The Isle of Raasay, a rugged jewel off Scotland’s northwest coast, feels untouched by time. Winds howl through heather and sea salt, and yet, amid the quiet, a new distillery rose to defy tradition. The first legal whisky ever made on this island wasn’t just a milestone, it was a declaration that modern craft could still feel ancient. The Raasay Hebridean Single Malt Set (Batch 1 & 2) captures that evolution. Batch 1 embodies the thrill of first creation, bold, briny, and full of energy. Batch 2 refines the experience, elegant, balanced, and assured. Together, they tell the story of a young island spirit finding its voice.

Raasay Hebridean Single Malt Set (Batch 1 & 2)

Brand: Isle of Raasay | Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ABV: 46.4% | Volume: 700ml per bottle | Origin: Isle of Raasay, Scotland

Tasting Profile

Nose: Like walking along the Raasay coast at sunrise, sea spray in the air, warm malt drifting from a bakery, and faint smoke curling from a distant hearth.
Palate: Creamy and layered, revealing dark chocolate, ripe stone fruit, and soft heather smoke. A maritime saltiness ties it all together, grounding its sweetness in island soil.
Finish: Long and satisfying, smoky warmth lingers before fading into a whisper of spice and red berries.

Production Details

Raasay’s signature dual spirit style, one peated, one unpeated, is matured in a trio of casks: ex-Rye whiskey for gentle spice, fresh Chinkapin oak for richness, and Bordeaux red wine for fruit and color. This unique combination gives the whisky both youthful vibrance and mature depth. It’s a process born from curiosity, driven by the desire to let the island’s natural elements shape every drop.

Perfect For

Slow nights when the world outside feels far away. Ideal for quiet reflection, fireside conversations, or sharing stories that only begin after the second dram. It’s a whisky that feels alive, meant to be experienced, not rushed.

Expert Notes

Batch 1 made history as Raasay’s inaugural release, immediately praised for its balance of smoke, fruit, and maritime depth. Whisky Advocate called it “a bold new island identity.” Batch 2 refined that profile, smoother, deeper, and more harmonious, cementing Raasay’s reputation as one of Scotland’s most exciting young distilleries.

Customer Reviews

“It’s like the sea taught whisky how to speak, wild, gentle, and honest.”

“Batch 1 felt like discovery. Batch 2 feels like destiny.”

“You don’t just drink it. You feel the island breathing in your glass.”

Interesting Fact

When Raasay Distillery began production, the island’s electricity grid couldn’t handle the load, so they ran on generators. The locals joked that the flickering lights weren’t a problem, but proof the island had finally come alive.

Serving Suggestions

Serve neat in a tulip glass to appreciate its full maritime complexity. Add a few drops of cool water to awaken the red wine sweetness and spice. Let it breathe for a few minutes, patience unveils its softer, fruitier side.

Distillery Background

Founded in 2017 by Alasdair Day and Bill Dobbie, the Isle of Raasay Distillery stands as the first legal distillery on the island. Overlooking the Sound of Raasay and the Cuillin mountains, the distillery draws from the island’s rugged beauty, crafting spirit shaped by local water, Hebridean peat, and Atlantic air. Every bottle is a tribute to Raasay’s resilience and its boundless spirit of discovery.