Whiskey Review #002
Raasay "While We Wait" 2018 Single Malt Scotch Whiskey
Final Rating
6.3/10
Background: The “While We Wait” Series showcased the potential of the Raasay distillers in advance of the release of their own make. Raasay holds the sourced distillery name close to the vest, but utilizes two whiskies (a peated and unpeated one), aged in ex-bourbon casks, both from the same distillery. These are further finished in Tuscan Montechiari wine casks in an attempt to find a smoother, balanced peat flavor. I picked this bottle up directly from the distillery during a 2019 visit.
Nose: Delicate smoke fades quickly into sweet, salted caramel with a hint of charcoal. Butterscotch pudding dominates the nose moving forward with notes of red wine, salty bacon, and whiffs of cheese (thinking baked brie). The nose immediately transports me back to the Scottish coast.
Taste: Fruit hits first with notes of deeper red fruits, rye spice, grape skins and faint notes of coffee beans. The wine cask finish shines throughout with a mild peat, reminiscent of the style of High West Campfire. The taste is definitely sweet and noticeably young but it more than makes up for its age with the uniqueness of the flavor.
Finish: Medium, dry finish with black pepper and a sour note like white grape skins. Sweetness lingers on the tongue with fading vanilla. There is a slight minerality finishing with dark cocoa
Overall Thoughts: Raasay is, without question, the most incredible distillery I have ever visited. The views from the front door, the genuine people, and their nod to the history of the island make for an incredible experience to first taste a whiskey. Each sip now of this bottle brings me immediately back to my time on the island. And while I have enjoyed every last drop of this bottle, the sad fact is, I have been unable to truly replicate the experience of that first pour at the distillery. There is a bit of magic missing in the bottle that seems to grow with every passing dram, but also excites me about the future offerings of this distillery.