Isle of Raasay Na Sia Single Cask Peated Ex-Bordeaux Red Wine

Rough and inconsistent at first. I thought it would stay that way, but it improves. Then, suddenly, it gets much better! Not long ago, a quick boat ride from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park was undertaken. If you haven't experienced it, it's a great trip if you have adequate time (a full day). This park is located about seventy miles offshore from Key West. This means bumpy seas. Very bumpy. In fact, I could easily count the few people who weren't ill, and fortunately, my daughter and I were unaffected. Then things escalated. Ten-foot waves slammed into our boat, coupled with a sudden tropical storm. Was this worth over $250? Sitting on that tossing boat?!? Nothing is worse for us as Americans than to see our limited vacation days vanish due to seasickness. But, as we neared the island fortress, the weather abruptly cleared. Perhaps the day could still be salvaged. Indeed, it was – a day of beautiful, isolated island scenery. This pour is similar. It started off incredibly rough. Young, medicinal peat. Just harsh. Lemons, a light body, medicinal smoke that didn't seem integrated at all. Some water was added. Nope. Still the same. A large piece of ice was added. Finally! Now we're getting somewhere. My $5 sample finally paid off. Citrus flavors became prominent, with the smoke much better blended – like a novice Laphroaig imitation. Would I purchase a full bottle? No, but I appreciate the direction they are heading; it needs more time.

(Good Spirits Co. Glasgow – Virtual Isle of Raasay Na Sia Tasting, November 24, 2022). This was an engaging tasting showcasing the Na Sia (The Six, in Scots Gaelic) single cask range from Raasay. Prior to Raasay releasing its inaugural malt whisky from their distillery, I was invited to sample the aging spirit from the same range as this tasting. I have compared the current whisky to the aged spirit before it was fully matured as a reference – presented at the conclusion of the notes. Nose: Cherries, berries, very subtle peat, TCP/medicinal scent, sweet. Palate: Lightly harsh peat, grappa, highly spiced and tannic. Salt and seaweed. Finish: A finish of medium length. Berries, dried dark fruits, spice, and a distinctly peppery aftertaste. Casks include those obtained from Chateau Margeaux and Chateau Rothschild. Comparison: Spirit aged for 28 months. The 28-month spirit shares many of the same notes but is generally less well-integrated. It has a surprisingly metallic finish. The additional few months take the same characteristics and smooth them out. The peat in the 28-month spirit is also the far more dominant note. Secured second place out of the six drams, with 24% of the final vote for the evening's favorite. 76% of attendees indicated they enjoyed the whisky.

I'm quite fond of this one. The peat level is just right, and the wine finish is exceptional. I appreciate that it has a higher ABV. I'll certainly be looking out for future releases from this producer.

Well-integrated smoke with relaxing notes, though the Bordeaux cask influence is somewhat subdued.

Notes of red fruits, with a pleasant chemical undertone.