions are unknown, both of the casks and the peated and unpeated parts; this tasting is from the third release at the beginning of 2025.
Tasting Notes
The cereal-like signature of the distillery is clearly present on the nose, hovering between cereal yogurt and bread dough, with injections of panna cotta, red fruit coulis, baked apple, lemon zest, marzipan, and a slight mineral breath, oscillating between coastal and metallic. The peat is light and vegetal, reminiscent of moist grass that begins to burn, increasing in intensity over time. Acacia honey and hyacinth in the background. And the notably high alcohol content is perfectly integrated and smooth. Comforting.
On the palate, it becomes more assertive, the alcohol level establishes its presence without being overwhelming, with a good handful of ginger and black pepper enhancing the peaty notes, which are clearer and more pronounced here, leaning towards smoky embers. Less yogurt and more toasted cereals, with the coastal and saline note rising in harmony with lemon, red fruits (currants, raspberries), almonds, and sweet licorice. A lingering finish of tannins, and over time, the creamy hints return quite pronounced. The addition of water highlights nuts and cereals, significantly muting the peaty aspect: better without it.
The finish is not very long, with spices, burnt wood, cereals, vanilla, nuts, and burnt plum cake.
Review: I greatly appreciate the full strength, well supported by the whisky, which however reveals the limits of youth without delving into the quite interesting profile that remains superficial. It lacks that edge that age will likely grant it.
Vote: 84/100