The Cellars was filled with the spirit of the Hebrides—literally and figuratively—as we hosted “Scotch from the Isle of Raasay”, a guided tasting with none other than Robert Sickler, U.S. Brand Ambassador and Scotch sage.
Before diving into the dram, we welcomed guests with a refreshing pour of Isle of Raasay Gin—a crisp and aromatic expression of the island’s botanicals. With notes of citrus, juniper, and a whisper of sea breeze, it set the tone beautifully (and may have converted a few “only whisky” folks into full-time gin believers). We even provided some cocktail suggestions—because if you’re going to sip gin from an island, you might as well learn how to mix it like a local.
Then came the whisky. Oh, the whisky.
Robert led us through a sensory journey that went beyond tasting notes—touching on terroir, peat, barley types, cask choices, climate influence, and the rebellious brilliance of building a distillery on an island with no bridge to the mainland (talk about commitment to your craft).
Here’s the lineup we explored:
Na Sia Single Cask Series – Peated (Rye Cask)
A bold start—earthy smoke, vanilla oak, and rye spice with just enough heat to remind you it’s alive. This one brought the campfire indoors and set the mood.
2024 Cask Strength Special Release
An absolute powerhouse. At full strength, it delivered citrus, orchard fruit, honeyed malt, and a peat note that whispered instead of shouted. A reminder that strength doesn’t always need to scream.
Hebridean Single Malt – Lightly Peated
Raasay’s signature dram. A complex blend of casks—ex-Rye, Bordeaux, and Chinkapin oak—made this a well-rounded sip with red fruit, sea spray, and a peated hug. Think of it as the island’s handshake in liquid form.
Na Sia Single Cask Series – Peated (Chinkapin Oak Cask)
The closer. This one roared in with charred wood, baking spices, gingerbread, and lingering smoke. An unapologetically peaty finale that felt like a Viking farewell—with dessert.
Whether you’re a seasoned whisky nerd or just getting your feet wet (or peated), this tasting showed why Raasay is a name to watch in the world of Scotch. A distillery born in 2017 on a remote volcanic island, aging its whiskies in unique casks and daring to blend peat and elegance—Raasay is a modern classic in the making.
If you missed the opportunity to attend the tasting, we still have whiskey left and are happy to build you your own custom flight in the Cellars. Simply click here to schedule a time to stop in and let up lead you through the world that is Raasay Islay Scotch.
Want to attend a tasting in person? Don’t worry—your next favorite tasting is just around the corner. Sign up for our newsletter, follow us on socials, or simply stop by The Cellars. We promise great drams, better company, and maybe even a surprise or two (hint: we’re just getting started with these island explorations).
Until next time,
Slàinte!
—The Cellars by the Mansion Team
Slàinte!
—The Cellars by the Mansion Team
