Nordic Whisky #265 - High Coast Solera 01

High Coast Solera 01, NAS, 56 %

It would seem the wizards of the High Coast never rest. They keep launching new ideas. This time they reveal the first release from their solera system, which they have had going in one of their warehouses for years.

The solera system consists of six levels (criaderas), where the top five consist of 200 litre bourbon barrels (10 barrels on each level), and the lowest level, where they take out the whisky that is bottled, consists of 225 litre Swedish oak casks (13 casks).

High Coast states that the oldest components of this first release is 6.34 years old. I am guessing the youngest drops are a fair bit younger. This first batch is limited to 2490 bottles.

The High Coast Solera 01 sells in Sweden at SEK 895 (1161902).

Nose: Warm and aromatic. Spicy and fruity. White pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon. Ripe apples and coconut. Softly oaky.

Taste: Full bodied and big in style. Spicy upfront. White pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of ginger. Medium sweetness. Orchard fruits and a hint of honey.

Finish: Medium to long finish. The spiciness is ever present - tight and composed, vibrant even. Cinnamon, white pepper, gingerbread, nutmeg and even cloves. Mixed nuts. The Swedish oak monster rears its head for a brief second or two.

Comment: Rock solid and aromatic.

Score 87/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas