The new limited edition five-year single cask Scotch whisky is made at the distillery in the Hebrides.
Aged in genuine chestnut oak casks, it is bottled at 61.1% ABV.
This is the third single malt whisky to be released by the Maclean Foundation, which was founded by whisky writer Charles Maclean MBE and his three sons – ocean rowers Ivan, Jamie and Lachlan Maclean – following the trio’s world record-breaking Atlantic crossing in 2019/20.
The brothers are currently in the process of sailing 9,000 miles across the Pacific to raise £1 million ($1.35 million) for clean water projects.
The charity whisky, hand-selected by Charles Maclean at the distillery on Raasay Island, is limited to 246 bottles worldwide and is available exclusively at Scotch whisky retailer Royal Mile Whiskies. Each bottle is priced at £115 (approximately $156).
As with the first and second Maclean’s Foundation whiskies (from Ardnamurchan and Glenscottia distilleries respectively), all profits will fund clean water wells in rural Madagascar through the charity’s local partner Feedback Madagascar.
Each well costs around £6,000 ($8,000) and can provide clean water for 200 people for up to 100 years. So far, they have funded more than 20 wells, helping thousands of people.
“Partnering with Raasay was born out of gratitude – gratitude to an industry that has given me so much, gratitude to a place that has poetry and purpose in its bones,” said Charles.
“The generosity of the island, its spirit and this cask embodies everything we hope to do – connecting people through whisky and turning it into lasting positive impact.”
Alasdair Day, co-founder of Raasay Distillery, added: “We are honoured to be working with the Maclean’s Foundation, which is committed to changing lives by providing access to essential resources like clean water. This mission resonates deeply with us here on Raasay, where water is at the heart of our whisky making, giving every drop its pure taste and rich minerality. ”
“Matured in rich, distinctive Chickabeen virgin oak casks, this whisky captures the essence of our island and craft, and we’re proud it will have a lasting impact beyond our shores.”
The whisky is made with unpeated spirit and water from the island’s ‘Pale Cow Well’, which flows through some of the world’s oldest geological formations, including Archean gneiss and Jurassic sandstone.
Charles added: “It’s like a sensory time capsule. Notes of sphagnum moss, dry peat bogs and the distant sea intertwine with the whisky’s rich, savoury aromas. The palate is savoury and refreshing, with a long, spicy finish that warms the heart.”
Created by creative agency Contagious, the label features Maclean’s own words and memories, with a writing style that is said to blend flavour with storytelling.
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