Raasay Na Sia Single Cask Series 5 Years Old 2019 (61.3%)

This Isle of Raasay single malt from the Na Sia Single Cask Series, aged 5 year old, distilled in 2019, from cask 19/69 and bottled at 61.3%. Raasay is a modern island distillery, the first legal one on this small Hebridean isle off the coast of Skye. R&B Distillers, founded by Bill Dobbie and Alasdair Day, built the distillery from a blank sheet in 2017.

Distilled on water from the island well in Italian built copper stills, the make carried a blackberry fruit from its long fermentation. Maturation came in American oak, with a generous vanilla and spice. Past four years the spirit gains weight while keeping its bright fruit. First fill and virgin casks work quickly on young spirit, so even a few years bring real depth. Peated and unpeated spirit are matured apart, then married for the flagship malt. The island had a long history of illicit distilling before the first legal still arrived.

At its natural 61.3% it is concentrated. The cask lends vanilla, baking spice and a honeyed sweetness, with a soft island smoke behind. Soft fruit and a clean malt sit behind the sweetness. It closes long, fruity and warm. This is Raasay's fresh, fruit driven island style.