A distinctive single cask release showcasing Raasay’s pioneering approach to flavour and distillation
The Isle of Raasay Distillery has announced the launch of its single cask release, Rye Cask 3.4 x Distilled. With an outturn of just 246 bottles, it’s a whisky crafted to spotlight the distillery’s intentional approach to flavour creation – and commitment to pushing the boundaries of modern Scotch whisky.
Rooted in Raasay’s philosophy of designing whisky with intent, not convention, the release showcases the distillery’s progressive production techniques alongside its approach to maturation and flavour development. Bottled at 59% ABV, the unpeated whisky delivers sweet toffee, layered with pear, stewed apples and gentle spice, balanced by vanilla richness from maturation in an ex-Rye cask (Quercus alba) from Woodford Reserve.
This pioneering new release reflects the independent and creatively driven thinking at the heart of Raasay’s whisky making. It explores the influence of Raasay’s rare still configuration further, by featuring a purifier on the spirit still that can be switched on or off during distillation – a setup believed to be unique in Scotland.
Alasdair Day, Co-founder and Master Distiller at Isle of Raasay Distillery, said: “When I designed our Isle of Raasay distillery, I wanted to create a system that allowed us to produce a range of different new make spirits. This release is all about the additional copper contact gained through using the spirit purifier. Distilled with unpeated barley with the purifier system engaged, the process creates what we describe as a ‘virtual third still’, producing a lighter distillate with elevated fruit character and a softer texture. It’s a new distillation technique for Raasay and one we’re incredibly excited to share.”
Every drop of Isle of Raasay whisky is distilled, matured and bottled on the island itself, where the landscape, community and Hebridean heritage continue to shape the distillery’s approach to whisky making. Home to a close-knit community of just 161 residents – a figure proudly displayed on every bottle – the distillery remains committed to creating whisky that reflects both the heritage and future of the island.
Rye Cask 3.4 x Distilled will launch on Friday 29 May with limited availability via the Isle of Raasay Distillery website (https://raasaydistillery.com). The release is priced at £95.
Technical Details
- ABV: 59%
- Peat Level: 0ppm
- Presentation: Natural colour, non-chill filtered
- Cask Type: Ex Rye (Woodford Reserve)
- Cask Number: 2019/649
- Spirit Type: Unpeated spirit (3.4 x distilled through column)
- Barley Variety: Concerto / Laureate Malt
- Yeast: Distilamax MW Yeast
- Water Source: 60 metre well on site
- Fermentation: 3-day fermentation
- Spirit Cut Points: 75% – 67%
- Cask Filling Strength: 63.5%
- Cask Filling Date: 25/06/2019
- Bottled: May 2026
- Outturn: 246 bottles
- Maturation & Bottling: Isle of Raasay Distillery
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Honeydew melon, pear, green apple
Palate: Caramel and buttery toffee, banana, stewed apple
Finish: Sweet oak, lingering butter toffee, gentle spice
