Isle of Raasay Na Sia Single Cask Unpeated Ex-Rye Cask

Warm, full bodied and spices

(Good Spirits Co. Glasgow – Virtual Isle of Raasay Na Sia Tasting, 24 November 2022). This was an interesting tasting showing the Na Sia (The Six, in Scots Gaelic) single cask range from Raasay. Before Raasay released it’s first own malt whisky from their distillery, I was invited to taste the aging spirit from the same range as this tasting. I have compared the now whisky to the aged spirit before fully matured as a comparison – shown at the end of the notes. Nose: Butterscotch, toffee caramel, maise, malt biscuit, baking spice, brine. Very light on the nose. Palate: Black pepper, chilli, vanilla, spirit forward. Quite new-make-y! Light tropical fruit, pineapple, pears Finish: Long finish. Ash, oak, burned caramel. Compared against: Spirit matured for 25 months in ex-Woodford Reserve Rye casks. The 25 month spirit is much lighter and harsher - hot and peppery, with a sour and ashy aftertaste. The whisky retains the peppery notes but adds more tropical fruit and smooths out the layers. The Raasay ambassador leading the tasting confirmed that the first batches of Na Sia Rye cask are still Woodford Reserve Rye, but future editions may have a variety of other Rye casks in the make-up. Came joint last out of the six drams, with 6% of the final vote for favourite of the night. 76% of those present said they enjoyed the whisky.