Oak Species Maturation Series 4 x 5cl Tasting Pack

Behold our brand new Oak Species Maturation Series Tasting Pack: Four small (5cl) but mighty whiskies, each characterised by the virgin oak casks they have been fully matured in. Hand-selected by our Co-founder & Master Distiller, Alasdair, and bottled at 50.7% ABV.

Quercus humboldtii

The mighty Quercus humboldtii, commonly known as Andean oak or Colombian oak, is only found in Colombia and Panama. FUN FACT: These evergreen trees grow at high altitudes and are found across all three Colombian-Andean mountain ranges and some lowland inter-Andean regions. The oak staves are air dried/seasoned for 36 months, and have a high toast and charring level. The result is a crème brûlée bomb!

TASTING NOTES:

Nose: Herbaceous wood smoke, caramel
Palate: Crystallised brown sugar, crème brulée
Finish: Lingering sweetness with hints of mint and green tea.

Quercus petraea

Widely known and referred to as European oak, this Quercus petraea originates in Hungary. A resilient oak species, it thrives in areas with harsh growing conditions, such as rocky and drier soils, which contribute to it’s tight grain and slower growth. FUN FACT: The tighter the grain, the longer it takes for the spirit to penetrate the wood and, therefore, Quercus petraea is considered more refined and contributes to highly delicate flavours and a silky mouthfeel.

TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Peat smoke, savoury spice
Palate: Savoury spice, cloves, wood smoke
Finish: Sweetness comes in at the end

Quercus robur

Next up in the European Oak spotlight is Quercus robur from France, which has a more open and wider grain. Valued for its strong, durable wood, it is often found in mixed forests, and prefers deeper, richer soils at a lower altitude than Quercus petraea. The result? A whisky with warming, fragrant smoke and delicious caramel notes. FUN FACT: These two European oaks can be difficult to distinguish, so look at the length of the leaf stalk to identify them.

TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Warm rich fruit
Palate: Ripe fruit, dried raspberries, smoke, leather
Finish: A lingering spiciness

Quercus muehlenbergii

Last but not least, is Isle of Raasay’s beloved Quercus muehlenbergii. This Virgin Chinkapin oak is used in our award winning 6 cask recipe for The Draam. A deciduous species of North American white oak, it is heavily toasted and charred giving a rich colour and an abundance of flavour. FUN FACT: Dave Broom described it as “being in an American diner eating pancakes with maple syrup and smoky bacon.”

TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Wood smoke, dark fruits
Palate: Dark fruits, smoky bacon, maple syrup
Finish: Long dark fruits, smoke, ginger, cinnamon