Isle of Raasay Distillery unveils latest release from Oak Species Maturation Series

A bold exploration of oak and flavour, matured in ex-Oloroso sherry barriques

The Isle of Raasay Distillery, a pioneer among Scotland’s new wave of whisky makers, unveils the latest release in its Oak Species Maturation Series: Hungarian Oak.

The Oak Species Maturation Series places the spotlight firmly on the botanical species of the oak itself, inviting whisky enthusiasts to explore firsthand how different oak varieties influence flavour and texture.

A limited release of just 8,000 bottles globally, this year’s expression highlights the distinctive character of Hungarian Quercus petraea. Sourced from the Zemplén Mountains, the wood was selected not as virgin oak, but in the form of ex-Oloroso sherry barriques. This choice allows the inherent spiciness of the Hungarian oak to be softened and enriched by the deep, dried-fruit profile of the Oloroso.

With an ABV of 50%, its complexity is further enhanced by the distillery’s unique maturation process, where peated and unpeated spirits are aged separately in these casks before being married together, resulting in Raasay’s signature lightly peated style.

Quercus petraea is renowned for its slow growth and exceptionally tight grain, allowing for a more controlled interaction between spirit and wood. This results in a whisky of remarkable depth and balance, where spice, sweetness and smoke are intricately layered.

On the nose, orange peel leads into roasted hazelnut and floral geranium, with hints of cinnamon, ginger, and soft sponge cake. The palate brings forward lively ginger and rich coffee, balanced by a sherried sweetness that deepens into dark chocolate. The finish lingers with sweet orange and ginger, rounded by a subtle, smoky note of bacon.

Alasdair Day, Co-founder and Master Distiller, comments: “With our Oak Species Maturation Series, we’re exploring whisky at its most fundamental level, understanding how varying species of oak shape flavour. This release reflects the Distillery’s commitment to innovation in oak policy, pushing beyond convention to better understand the role of wood species in whisky maturation.”

Every drop of Isle of Raasay whisky is distilled, matured, and bottled on the island itself, home to a close-knit community of just 161 residents - a detail proudly displayed on every bottle. The distillery remains committed to crafting whisky that reflects both the heritage and future of this unique Hebridean island.

Hungarian Oak is a limited release of 8,000 bottles globally, available now via the Isle of Raasay Distillery’s website and select UK retailers, with global availability to follow in the coming weeks. The Release is priced at £80.

Technical Details for Hungarian Oak

• ABV: 50%
• Cask Type: Ex-Oloroso Sherry Barriques
• Oak Species: Quercus petraea
• Oak Species Origin: Zemplén region, Hungary
• Spirit Types: Peated and Unpeated
• Barley Variety: Laureate & Sassy
• Yeast: Distilamax MW
• Water Source: 60m well on site
• Fermentation: 3 and 5 days
• Distillation Cut Points: 75%–67% and 75%–65%
• Cask Filling Strength: 63.5%
• Distilled: 11/01/2021 – 29/06/2021
• Bottled: March 2026
• Outturn: 8,000 bottles
• Presentation: Natural colour, non-chill filtered

Tasting Notes for Hungarian Oak

• Nose: Orange peel, roasted hazelnuts, geranium, cinnamon, ginger, sponge cake
• Palate: Ginger, coffee, sherry, dark chocolate
• Finish: Lingering sweet orange, ginger and smoky bacon