ISLE OF RAASAY DISTILLERY REVEALS NEW LIMITED-EDITION WHISKY, FULLY MATURED IN EX-MANZANILLA CASKS
11th May 2023, London: The Isle of Raasay Distillery has unveiled a new limited-edition expression in celebration of winning the coveted Tourism Destination of the Year Award at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2022.
The new ‘Distillery Exclusive – Tourism Destination of the Year’ is inspired by the rugged yet beautiful windswept Isle of Raasay, with the team choosing a unique blend of sherry and ex-Manzanilla Pasada casks to achieve a salty maritime note within the whisky that encapsulates the island’s climate. Overall, this maturation process delivers a whisky which is lightly peated with notes of chamomile, almonds and salted caramel and has an ABV of 63.5%.
Co-founder and Master Distiller, Alasdair Day said: “The Isle of Raasay is a very small rugged, windswept Hebridean island that lies off the East coast of Skye. An island off an island. With all of our spirit being matured on Raasay in our warehouses there has been a lot of discussion about our maritime climate and how this may influence the flavour characteristics of our maturing whisky. It was with this thought in mind, combined with the tradition of maturing Scotch Whisky in sherry casks that we selected a small quantity of ex Manzanilla Pasada casks for our Isle of Raasay Single Malt to mature in.
“Manzanilla is a very dry sherry, similar to Fino, made in the same way but at the port of Sanlúcar de Barrameda next to the sea and not inland in Jerez. This results in a salty maritime note in Manzanilla which is not present in Fino sherry. It is this note that we were looking to promote in this very special release of our Isle of Raasay Hebridean Single Malt. It combines our maturation by the sea with the maritime influence of the Manzanilla sherry.”
Only 2,500 bottles of ‘Distillery Exclusive – Tourism Destination of the Year’ will be released which will be exclusively available to their online whisky club and at the Isle of Raasay Distillery from 17th May 2023 with a retail price of £95.
Whisky-Online July Auction – Choose from an extensive range of malts, blends and other rare and collectible whiskies available on the secondary whisky market. As well as boasting an impressive online whisky shop, Whisky-Online hold regular online auctions offering bidders the chance to buy many of those harder to find whiskies.
Whether adding to an existing collection, buying a special gift or merely choosing a finer whisky to compliment an upcoming special occasion, buying whisky at auction has become almost as common as buying from a high street or online retailer. In many ways, it is at auctions like these that many surprising expressions come up and while there are many good buys to be had, lets not forget that from a sellers point of view, whisky auctions also present opportunities for many record hammer prices to be achieved.
The Macallan Reflexion Decanter (43% ABV, £900) is a reflection of the foremost influence of first fill sherry seasoned oak casks, drawing its colour and flavour from maturation in hogshead casks. These are smaller casks which allow for greater surface area of wood to interact with the spirit to deliver an intricate character driven by the influence of both Spanish and American oak casks.
Sculpted through the inspiration of The Macallan’s iconic triangular shape, Reflexion is a masterpiece both in style and stature. Its exquisite angular facets each reflect the light to showcase the deep red mahogany hue of the whisky within.
The depth of the colour and the complexity of flavour of Reflexion derive from the casks selected for this distinctive expression by the Master Whisky Maker. Bold and full-bodied, Reflexion is a celebration of floral and vanilla notes, punctuated with fresh apples and apricots.
Reflexion – 43% ABV
Colour:
Blood Orange
Aroma:
Orange and citrus fruits open up like fresh fruit on a sunny market day, their zest is fresh, the fruit is firm. A slight waxy note fades to fresh green apples. Then the sweet stall: chocolate, thick fudge, boiled sweets, aniseed; caramel toffees almost overwhelm whilst white chocolate truffles are hidden. Just as you are ready to taste, a delivery of bananas in fresh, sweet oak arrives.
Taste:
Initial light citrus zest with new oak quickly gives way to a juicier sweetness, thick and succulent, of lemon and orange. Raisin, sultana and apple, with a hint of cinnamon and ginger, are subtle. Boiled sweets add balance to a glimpse of toasted oak to give a medium and soft finish.
Whisky is a popular choice for Dads across the country on Father’s Day, and whether they’re new to the “water of life” or they’re a devoted fan there’s definitely something for everyone. Take a look at our wish list of award-winning whiskies, to give you inspiration for the perfect gift this Father’s Day.
For something new to treat your dad with, The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old is exclusively sherry seasoned and delivers a distinct American oak style, reflecting a perfect harmony of flavours and natural colour. The delicate flavour of American oak – vanilla, citrus and light oak – rises in prominence as the traditional Macallan character of rich fruit, sherry and wood spice affords a familiar back drop. This is a flavour combination which is guaranteed until the very last drop. The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old is available in specialist whisky retailers including The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt (RRP £55). www.themacallan.com
Gift a whisky to treasure with the first expression in The 1824 Series, The Macallan Gold. Showcasing the single malt’s natural colour, The Macallan Gold has notes of vanilla followed by dark chocolate, with lingering floral and light oak notes. The Macallan Gold is available in multiple retailers including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons (RRP £38). www.themacallan.com
Highland Park 12 Year Old, the Orkney Single Malt with Viking Soul, is the ideal gift for fans of flavour, and now comes in a new, ornately embossed bottle and carton. This single malt is at the heart of Highland Park’s core range and is a rich and well-balanced whisky boasting a honey sweetness, followed by fruity notes with a hint of gentle smoke. Highland Park 12 Year Old is available at multiple retailers including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons and Co-op (RRP £35). www.highlandpark.co.uk
For the whisky aficionado, Highland Park 18 Year Old is an ideal gift. Named “Best Spirit in the World” by US spirits writer F. Paul Pacult, this single malt is a masterclass of balance, complexity and refinement. Displaying characteristic toffee sweetness with a full smoky finish it is a whisky that reveals more layers with every glass you enjoy. Highland Park 18 Year Old is available in all good whisky specialists including www.masterofmalt.com and www.thewhiskyexhange.com (RRP £99). www.highlandpark.co.uk
Aged exclusively in sherry oak casks, The Macallan Rare Cask sees soft notes of opulent vanilla and raisin pique the nose, giving way to a sweet ensemble of apple, lemon, and orange. A single malt produced through meticulous dedication to wood – with some of the casks used to age the whisky from sherry bodegas no longer in existence – it is the perfect gift for those who are fans of craftsmanship and quality. The Macallan Rare Cask is available in select whisky retailers including The Whisky Shop and Harrods (RRP £200). www.themacallan.com
Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of Maxxium UK.
For further information or images, please contact Gabrielle Roscamp at The BIG Partnership:
0131 557 5252 / Gabrielle.Roscamp@bigpartnership.co.uk
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