Isle of Raasay – Distillery of the Year Release 2023 (70cl, 50.7%)

This single malt from Isle of Raasay marks the distillery being named Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards in 2022. It was distilled in August 2018 and bottled in August 2023, making it the oldest bottling the distillery has released. It is 50.7% ABV, in a 70cl bottle, with 9,500 bottles filled. It began in ex-bourbon and Tennessee Four Roses American oak casks of 190 litres, then moved into 200 litre virgin oak casks made from Quercus humboldtii, a Colombian oak. Only the distillery's unpeated spirit was used. It is natural in colour and non-chill-filtered. It is described as vanilla and caramel with crème brûlée and juicy black cherries, and a muted spicy undertone.