High Coast Whiskey is a distillery located on the shores of the Ångermanälven river in the heart of the High Coast, Sweden. Known for its unique flavor profile and high quality, High Coast Whiskey has quickly established itself as one of Sweden’s leading whiskey producers. The distillery’s location, with its spectacular nature and unique climate in the High Coast, contributes to creating a whiskey with character and depth.
History
High Coast Whiskey, formerly known as Box Distillery, was founded in 2010 and has since grown in both size and reputation. The distillery is housed in a former wood pulp factory that was converted to suit the needs of whiskey production. The first whiskey was launched in 2014 and quickly became popular among whiskey enthusiasts.
Over the years, High Coast Whiskey has developed a wide range of whiskeys, from peated to unpeated varieties, all with unique flavor profiles that reflect the distillery’s commitment to quality and innovation. In 2018, the distillery changed its name to High Coast Whiskey to better reflect its origin and the unique environment of the High Coast.
Production Process
The production of High Coast Whiskey is characterized by precision and a deep respect for traditional methods, combined with a willingness to experiment and innovate. The water used in production comes from Bålsjön, a nearby lake that contributes its pure and clear water to the distillation process.
The malt used is of the highest quality and comes from selected suppliers. After malting and mashing, fermentation takes place, where yeast is added to convert the sugars in the mash into alcohol. Distillation is carried out in copper stills, a method that helps create a clean and complex flavor profile.
An important part of High Coast Whiskey’s unique character comes from aging. The oak casks used are carefully selected and come from different parts of the world, including bourbon and sherry casks. Aging takes place in the distillery’s warehouses on the banks of the Ångermanälven river, where the unique climate with large temperature differences between the seasons contributes to the development of the whiskey’s flavor and complexity.
Flavor Profile
High Coast Whiskey offers a varied flavor palette that reflects the distillery’s commitment to quality and innovation. Their unpeated whiskeys are often characterized by fruity and floral notes, with hints of vanilla and oak. The peated varieties have a distinct peat character, balanced with sweet and spicy notes.
One of the most popular whiskeys is “Älv”, an unpeated whiskey with flavors of green apples, vanilla, and a subtle nuttiness. “Hav” is another favorite, a peated whiskey with notes of tar, chocolate, and a light salinity reminiscent of the sea.
Visits and Tourism
High Coast Whiskey welcomes visitors year-round for guided tours and tastings. During a tour, visitors gain insight into the distillation process, from malting to aging, and have the opportunity to taste different whiskeys. The distillery also offers special events and theme nights, where guests can delve into the world of whiskey and learn more about its history and production.
The distillery’s restaurant serves locally produced food, often paired with the distillery’s own whiskeys. The view over the Ångermanälven river and the surrounding nature makes a visit a memorable experience.
Sustainability and Future
High Coast Whiskey is committed to sustainability and actively works to minimize its environmental impact. The distillery uses renewable energy in its production and strives to reduce water consumption and waste. They also collaborate with local suppliers to support the regional economy and reduce transportation emissions.
The future for High Coast Whiskey looks bright, with plans to expand production and launch new exciting whiskeys. The distillery continues to explore new methods and flavor combinations, always with a focus on quality and craftsmanship.
