High Coast Small Batch #15

Introduction

When the excellent whisky High Coast Cinco was being bottles, 81 kilograms of whisky were left in the tank when labels and boxes ran out. The distillery then decided to make another small batch release (number 15 in the series), combining the Cinco leftovers with two more PX casks and one bourbon cask. No age statement on the bottle, but a quick look at the website reveals that the age is between 6 and 7 years old. One advantage of not being governed by the Scottish Whisky Association is to be able to disclose any details you want! The whisky was only released over the counter in Kramfors, so I had to recruit a helpful local to get my hands on one. I absolutely loved Cinco, so my expectations are high.

Color

1.6 (Mahogany / henna)

Nose

Not too hot, considering the hefty strength. Darker and deeper than Cinco and Berg, but like other nice PX bottlings from High Coast, neither rubbery nor raisin-heavy. Sweet and spicy, with hints of cinnamon, wood and a bit of minerals.

Palate

First sip is a bit too hot, but it does quiet down once the mouth gets used to it. Tiny hints of "too much ethanol" lurking somewhere in the background, something not fully integrated in the mix there. It's a minor disturbance though. Some coffee notes along with that deep, spicy and sweet profile.

Finish

Incredibly well-poised. Nothing sprawling, everything in balance and somehow everything all at once. Not much first-this-then-than. Just a big, fat delivery with honey, chocolate, some more minerals (stones/sand?), wood spice and dried tea. Some red wine.

Summary

A bit hot perhaps, but once over the initial sip, this was absolutely doable neat even at 56%. Some water took the edge of and brought out some more of the coffee and wine notes. Didn't quite shake that minuscule ethanol trace, unfortunately. What I love with Cinco is the fresh and zesty sweetness, and I can't find many traces of that here. I feel like the added PX casks took over the show a little. Nothing wrong with that though! As usual, for a whisky around 6 years old, this quality is impressive.

Score

84 / 100

0-50 Subpar 51-60 Drinkable 61-70 Decent 71-80 Good 81-90 Great 91-100 Fantastic

Price

849 SEK

Country	Sweden
Brand	High Coast
Distilled At	Aberfeldy Distillery
Title	Small Batch #15
Classification	Single Malt
Abv (%)	56
Bottling Year	2020
Cask Type	Sherry & Bourbon
Turnout	850
Coloring	Natural color
Chill Filtration	Non-chill filtered