Gotland Whisky proudly announces the release of Karlsö, a six-year-old single malt whisky inspired by the iconic islands of Stora Karlsö and Lilla Karlsö off the west coast of Gotland. Matured exclusively in first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, Karlsö combines rich fruitiness, gentle smoke, and a deep connection to one of the Baltic Sea’s most remarkable natural landscapes.
The whisky was released on June 8, 2026 through Systembolaget’s order assortment and at the three Systembolaget stores on Gotland.
Inspired by Two Legendary Islands
Karlsö takes its name from Stora Karlsö and Lilla Karlsö, two limestone islands rising dramatically from the Baltic Sea southwest of Gotland. Known for their rugged cliffs, sea caves, abundant birdlife, and rare orchids, the islands are among Sweden’s most treasured natural environments.
The release continues Gotland Whisky’s tradition of honoring significant locations in and around Gotland through its whiskies. Another example is Beckrevet, named after the famous reef near Gotska Sandön, one of the distillery’s previous island-inspired expressions.
Matured Exclusively in PX Sherry Casks
Karlsö was matured in eight first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry casks sourced from Spanish cooperage Casknolia. Each 250-liter cask was filled on April 14, 2020, and vatted exactly six years later on April 14, 2026.
The exclusive use of PX casks has created a whisky with remarkable fruit-forward character, delivering notes reminiscent of tutti-frutti candy while retaining the distillery’s signature lightly peated profile of approximately 20 ppm.
The whisky was produced using organically grown, KRAV-certified Crescendo barley cultivated on Gotland in 2020. Malting was carried out, as always, by Staffan Larsson at Sigdes Farm on Gotland.
A Tribute to Nature and History
Karlsö is more than a whisky—it is a tribute to the islands themselves.
Stora Karlsö is home to the archaeological site Stora Förvar, where discoveries dating from the Neolithic Age through the Middle Ages have revealed thousands of years of human activity. The islands are also renowned breeding grounds for common guillemots, whose young famously leap from towering cliffs into the sea when they are ready to leave their nests.
This whisky reflects the power, history, and enduring character of these islands—slowly matured and shaped by time.
Tasting Notes
- Colour: Auburn 1.5
- Nose: Fruity, tangy tutti-frutti candy, yellow plums
- Palate: Tutti-frutti, gentle ash, balanced sweetness
- Finish: Medium length, fruity with a subtle hint of liquorice
Karlsö at a Glance
- Type: Single Malt Whisky
- Age: 6 Years
- ABV: 46%
- Bottle Size: 500 ml
- Limited Release: 4,737 bottles
- Availability: Systembolaget order assortment and Gotland’s three Systembolaget stores and at the distillery shop on Gotland.