Each year, the Special Release series represents the pinnacle of what High Coast Distillery’s warehouses have to offer. These whiskies are not simply selected—they are earned. Every cask undergoes rigorous evaluation, and only the finest are approved for this limited, handpicked collection.
The Special Release 2025 marks the second installment in this exclusive line, and it continues to elevate the distillery’s reputation for precision and craft.
A Twelve-Year Journey
The foundation of this year’s release lies in fifteen 96-liter casks made of new American oak from Kelvin Cooperage. These were filled in 2018 with whisky that had already matured for 4.55 years in first-fill bourbon barrels—a thoughtful layering of maturation that defines the release’s complexity.
To perfect the balance before bottling, three additional bourbon casks were carefully incorporated, ensuring a seamless harmony between sweetness, spice, and wood influence.
The result? A 12-year-old, 100% unpeated whisky bottled at 51.4% ABV, with a total of 2,559 bottles available. This is High Coast craftsmanship distilled to its essence.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Freshly shaved wood, marzipan, red apples, and a hint of coconut.
Palate: Notes of honeydew melon, cinnamon, buttery caramel, pear, and almond unfold gracefully.
Finish: A full-bodied, spicy crescendo marked by warming chili and black pepper.
Every sip encapsulates the distillery’s northern character—vibrant, clean, and confidently expressive.
Technical Details
- Age: 12.02 years
- Cask Types: New American Oak, Bourbon
- Phenol Level: 0 ppm (Unpeated)
- ABV: 51.4%
- Number of Bottles: 2,559
Cut points:
- First cut (head): 13 minutes of foreshot
- Second cut (heart): 67% ABV at 20°C
Such precision in distillation ensures a whisky that is both elegant and powerful, with structure that stands the test of time.
Strengthening the Team — Sara Larsson Joins the Board
In parallel with this special release, High Coast Distillery is also marking a milestone on the organizational side. Sara Larsson, Head of Cask Sales, has been appointed to the company’s leadership team.
Sara, born in 1974, brings a unique blend of whisky expertise and customer insight. Known for her leadership in Let’s Open Up Over Whisky—an initiative promoting inclusion in the whisky community—she has long been a respected figure in both Swedish and international whisky circles.
Before joining High Coast, Sara played a pivotal role in introducing Japanese whisky to Sweden and has a professional background in both tourism and the restaurant industry.
“Sara brings extraordinary whisky knowledge and a deep understanding of our market and customers. Her presence in our leadership team strengthens our cask sales strategy and commitment to quality even further,”
says CEO Linus Håkansson.
With Sara joining the board, the High Coast leadership team now consists of:
Linus Håkansson (CEO), Roger Melander (Master Distiller), Peter Granåsen (CFO), Lars Karlsson (Export Sales Manager), Jonas Svedin (CMO), and Sara Larsson (Head of Cask Sales).
A Legacy in the Making
The Special Release 2025 doesn’t just showcase High Coast’s technical mastery—it stands as a symbol of the distillery’s growing confidence, team strength, and ambition. Together with the leadership changes, it marks another bold step in High Coast’s pursuit of excellence.
If you haven’t yet explored last year’s release, take a look at the High Coast Special Release 2024 — the inaugural expression that began this remarkable series.