The Isle of Raasay Distillery has introduced a new single malt matured exclusively in uncommon American oak. Chinkapin, or Quercus muehlenbergii, is a North American species traditionally used only as a finishing cask. At Raasay, it has been part of the distillery’s maturation programme from the beginning.
The Chinkapin takes its position as the third permanent expression in the distillery’s core whisky range, and is believed to be the first single malt fully matured in both fresh and refill Chinkapin oak casks.
Located on a small island between Skye and the Scottish mainland, the Isle of Raasay Distillery combines traditional Scotch whisky methods with a carefully considered wood policy, an approach led by co-founder and master distiller Alasdair Day. Day describes the oak as the distillery’s superpower.
“Chinkapin oak has been part of our story since day one,” says Day. “It’s the glue that holds our flagship malt, The Draam, together. By giving The Chinkapin its own place in our core range, we’re offering an alternative that is rich, deep, yet instantly recognisable as a Raasay dram.”
Bottled at 50.2% ABV, The Chinkapin is believed to be the first single malt Scotch fully matured in both fresh and refill Chinkapin oak casks.
For this expression, the spirit, made using 100% Scottish barley, combines peated and unpeated whisky matured separately in custom-built 190-litre Chinkapin barrels. These casks are specified with a high toast and heavy char, increasing interaction between spirit and oak during maturation.
According to the distillery, the process helps deliver a darker colour and a flavour profile with an unusual range of savoury and sweet notes.
Bottled at 50.2% ABV, The Chinkapin is believed to be the first single malt Scotch fully matured in both fresh and refill Chinkapin oak casks…
Isle of Raasay The Chinkapin tasting notes
Bottled at 50.2% ABV, the Chinkapin continues the lightly peated style associated with the Raasay house character, while emphasising the distinctive influence of the oak. Tasting notes supplied by the distillery describe a nose of wood smoke and rich dark fruits, with Barbecue glaze, honey, bright lime, cinnamon and smoked ham coming through on the palate. The finish features Sandalwood and lingering fragrant smoke
Like all whiskies produced by the distillery, every stage of The Chinkapin’s production takes place on the island itself, from distillation through maturation to bottling.
Presented in a gold and black bottle design, The Chinkapin single malt Scotch whisky sells for £61.95 from The Whisky Exchange.
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The Luxe Review 
The Isle of Raasay Distillery has introduced a new single malt matured exclusively in uncommon American oak. Chinkapin, or Quercus muehlenbergii, is a North American species traditionally used only as a finishing cask. At Raasay, it has been part of the distillery’s maturation programme from the beginning.
The Chinkapin takes its position as the third permanent expression in the distillery’s core whisky range, and is believed to be the first single malt fully matured in both fresh and refill Chinkapin oak casks.
Located on a small island between Skye and the Scottish mainland, the Isle of Raasay Distillery combines traditional Scotch whisky methods with a carefully considered wood policy, an approach led by co-founder and master distiller Alasdair Day. Day describes the oak as the distillery’s superpower.
“Chinkapin oak has been part of our story since day one,” says Day. “It’s the glue that holds our flagship malt, The Draam, together. By giving The Chinkapin its own place in our core range, we’re offering an alternative that is rich, deep, yet instantly recognisable as a Raasay dram.”
Bottled at 50.2% ABV, The Chinkapin is believed to be the first single malt Scotch fully matured in both fresh and refill Chinkapin oak casks.
For this expression, the spirit, made using 100% Scottish barley, combines peated and unpeated whisky matured separately in custom-built 190-litre Chinkapin barrels. These casks are specified with a high toast and heavy char, increasing interaction between spirit and oak during maturation.
According to the distillery, the process helps deliver a darker colour and a flavour profile with an unusual range of savoury and sweet notes.
Isle of Raasay The Chinkapin tasting notes
Bottled at 50.2% ABV, the Chinkapin continues the lightly peated style associated with the Raasay house character, while emphasising the distinctive influence of the oak. Tasting notes supplied by the distillery describe a nose of wood smoke and rich dark fruits, with Barbecue glaze, honey, bright lime, cinnamon and smoked ham coming through on the palate. The finish features Sandalwood and lingering fragrant smoke
Like all whiskies produced by the distillery, every stage of The Chinkapin’s production takes place on the island itself, from distillation through maturation to bottling.
Presented in a gold and black bottle design, The Chinkapin single malt Scotch whisky sells for £61.95 from The Whisky Exchange.
Mexican spirits culture celebrated as Tequila & Mezcal Show returns to London
Smoky Mezcals, regional Raicillas and crisp Tequilas return to London’s South Bank for the second annual Tequila & Mezcal Show. Last year, more than 600 agave enthusiasts brought the buzz, and this year promises to be even more exciting, with over 250 spirits from across Mexico gracing Glazier’s Hall. Running for two sessions on Friday…
Kingsbarns Distillery launches limited edition single malt inspired by St Andrews 19th hole
A long-standing St Andrews golfing ritual has found a new expression, as Kingsbarns Distillery launches a limited-edition single cask whisky inspired by the famed ‘19th hole’. Developed by Wemyss Family Spirits, the family-owned business behind the distillery, The Dunvegan forms the second instalment in a golf-inspired series, and follows last year’s Caddies’ Dream release. Limited…
Hackstons acquires rare collection of Unicorn whiskies from Van Winkle, Weller and Buffalo Trace
Drinks retailer Hackstons has acquired a collection of exceptionally rare American whiskies, bringing together some of the most elusive bourbons and rye whiskeys currently circulating within the global secondary spirits market. The Knightsbridge-based specialist described the acquisition as a “once in a lifetime” grouping of so-called unicorn bottles, with the line-up featuring highly allocated expressions…
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