Dining

This experimental Rye Cask Single Malt whisky from Isle of Raasay is surprisingly affordable

Isle of Raasay Distillery unveils Rye Cask

Looking for a different style of dram? Isle of Raasay has unveiled Rye Cask 3.4 x Distilled, a limited single cask whisky created using a rare purifier system. 

The novel setup, described by founder and Master Distiller Alasdair Day as a ’virtual third still’, increases copper contact during distillation and apparently produces a softer, more delicate whisky than the distillery’s usual (lightly) peated style.

Matured in a single ex-Rye whiskey cask from Woodford Reserve, and bottled at a robust 59% ABV, the release reflects the island distillery’s increasingly adventurous approach to modern whisky making. Limited to just 246 bottles worldwide, it’s bottled at natural colour and non-chill filtered, and we’re more than curious.

The novel setup increases copper contact during distillation and apparently produces a softer, more delicate whisky…

At the centre of the release is Raasay’s unusual still configuration. The distillery’s spirit still features a purifier system that can be switched on or off during production. Founder and Master Distiller Alasdair Day says that this ‘virtual still’ increases copper contact during distillation and thus creates a softer, more delicate spirit style.

Official tasting notes report honeydew melon, pear and green apples on the nose, followed by flavours of buttery toffee, banana and stewed apple, finishing with sweet oak and gentle spice.

The whisky was distilled in June 2019 and matured entirely on the island before bottling in May 2026.

Available now, Isle of Raasay Rye Cask 3.4 x Distilled sells for £95.

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About Steve May

Creator of Home Cinema Choice magazine, and Editor of The Luxe Review, Steve muses and reviews for Trusted Reviews, T3, Home Cinema Choice, Games Radar, Good Housekeeping, Louder Sounds, StereoNet and Boat International. He’s also the editor of professional home cinema website Inside CI. He's on Twitter/X, Tiktok and Instagram as @SteveMay_UK