Isle of Raasay – The Draam (70cl, 46.4%)

The Draam is the signature single malt of Isle of Raasay Distillery, devised by Master Distiller Alasdair Day to echo older Hebridean styles. It is bottled at 46.4% ABV in a 70cl bottle. It marries peated and unpeated Raasay spirit, matured separately in first-fill American rye whiskey casks, fresh Chinkapin oak and first-fill Bordeaux red wine casks. The rye casks add spice and vanilla, the Chinkapin oak fresh oak character, and the Bordeaux casks red-wine depth and dark fruit. The nose has wood smoke, dark cherries and blackberries, with sweet spice, black pepper and vanilla beneath. The palate balances peat and ripe dark fruit with cinnamon warmth, ending on a peppery finish.