Isle Of Raasay Batch R02
A highly exciting cask selection was made for the Isle of Raasay Batch R02. Single malts from first fill ex-rye whiskey, virgin Chinkapin oak and first fill Bordeaux red wine casks were married together. Some were initially filled with peated, others with unpeated New Make before being bottled after around 3 years.
Tasting Notes
Nose
A hint of warm campfire welcomes, accompanied by subtle flavours of cherry, blackcurrant and red fruits. The sweet note of molasses and a hint of BBQ sauce dance with notes of burnt sugar and creamy creme brulee, while earthy nuances and herbal incense round off the picture. A hint of cinnamon adds a pleasant spice.
Palate
The single malt has a wonderfully creamy texture that caresses the palate. Meaty notes of ham and a gentle presence of warm campfire smoke meld harmoniously with sweet caramel, although this has perhaps lingered a little too long in the pot. Herbs and colourful pepper provide an exciting exchange of blows with refreshing notes of grapefruit and lemon.
Finish
The finish is long and full-bodied, with an elegant dance of tobacco and liquorice on the tongue. A subtle chilli spiciness tickles the palate, while a pleasant oak presence provides structure.
Thoughts
Marcel 83/100
A whisky that’s simply fun with its creamy texture and fruity-smoky notes – a true character with plenty of drinking pleasure. The sweet BBQ aromas and a hint of chili bring a lively presence, even though the caramel note can sometimes feel a bit too dominant. Definitely a worthwhile discovery for fans of complex, yet not overly serious single malts.
Sascha 83/100
The Isle of Raasay Batch R02 impresses with its balanced cask composition and the harmonious interplay between sweet fruit notes and smoky elements. The structure is solid, although the extended maturation in the pot still imparts a slight dominance of caramel that somewhat overshadows the otherwise fine blend of herbs and spices. Overall, a technically clean whisky that still has room to grow in finesse.
Value for Money: Good
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83/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the cask selection in the Isle of Raasay Batch R02 special?
The Isle of Raasay Batch R02 combines single malts matured in first-fill ex-rye whiskey, virgin Chinkapin oak, and first-fill Bordeaux red wine casks. This unusual mix of different cask types gives the whisky complex aromas and a distinctive depth.
How does the use of peated and unpeated new make spirit influence the flavor?
By combining peated and unpeated new make spirit, the whisky develops both smoky and fruity-sweet notes. This creates a balanced flavor profile with an exciting interplay between campfire smoke and fruity aromas.
Why does the Isle of Raasay Batch R02 have no age statement despite being matured for about 3 years?
Batch R02 is offered as a no-age-statement (NAS) whisky because, although it matures for around 3 years in selected casks, it carries no official age declaration. This allows the distillery to marry different casks and styles without committing to a specific age.