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Isle of Raasay Oak Species Maturation Series Quercus Homboldtii Review

Isle of Raasay's Quercus Humboldtil is a unique single malt matured in Colombian oak. Its vibrant notes of crème brulee, fruits, and ashy smoke create an unforgettable tasting experience.

OVERALL RATING

10
$107
  • Mark Bostock, a whisky enthusiast specializing in independent bottlings.
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Tasting Notes

About:

The Isle of Raasay Oak Species Maturation Series showcases how individual species of oak interact with the lightly peated Raasay single malt spirit during maturation. Quercus Humboldtil, more commonly known as Andean or Colombian oak is only found in Colombia and Panama. One of the first uses of Colombian oak for maturation across the whole whisky industry, Raasay’s spirit has been matured in virgin Colombian oak casks. Bottled at 50.7% ABV.
Appearance:
Bright Yellow Gold
Nose:
Opens with fragrant heather smoke, with a hint of pepper. There are notes of orange zest citrus and fresh green apples, with aromas of freshly sawn wood.
Palate:
Very light and smooth, although still giving a rich mouth feel. Sweet notes of crème brulee, vanilla, and caramel open, giving way to green apples and a hint of blackberry. Smoke follows, a mix of subtle tobacco and an ashy, sooty coal fire smoke. There are also some spicy background notes of peppery oak, cinnamon, and fresh gingerbread.
Finish:
Long, with lingering smoke still shifting between tobacco and ash. There is a final flourish of sweet oak, before a slight herbaceous touch of mint at the close.
Comments:
The impressive influence of the Colombian oak is readily evident on this Isle of Raasay expression, the notes and flavours of fruits, spices, sweetness, and smoke are really well integrated and balanced. Maturation using Colombian oak is relatively recent innovation within the whisky industry, and if this cask type becomes used more widely, I am interested to see the cask influence on different whisky styles.

The Isle of Raasay Quercus Humboldtil expression is the stand out bottling amongst the Oak Series for me personally, I really enjoyed the crème brulee sweetness and ashy smoke. One of my favourite Isle of Raasay releases so far, this is a very moreish dram!

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Mark Bostock

Mark Bostock, an integral part of the Mark Littler LTD UK content writing team since 2019, brings a genuine passion for whisky, especially independent bottlings, to his work. His commitment to expanding his knowledge through attending tasting events and building his own collection enriches his contributions, blending expertise with enthusiasm.

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