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Isle of Raasay Oak Species Maturation Series Quercus Robur Review

The Isle of Raasay Quercus Robur Scotch showcases the interaction of European oak with lightly peated single malt, offering a rich palate of red fruits and shifting smoky notes.

OVERALL RATING

9
$48
  • 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. A species of European oak, Quercus Robur originates from France and has a more open and wider grain. Valued for its strong, durable wood, Quercus Robur is often found in mixed forests and situated in rich soils at lower altitude. Matured in virgin French oak casks, this Raasay expression is bottled at 50.7% ABV.
Appearance:
Rich Amber
Nose:
A nose of sweet and candied red fruits of strawberry and raspberry, before aromas of bergamot and eucalyptus. The smoke has a menthol edge, but feels muted on the nose. There are background hints of leather and polish.
Palate:
Rich and thickly mouthcoating. Sweet strawberry and raspberry fruit candies open, balanced against freshly shaved wood reminiscent of pencil shavings. Honey and caramel sweetness, alongside notes of vanilla and bergamot follow. The smoke shifts of a sweet heather smoke on the palate.
Finish:
Medium to long, fresh woody notes gain a little pepper. The sweet smoke now becomes drier and ashier at the close.
Comments:
The Isle of Raasay Quercus Robur expression’s French oak maturation has imparted lots of red fruit sweetness and fresh oak notes. I especially enjoyed the notes of strawberry and raspberry sweetness combined with the shifting smoke with this whisky.

Amongst the Isle of Raasay Oak Series, the Quercus Robur expression feels like the most ‘woody’ of the collection with the notes of fresh oak and pencil shavings. The shifting smoke, from menthol, to sweet heather, to ashy is intriguing, although the smoke seems slightly more muted in the Quercus Robur release than the other expressions.

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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