As someone who has recently started to explore whiskies, I was delighted when Isle of Raasay sent me their Oak Species Maturation Series Tasting Pack (£35) to try, a thoughtful and distinctive gift, especially for Father’s Day for any dad who enjoys exploring the world of whisky.
This beautifully presented set includes four 5cl drams, each matured in a different virgin oak cask and bottled at 50.7% ABV.
They offer a fascinating journey through flavour and wood influence, and each miniature delivered a genuinely different experience:
Quercus humboldtii (Colombian Oak)
A real treat for the sweet-toothed, this dram bursts with herbaceous wood smoke and caramel on the nose. It then leads to a palate of crystallised brown sugar and crème brûlée, finishing with mint and green tea.
Quercus petraea (Hungarian Oak)
Refined and elegant, it delivers savoury spice and peat smoke, with cloves and wood smoke on the palate. A gentle sweetness rounds out the finish.
Quercus robur (French Oak)
Classic and warming, this whisky features rich, ripe fruit and dried raspberries, with subtle smoke and leather, finishing with lingering spice.
Quercus muehlenbergii (Chinkapin Oak)
The boldest of the four, this dram offers wood smoke and dark fruits, smoky bacon and maple syrup flavours, and a long, spiced finish.
Head of Marketing, Allison told Larder Magazine: “This is our first-ever 5cl tasting pack, offering a new way to enjoy Isle of Raasay whisky.
“For us, it’s all about enjoying the journey and making whisky accessible. I’ll also let you into a secret – inside you’ll find a QR code to access an exclusive Oak Species tasting with our Master Distiller, Alasdair Day!”
Each miniature showcases the artistry of cask selection and would make a memorable Father’s Day present. It allows dads to savour a guided tasting experience at their own pace, perfect for whisky enthusiasts and those keen to learn more about the craft.For more information, visit their website.
