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| Hi, this is one of our (almost) daily tastings. Santé! |
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August 4, 2025 |
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WF’s Little Duos, today Isle of Raasay including the Macleans'
This is one of the new distilleries that has managed to establish its own style and character, even though times seem to be tougher, as they are for many others. For our distinguished readers who may not be aware, the Isle of Raasay lies just to the east of Skye. Today, we’ll be exploring the latest release for the remarkable Maclean Foundation. But to begin with, a lighter version in terms of alcohol... but not in terms of story! |
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Isle of Raasay 3 yo 2001/2024 (50.7%, OB, Quercus Humboldtii Virgin Colombian Oak) 
Frankly, this Colombian oak lark really makes one chuckle, what an idea! Do note this is full maturation, not some afterthought finishing, but then again, this baby is only three years of age. Let’s not get into carbon footprints, shall we… Colour: gold. Nose: it’s mad how our brain works, knowing the oak hails from Colombia, I’m getting coffee and cola, but also an abundance of candied fruits and a few lovely whiffs of fir smoke. For now, it’s a very pretty nose. With water: more cola yet, everything else boosted as well. Very jolly. Mouth (neat): this is good, it’s creamy, it’s rather rich, it’s modern, veering between coastal smoke, candied orange peels and a splash of pine bud liqueur. One could almost believe it came from some American craft distillery. With water: really splendid, with more turmeric stepping forward, indeed rather leading the charge. Also some heather honey. Finish: long, on strictly identical flavours, which is good news. Lovely notes of pink and white pepper. Comments: I find this really excellent, and I doubt one could do much better at three years of age. ‘Colombian oak’, I must be dreaming…
SGP:654 - 87 points. |
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Isle of Raasay 5 yo 2019/2025 (61.1%, The Maclean Foundation, charity bottling, release 3, cask #557, 246 bottles) 
The proceeds from this baby, launched in parallel with Charlie Maclean’s three sons rowing across the Pacific (9,000 miles, no less!), are earmarked to fund clean water access in Madagascar, a most worthy cause indeed. Colour: deep gold. Nose: gorgeous tangerines, turmeric once more, all gentle and rounded, with papaya and guava, a whiff of fresh panettone from Panettone & Panettone, and a faint trace of Italian bitter. All in all, this one feels rather Italian, this Raasay, but at Château WF, that’s always good news. With water: tiny spices and hints of damp earth, like strolling through a hothouse filled with exotic flora. Mouth (neat): I feared it might flounder after the Colombian variant, but not a bit of it, this is gloriously oily, brimming with honey and citrus fruits sprinkled with posh peppers. With water: excellent, more of everything, beautifully fruity with all manner of citrus and slightly earthy spices. Finish: long, candied, with flavours clearly aligned with Italy. The finest of amaros! Comments: I hereby certify, on record, that my score has not been boosted simply because it’s a charity bottling backed by the Macleans. Swear on the holy barley, cross my heart and hope to die, this one stands proudly on its own. – Serge.
SGP:652 - 90 points. |
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