Isle of Raasay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Isle of Raasay Single Malt comes from one of Scotland’s newest and most distinctive whisky distilleries, located on the rugged and sparsely populated Isle of Raasay, just off the coast of Skye. Founded in 2014 by Alasdair Day and Bill Dobbie, the Isle of Raasay Distillery was established with the goal of creating a spirit that fully reflects the island’s unique character, geology, and maritime climate. Production began in 2017, and the first flagship single malt was released in 2021 to considerable acclaim.

The island itself plays a central role in the whisky’s identity. Raasay’s volcanic and sedimentary rock formations, along with its windswept coastal environment, influence everything from the water source to the maturation process. The distillery draws its water from a Celtic well on the site, rich in minerals that help shape the new make spirit’s texture and flavour. The maritime climate, with salty sea air, frequent storms, and cool temperatures, provides ideal conditions for a slow, steady maturation that integrates coastal salinity into the whisky’s profile.

One of Raasay’s defining production choices is its dual style of spirit. The distillery produces both peated and unpeated malt in small batches, then matures them separately before marrying them together. This approach creates a balanced whisky where gentle smokiness complements, rather than dominates, the fruit-forward and malty core.

The resulting whisky is non-chill filtered and natural in colour, bottled at 46.4% ABV to deliver full flavour without overwhelming the palate. The official Isle of Raasay Single Malt offers aromas of red fruit, heather honey, and gentle smoke, leading to a palate of dark berries, baking spice, salted caramel, and a light maritime brine, with a lingering, slightly smoky finish.

In addition to the core release, the distillery produces special editions and cask strength bottlings, as well as an unpeated single malt that showcases the fruity, floral side of the spirit. Independent cask sales and “Na Sia” cask program allow whisky enthusiasts to purchase private casks directly from the distillery.

The distillery has also become a major draw for visitors. With on-site accommodation, a tasting room overlooking the Sound of Raasay, and tours that take guests through the entire whisky-making process, it offers one of the most immersive whisky experiences in Scotland. Sustainability is a focus too, with renewable energy initiatives and a commitment to supporting the island community.

Our Isle of Raasay selection includes the flagship single malt, limited-edition cask strength expressions, and occasional exclusive bottlings. Whether you’re drawn to the maritime-meets-mountain character, the innovative cask regime, or the harmonious balance of peat and fruit, the Isle of Raasay offers a modern single malt rooted deeply in place and tradition, proof that even a young distillery can produce world-class whisky.