Isle of Raasay Launches The Chinkapin - First Chinkapin Oak Matured Single Malt

Isle of Raasay Launches The Chinkapin: A New Core Single Malt Expression

The Isle of Raasay Distillery has unveiled its third core single malt whisky, Raasay 2022 Batch Nr.01 , named The Chinkapin. Joining The Draam and Dùn Cana as a permanent addition, this release is notable for its pioneering maturation process using Chinkapin oak casks, marking an industry first for a whisky fully matured in this rare North American oak species.

Maturation & Flavor Profile

The Chinkapin is bottled at 50.2% ABV, natural color, and non-chill filtered. It combines separately matured peated and unpeated spirits made from 100% Scottish barley, including varieties Laureate and Diablo. These are aged exclusively in fresh and refill Chinkapin oak casks, known for their high toast and heavy char, imparting distinctive barbecue notes to the whisky’s lightly peated profile. The peat level measures 48–52 ppm in barley, yielding a residual 6–11 ppm in the final bottle.

The use of Chinkapin oak lends a unique smoky sweetness and savory spice that set The Chinkapin apart.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Light wood smoke
• Palate: Sweet maple syrup, rich barbecue flavors
• Finish: Bright citrus lime and savory spice

Release & Availability

Raasay 2022 Batch Nr.01 is scheduled for bottling in February 2026, with approximately 10,000 bottles available. This single malt is currently available through Spiritory.

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