Officially opened in 2017 by co-founders Bill Dobbie and Alasdair Day, the ethos of Isle of Raasay Distillery is focused on provenance, quality and local production. This ethos is backed by their insistance on using 100% Scottish grown barley, use of Raasay peat and botanical harvests, their employment of around 10% of the island’s residents, as well as numerous awards.
Dobbie and Day met in 2013 and together created a vision of becoming Scotland’s leading artisanal distiller. They set their sights on Raasay in 2015, and by 2016 work was well underway to update the beloved 19th century Borodale House into a state-of-the-art distillery and accommodation.
The natural landscape on the Isle of Raasay inspired both the creation of the island’s first Scottish gin which was the first legal spirit from Raasay, an island rooted in centuries of illicit distilling.
Part of the distillery’s ethos is to produce, mature, bottle and market every drop of spirit directly from the island. This seeks to maximise the influence of the island on the spirit, and the distillery on the island.
The distillery now employs more than 25 people on the island, the total population of which is around 161 people, making Raasay Distillery a key employer in the area.
History
The Isle of Raasay, and by extension its distillery which is heavily influenced by the region, is rich in history, with significant cultural moments dating thousands of years. In fact, the earliest evidence of human habitation on the island can be dated back to the early neolithic period. Since then it has become known for significant historical events and names such as Bonnie Prince Charlie, Gaelic poet Sorley MacLean, and Calum’s Road, giving Raasay Island a truly unique character, distinct from any of the other Hebridean islands.
It is this poignant history that has shaped the spirit of Raasay Island today.
Taste Profile
Raasay is known for flavours of...
Subtle fragrant smokiness
Dark fruit
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