Following two highly acclaimed releases, Sweden Rock Festival and High Coast Distillery return with their most ambitious collaboration yet: a 9-year-old peated single malt whisky crafted for 2026.
This year’s edition pushes the concept further—deeper, darker, and more complex—resulting in what may be the most intense Sweden Rock whisky to date. The release is strictly limited to 3,600 bottles.
If you missed last year’s release, you can read more about it here:
A Whisky Built on Depth and Contrast
The whisky was initially matured for seven years in bourbon casks, before undergoing a finishing period of over two years in oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.
The result is a powerful and character-driven whisky that balances robust smokiness with rich layers of dark sweetness.
“Creating a new Sweden Rock expression is something we look forward to every year. This time, we wanted to go deeper, darker, and more complex—and the combination of bourbon and sherry casks delivered exactly that. A bold smokiness meets notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and raisins. This is our most flavor-intense festival whisky yet,”
says Linus Håkansson, CEO of High Coast Distillery.
A Growing Festival Tradition
Since its introduction in 2015, the Sweden Rock annual whisky has become a staple among both festival visitors and collectors.
The 2026 edition marks:
- The 11th Sweden Rock whisky overall
- The third consecutive release created in partnership with High Coast Distillery
“It’s incredibly exciting to continue this collaboration and launch a whisky that truly reflects the spirit of the festival combined with High Coast’s craftsmanship. The smokiness, sherry influence, and long maturation make this release something special,”
says Marcus Antonsson, Food & Beverage Manager at Sweden Rock Festival.
Flavor Profile – Smoke, Sweetness, and Sherry in Harmony
This year’s whisky is built on High Coast’s peated recipe, offering a clean and elegant peat smoke at its core.
The bourbon casks contribute:
- Vanilla
- Oak
- Caramelized sweetness
While the extended sherry cask finishing adds:
- Dark fruits
- Raisins and dates
- Cocoa and soft chocolate
- Dried fruit and rounded sherry sweetness
The finish is long, rich, and well-balanced, carrying both smoke and fruit in a harmonious conclusion.
Release Information
The Sweden Rock 2026 whisky will be released in a limited edition of 3,600 numbered bottles via Systembolaget.
- Launch date: March 25, 2026
Product Facts
- Name: Sweden Rock 26 High Coast Single Malt Whisky
- Article number: 8331801
- Cask type: Bourbon casks, finished over 2 years in Oloroso & Pedro Ximénez sherry casks
- Age: 9 years
- Volume: 700 ml
- ABV: 46.0%
- Price: 850 SEK
- Origin: Sweden
- Producer: High Coast Distillery AB
- Distributor: Live Brands Factory AB
About Sweden Rock Festival
Sweden Rock Festival is one of Europe’s leading rock and metal festivals, featuring a diverse lineup of international superstars and rising talents. Held in Sölvesborg, Sweden, the festival attracts music lovers from across the globe every year.