Isle of Raasay Peated Chinkapin Single Cask Scotch Whisky

Isle of Raasay Peated Chinkapin Single Cask Scotch Whisky is an innovative and captivating expression from the Isle of Raasay Distillery. This unique Scotch is matured in freshly charred and toasted custom-made Chinkapin (Quercus Muehlenbergii) American White Oak casks, a type of oak native to Central and Eastern North America. This distinctive wood choice plays a critical role in shaping the whisky’s character, bringing rich color and complex flavors even at a young age through the interaction between the peat-smoked spirit and the highly reactive fresh oak.

Innovative Maturation Process:

The use of Chinkapin oak is particularly noteworthy for its dense, fine grain, which allows for a deep penetration of the spirit. The fresh charring of the casks enhances the oaks ability to impart rich, toasted flavors to the whisky, while the high level of toast helps to caramelize the wood’s natural sugars. This process not only contributes a vibrant dark fruit profile but also accelerates the maturation, allowing the whisky to develop profound flavors and an appealing color early in its life.

Tasting Experience:

• Nose: Sweet toffee and butterscotch provide a welcoming introduction, suggesting the richness to follow.
• Palate: On the palate, this whisky reveals a dazzling array of dark fruit flavors, including notes of plums and black cherries, enriched by the deep, almost dessert-like sweetness of caramelized sugars from the oak.
• Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, with a lingering richness that retains the sweetness of toffee and butterscotch, complemented by a subtle smokiness that rounds out the experience.

A Bold and Distinctive Scotch Whisky:

Isle of Raasay Peated Chinkapin Single Cask Scotch Whisky stands out for its bold use of Chinkapin oak and its innovative approach to cask preparation. It is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to exploring new frontiers in whisky production, making it a must-try for whisky aficionados and collectors seeking something genuinely different.

61.4% ABV | 260 Bottles