PART II
On 22nd April 2022, after a two year delay, six influential figures in whisky took to the road on a trip that covered some of the most stunning scenery in the world.
Director Karen, Business partner for Fife Whisky Festival and owner of Kask Whisky, Justine Hazlehurst. Annabel Meikle Director of prestigious society Keepers of the Quaich, Nicola Young SMWS Ambassador and one half of Whisky Boys and last but by no means least Karen Walker of Karen Walker UK spirits marketing.
The next stop on the tour was catching the ferry from Sconser on The Isle of Skye to the Isle of Raasay, an island off an island. Probably the most difficult of endeavours to plan and build a distillery there!
The Isle of Raasay Distillery was the vision of Alasdair Day and Bill Dobbie.
In 2015 they decided that Raasay would be the perfect ingredient for their whisky style. in 2016 they were granted the planning and the ok for luxury accommodation to further enhance the Raasay experience. They also are now the major employer on the island and because of this people are now moving back to their home island.
In 2017 the first distillations had started and the distillery was opened. Firstly producing gin and laying down spirit for the first batches of Scotch Whisky. In 2021 the first release was launched. It certainly does not disappoint and all the thought and attention to detail has made this distillery award winning from the off.
The geology of Raasay and it's shoreline and unique water source is breath taking. Even in the glass bottle has elements of the island cast into the glass.
After a beautiful evening meal in the near by Raasay House Hotel, Alasdair treated us to a late evening warehouse tour.
It was unbelievable and the whisky we sampled were many works in progress. innovative and creative like an artist paints a picture or a musician forms a score.
After a day on the road much hilarity ensued and it was back to the welcoming bar for putting worlds to right and whisky chat well past sunset. Educating Distilleries that their glassware can come from Scotland and reduce the cost of importing cheaper alternatives has also been a mission for Director Karen. our everyday droppers and pipettes will now become a regular addition to the bar.
You can visit Raasay and stay in the luxury accommodation, book your tour and delight in the glorious island.
Next stop is The Ardnamurchan Peninsula with a few stops on the way.....
Part III coming soon...
