Isle of Raasay Distillery Unveils Oak Species Maturation Series: Hungarian Oak
Isle of Raasay Distillery has announced the latest release in its Oak Species Maturation Series: Hungarian Oak.
The Oak Species Maturation Series explores how different oak varieties influence flavor and texture. This year’s expression highlights Hungarian Quercus petraea. Sourced from the Zemplén Mountains, the wood was selected not as virgin oak, but in the form of ex-Oloroso sherry barriques to allow the inherent spiciness of the Hungarian oak to be softened and enriched by the deep, dried-fruit profile of the Oloroso. This release was crafted from peated and unpeated stocks that were matured separately before being married together to produce a lightly peated whisky, and is bottled at 50% ABV.
Isle of Raasay Oak Species Maturation Series: Hungarian Oak is described as having aromas of “orange peel, roasted hazelnuts, geranium, cinnamon, ginger, and sponge cake.” The palate exhibits notes of “ginger, coffee, sherry, and dark chocolate.” It finishes with “lingering sweet orange, ginger, and smoky bacon.”
Isle of Raasay Oak Species Maturation Series: Hungarian Oak is limited to just 8,000 bottles worldwide and is available now via Isle of Raasay Distillery’s website and select UK retailers, with global availability to follow in the coming weeks. It carries a recommended retail price of £80.
Source: Isle of Raasay Distillery.