Isle of Raasay 'R-01.1' Signature

Score: 65

Isle of Raasay R-01.1 Signature took third place in the tasting, a strong showing for a young distillery still carving out its identity. This Hebridean single malt, lightly peated and matured in a mix of rye whiskey, Chinkapin oak, and Bordeaux red wine casks, brought a bright, bold character that stood out without overwhelming. The nose was a playful blend of tropical fruit and vegetal peat, pineapple, mango, and passionfruit dancing with earthy smoke. On the palate, it offered a buttery texture, with notes of apple pie spice, raisins, and honey, finishing with a warm layer of nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon. While not the most complex dram of the night, it was memorable, and its performance hinted at something bigger: a distillery with serious promise. Raasay may be new to the scene, but it’s already showing a knack for crafting whisky that’s distinctive, expressive, and full of character. For the club, R-01.1 was more than just a tasty pour—it was a glimpse into the future of Scottish whisky from one of its most remote and ambitious outposts. Keep an eye on Raasay. This island’s just getting started.