Isle of Raasay Distillery, a leader in the new wave of whisky makers, is delighted to announce the release of a limited-edition whisky to celebrate International Women’s Day. The Raasay Lassies Release, back for its second year, honours the women integral to the distillery’s continued success. With women making up 50% of the Raasay team, this year’s selection has been chosen by Finance Manager Lexy MacLeod, who has called Raasay home all her life and has worked with the distillery since 2018.
Following last year’s record-breaking release, a peated Chinkapin cask selection by Distillery Operator Naomi, the 2025 Raasay Lassies Release is set to raise the bar. This special edition pays homage to Lexy’s favourite Raasay viewpoint and whisky, Dùn Cana — an iconic expression from the Hebridean distillery that continues to inspire.
Lexy has chosen two exceptional casks for this exclusive bottling: an Oloroso Quarter Cask and a Pedro Ximénez Quarter Cask. Both these second-fill casks previously held the distillery’s first ever sherry release from 2021, which is now widely known as Dùn Cana.
“I’m thrilled to select the whisky for this year’s International Women’s Day,” Lexy shared. “I have to admit, whisky isn’t my usual go-to, but I knew it had to be sherry casks, like our Dùn Cana release — which is my favourite Raasay whisky… well, it was until now!”
Co-founder and Master Distiller Alasdair Day added, “For those who love our Dùn Cana release, this is definitely one to enjoy. Fully matured in Oloroso and PX casks, this whisky is heavily influenced by sherry characteristics but with the gentle smokiness that defines our Hebridean style. The combination of two sherry casks give it layers of sweetness and balance, while the light peat smoke builds to a warm, lingering finish.”
Bottled at 52% ABV, this limited-edition release delivers a beautifully balanced experience. On the nose, expect aromas of plum, cherry, banana, with hints of candied ginger and salted almonds. The palate is smooth yet rich, where light peat smoke delicately mixes with ginger and almond, balanced with underlying sweetness. The finish lingers with gentle notes of peat.
Every drop of Isle of Raasay spirit is distilled, matured and bottled on the Isle of Raasay. This particular expression also includes a bespoke label, designed and printed on the island. Depicting a classic cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit. Lexy explains, “Anyone who knows me, knows my perfect soundtrack in the office is the sound of the kettle boiling, so it seemed like the obvious choice when I was asked what illustration I wanted on this whisky bottle.”
Home to a tight-knit community of just 161 residents, as stated on every Isle of Raasay whisky and gin label, the distillery is committed to crafting exceptional whisky that reflects both the island’s rich history and its exciting future. The distillery represents the vibrant new wave of whisky makers in Scotland, blending tradition with a fresh, innovative approach that resonates with a global audience.
This special International Women’s Day release is priced at £90 and is limited to just 380 bottles. It will be available for general sale from 5pm on Saturday, 8th March, on RaasayDistillery.com, with early access given exclusively to Isle of Raasay’s Slàinte Club members from Friday evening. So, if you’re not signed up to the newsletter, now is the time to do so.
For more information about the whisky and to become a Slàinte Club member, visit: https://raasaydistillery.com/shop/international-womens-day/
Tasting Notes
NOSE: Plum, cherry, banana, salted almond, candied ginger
PALATE: Light peat smoke appears but quite smooth and rich with raisin, ginger is more prominent
FINISH: Peat builds to the finish tied together with an underlying sweetness
