THE Isle of Raasay Distillery has unveiled its first whisky matured entirely in Marsala Vergine casks, marking a rare use of Sicilian wine barrels in Scotch whisky production.
The limited edition single-malt, bottled at 50.7% ABV, is restricted to 12,300 bottles worldwide and will be available from Thursday August 7 via the distillery’s website and select independent retailers across the UK. Exports are also planned to key markets including Germany, France and the United States.
The whisky has been aged exclusively in Marsala Vergine DOC casks sourced from the Frazzitta winery, one of Sicily’s oldest Marsala producers.
The winery is known for ageing its wine in traditional oxidative conditions for up to 30 years, giving the casks a dry, nutty, and complex character — closer to a dry sherry than the sweeter Marsala typically used in cooking.
The release also debuts new packaging for the distillery’s limited editions, with a design inspired by Raasay’s volcanic landscape and fossil-marked geology. The bottle features slate-grey tones and embossed fossil textures as a nod to the island’s terrain.
Managing director William Dobbie said the redesign aims to give the brand “a clearer identity” as it expands its portfolio.
“We’ve grown rapidly in recent years, and this helps distinguish our limited releases from the core range,” he said.
As with all Raasay whiskies, the spirit was distilled, matured and bottled entirely on the island. The distillery uses a mix of peated and unpeated barley, matured separately before being married together to create its signature profile.
Founded in 2017, Raasay Distillery has become known for small-batch, experimental releases that aim to reflect the island’s character and surroundings. This latest release brings a distinct international influence, combining Scottish craftsmanship with Sicilian wine heritage in an uncommon cask type.
