First legal spirit from Isle of Raasay launched

The Isle of Raasay – an island that lies between the Isle of Skye and Scotland- has a long history of illicit distilling. However, today (27th July) sees the launch of the first legal spirit to be produced on the island.

The Isle of Raasay Distillery is celebrating the release of its first Hebridean gin ahead of the launch of the Isle of Raasay Single Malt whisky in 2020.

The new Isle of Raasay Gin is handcrafted in the Hebrides, and distilled in a Frilli copper pot still using an expert blend of 10 botanicals and water from their well. The result is a complex but well balanced, zesty dry
gin with a lasting aftertaste encapsulating Raasay’s style, character and impressive geological variety.

How does it taste? The Scottish Gin Society hope to try it soon and bring you our verdict! For now, here are the tasting notes released with the gin:
Nose: Fresh and aromatic, with juniper, citrus and a hint of rhubarb.
Palate: Dry with a burst of juniper, orange and a richer rhubarb note.
Finish: Dry and zesty.
Perfect serve: Orange zest strips. Isle of Raasay Gin is made for mixing in traditional G&Ts using Fever-Tree’s Premium Indian Tonic, or in your favourite cocktail.

The gin gets its unique flavour profile from an exciting list of Raasay and traditional botanicals: juniper berries, rhubarb root, lemon peel, orange peel, coriander seeds, angelica root, liquorice root, orris root, cubeb
pepper, and triple distilled Raasay spirit.

Isle of Raasay Distillery Co-founder Alasdair Day commented:
“Our new Isle of Raasay Gin puts island quality first – combining carefully chosen botanicals with water from our well and triple distilled Raasay spirit.
“Raasay’s remarkable geology and our modern island distillery inspired both the creation and presentation of our exciting new Scottish gin that we look forward to sharing with the growing number of visitors to Raasay and gin lovers alike.”

The Isle of Raasay Gin will be launched in style at the distillery later today. Love the sound of this new Scottish Gin? Sign up to be one of the first to buy a bottle.