Isle of Raasay 5YO tasting notes

Raasay 5YO OB 70cl 61.7% ABV
Na Sia Single Cask series
Peated Chinkapin Oak cask
Cask no. 19/73
Bottle code L002553



Color: amber brown.
Nose: chocolate chips, resin, wrapping paper, pickles in brine, sugar-coated cranberries, peat, clay, ash, fresh bread crumbs, a hint of smoke, prunes, vanilla ice cream, rubber, cinnamon, heather, leather, prosciutto ham, apple shampoo. It takes time to open up, and you'll want to linger over the glass. The chocolatey notes are simply divine! I can't say the same about the shampoo, but that's the only flaw I noticed. With water: dill, tar, persimmons, quinces.
Taste: dark chocolate, oak, cherry jam, peat, ash, spicy peppers, lemons, grapefruits, clove, almonds, toffee. Quite sweet and somewhat hot. With water, the Highland style peat becomes more pronounced, and new flavors arrive, including salt, sweet pears, and sweet apples.
Finish: dark chocolate, toasted bread, salt, pepper, baked apples, chokeberries, roasted coffee beans. With water: vanilla ice cream and quinces.
Score: 8 ½. Good. +2+1+1.

Conclusion: one of the first bottlings in the Na Sia series with an age statement. There is more detailed information available for a couple of sister casks (19/74, 19/75), so the 19/73 barrel was likely filled in late January 2019 and matured for no less than five and a half years. The high char and high toast virgin Chinkapin oak brings a wealth of intriguing nuances to the spirit. I mostly like what it contributes to the nose, though the palate leans a bit too sweet for my taste, and the whisky still feels young. It benefits from a generous splash of water, not just a few drops, unlocking vibrant fruity notes. 85/100 with water. The distillery began operations in September 2017, and I think they're doing quite well. This is my 9th Raasay single malt tasted, and I am excited to keep following their progress.

Glentauchers 2008/2024 tasting notes

Glentauchers 16YO Cadenhead's 70cl 59.6% ABV
Chairman's Stock series
Distilled 2008, bottled 11.2024
Cask type: Refill Butt
630 bottles



Color: dark brown.
Nose: figs, mint, dates, black tea, soy sauce, a bit of lacquer, strawberries in chocolate, rose petals, allspice, bread, peaches, blackcurrants, tobacco, baked apples, clay. Very nice, a lot of fruits and berries. With water: resin, more chocolate, vanilla, dried blueberries, rum baba.
Taste: peaches, cherry cola, brown sugar, raisins, sweet tea, clove, sweet plums, strawberries, dark chocolate, almonds, oak, pepper. With water: lemons, grapefruits, redcurrants, mint. Wow, I really like it with water!
Finish: strawberries, brown sugar, raisins, mint, tobacco, dark chocolate, dates, cocoa, allspice.
Score: 8 ¾. Better than good. +2+2+1. (Without water: +2+1+1.)

Conclusion: not exactly a sherry bomb, though the refill butt managed to bring plenty of sherry influence, which is already evident in the color. I really like the strawberry note that carries from aroma through aftertaste, though the palate feels too sweet. Water brings much needed acidity to the mix! 87/100 with H₂O, this malt is in the same league as another 16-year-old Glentauchers from Duncan Taylor I tasted recently. Great bottle, especially for the price.