Origin
The Chinkapin oak (Quercus Muehlenbergii), also known as the Chinquapin oak or yellow oak, is a species of oak native to North America that can be found up to an altitude of 2300 metres. It is not very demanding in terms of soil conditions.
Special feature
So far, this type of oak has only rarely been used commercially. Individual distilleries are making their first attempts at ageing in chinkapin casks.
The Raasay, Glenallachie and Teeling distilleries, for example, have made their first attempts at maturing whisky in chinkapin casks. The American distillery Michter's in Kentucky has used a few chinkapin casks for its rarity Shenk's Homestead in addition to conventional American white oak casks.
Effects on the flavour
The maturation in Chinkapin casks is unusual and still quite new. Overall, it is said to have a sweet and spicy influence on the flavour.
