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Nordic whisky, shaped by the forces of nature
Once upon a time, this was the site of not only Sweden’s, but the world’s largest timber sorting yard. Today, it is home to perhaps Europe’s most unusual whisky distillery, High Coast Distillery. In the heart of the High Coast, overlooking the majestic Ångermanälven river and embraced by mountains, it is one of the world’s northernmost distilleries – a fact reflected in the unique whisky produced here.
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The logs that were once shipped from here have made way for thousands of whisky casks. Since 2010, cask after cask has been filled daily in the old power station dating from 1912. The basis for the various whiskies produced here is simple: high-quality ingredients. Swedish malt, carefully selected yeast and water from Lake Bålsjön, north-east of Kramfors, known for being crystal-clear, delicious and exceptionally smooth. With its historic setting and beautiful natural surroundings, the distillery’s Core Range goes by the collective name ‘The Origins’ to emphasise its roots. The range consists of – Älv, Berg, Hav and Timmer. The popular Aurora whisky also has a connection to the location and the Northern Lights that often dance across the sky above the distillery.
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Warm summers and cold winters
The distillery’s location is not only strikingly beautiful; the High Coast is renowned as one of Sweden’s most magnificent natural areas, where the northern Swedish landscape also contributes to the whisky’s unique character. The forests, the open expanses and the crisp, pure air are, of course, contributing factors, but it is above all the significant temperature difference that makes this award-winning whisky so special. When the Ångermanälven river freezes over in winter, the temperature can drop as low as -30 degrees, whilst in summer it rises to around +30 degrees. When the casks in the unheated warehouses are exposed to the immense forces of nature, the pressure inside the casks increases; the whisky expands and penetrates deeper into the oak. Deep within the casks, the oak’s flavour compounds are released and carried out as the temperature and pressure drop again. These temperature fluctuations occur constantly, day and night. They accelerate parts of the maturation process and contribute to a unique development of flavour.
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Here, thousands of casks rest in silence, waiting for the whisky to reach its perfect maturity. The climate and the seasons shape the whisky, with warm summers and cold winters.
Whisky in the nature
The entire process, from the crushing of the malt to all the casks in which the whisky is stored, can be experienced on a guided tour, which runs several times a day during the summer. You’ll also have the chance to sample a wide variety of exclusive whiskies with a tasting guide who will recount the distillery’s history as the tasting progresses. Afterwards, everyone is warmly welcome to settle down at Restaurant 63° N for a bite to eat or another glass on the large, sunny terrace, with the mountains and the river as a backdrop. Here, food is prepared from scratch with an emphasis on local ingredients and flavour experiences, often sourced locally. Embracing the location and the magnificent natural surroundings is a key part of High Coast Distillery’s philosophy.
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Explore High Coast Distillery
The long journey to northern Sweden is well worth it. Here, craftsmanship and nature merge to create a Nordic whisky that is as clear, direct and honest as the river from which it originates. Every drop embodies not only the distillery’s skill but also the power of a landscape that reinvents itself daily and continues to grow and evolve.