Isle of Raasay Distillery has released The Chinkapin, a pioneering single malt Scotch whisky believed to be the first fully matured in Chinkapin oak casks, marking the third permanent expression in the Scottish distillery’s core range. The new whisky, bottled at 50.2% ABV and retailing at £70, became available in the UK on February 25 and will ship to more than 50 countries worldwide.
Chinkapin oak, also known as Quercus muehlenbergii, is native to North America. While it has been used as a cask finish in the industry, Isle of Raasay claims to be the first distillery to use it for full maturation of both peated and unpeated spirit.
The distillery has worked with the wood since it began production in 2017. Co-founder and Master Distiller Alasdair Day refers to Chinkapin oak as the distillery’s “superpower.”
“Chinkapin oak has been part of our story since day one,” said 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.”
Day added: “It’s a huge part of our history and a big hit with our Raasay community.”
The whisky is crafted from 100% Scottish barley. The distillery’s process marries peated and unpeated spirit, matured separately in a selection of fresh and refill Chinkapin oak barrels.
The custom-made 190-liter barrels are specified with a high toast and high char. This construction provides greater spirit-to-oak contact, yielding a rich, dark color and complex flavor profile.
Whisky writer Dave Broom has previously described the Chinkapin oak influence as the “summoning of breakfast time at a classic American diner.”
Official tasting notes from the brand describe wood smoke and rich dark fruits on the nose. The palate offers barbecue glaze, honey, bright lime, cinnamon, and smoked ham. The finish delivers sandalwood and lingering fragrant smoke.
The release follows a landmark period for the independently owned Hebridean distillery. Isle of Raasay was named Best Scotch Whisky at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards. Day was also recently named Distiller of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Scotland 2026.
Day’s background in botany has informed a meticulous wood policy that allows Raasay’s spirit to develop remarkable depth at a young age.
Every drop of The Chinkapin is distilled, matured, and bottled on the Isle of Raasay. This commitment supports a community of more than 161 residents, a population count displayed on every bottle.
The new expression features a gold and black label design. Key international markets include France, Germany, China, Japan, and the USA.
The Chinkapin is available for purchase through specialist retailers and direct from the distillery. It joins The Draam and the distillery’s lightly peated signature style as part of Isle of Raasay’s growing core range.
Read the full article at Isle of Raasay Launches Chinkapin Matured Scotch In Industry-First
