While We Wait Last Orders

Raasay Distillery opened in 2017 on an island with no prior legal whisky tradition. Co-founder Alasdair Day, whose family has been in the drinks trade since 1895, created 'While We Wait' as a proof of concept while the distillery's own spirit matured. This is a blend of peated and unpeated malt, lightly smoked (>48ppm), matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in Bordeaux-style red wine casks.

The 'Last Orders' release was the fifth and final chapter of the While We Wait series, marking the distillery's transition toward its inaugural bottling. This is young whisky that doesn't pretend otherwise: earthy smoke and salt take the lead, with red wine playing a supporting role rather than dominating.

The nose opens with sea air and earthy character, gentle smoke underneath. The palate is dry and spicy, red wine and orange zest threading through the peatiness. The finish turns oaky and buttery—smooth and lingering without overstaying its welcome.