Isle of Raasay Unveils Unique Single Malt Whisky from Rare Casks

Monday, 11 August 2025 at 09:02Isle of Raasay

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The Isle of Raasay Distillery is delivering a spectacular release you won't want to miss. For the first time, the Scottish distillery has matured a whisky entirely in rare Marsala Vergine casks from Sicily.

FAQ

What makes Marsala Vergine casks so special in whisky?
These casks are extremely rare and seldomly appear in the whisky world.

How many bottles are available worldwide?
Merely 12,300 bottles.

Where can you buy this whisky?
Through selected retailers in the United Kingdom, through the distillery's website, and internationally from August 2025.

A Brief on the Isle of Raasay Marsala Cask Whisky

Distillery: Isle of Raasay Distillery
Country: Scotland
Type of whisky: Single malt
Alcohol percentage: 50.7%
Peat level: 8-10 ppm
Cask type: Ex Marsala Barrique
Spirit types: Isle of Raasay peated and unpeated spirit
Barley type: Diablo & Concerto
Yeast type: Distilamax MW
Cask filling strength: 63.5% alc.
Distilled: July 2021
Bottled : July 2025
Price: 75 pounds per bottle
Edition: 12,300 bottles

What kinds of casks were specifically used for the Isle of Raasay single malt whisky?

Isle of Raasay Distillery procured the casks for the single malt whisky from Frazzitta winery. Before the spirit was added, Marsala DOC wine aged up to thirty years was stored in these casks, lending the whisky an exquisite taste.

Marsala Vergine is a fortified wine that bears one of the highest quality categories of Marsala. The wine carries a dry and oxidative demeanor that can be likened to a very old sherry.

Alasdair Day, master distiller at Isle of Raasay, reveals that these heritage casks are a rare sight in the whisky world. He is indeed gratified that several casks have made their way to the distillery.

‘The attributes of these casks have given our Raasay spirit an exceptional deep flavor.’

- Alasdair Day

What is the flavor profile of the Isle of Raasay Marsala Cask whisky?

The whisky poses the following tasting notes:

Nose: Must of grapes and nuttiness.
Palate: Stewed apple, dried pear, maple syrup and subtle balsamic.
Finish: Long and lightly smoky with soft, sweet nuances.

The whisky is bottled at 50,7 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).

Where can you buy the Isle of Raasay Marsala Cask whisky?

Initially, the single malt whisky can be purchased exclusively via the Isle of Raasay website and at selected retailers in the United Kingdom. The price per bottle is 75 pounds (roughly converted to around 85 euros). The run is limited to 12,300 bottles. From August onwards, the distillery will also globally release the whisky.

Fun fact: The new bottle used for this whisky incorporates genuine fossils in its design. This is a nod to the rugged geological heritage of Raasay.