Swedish whiskymaker High Coast Whisky has announced the launch of Special Release 2026, the third bottling in its exclusive Special Release series and the oldest whisky ever released by the distillery. Matured for more than 15 years on the banks of the Ångerman River in northern Sweden, the limited edition whisky showcases the influence of time, peat smoke, bourbon oak, and High Coast’s unique climate.
The Special Release series represents the most exceptional casks in High Coast Whisky’s warehouses. Only whiskies that meet the distillery’s highest standards are selected, making each release a rare and highly sought-after expression.
A 15-year-old peated single malt matured in one of the world’s most extreme whisky climates
Special Release 2026 is a 100% peated whisky, created from nine first-fill bourbon casks from Heaven Hill and Maker’s Mark. The 200-litre casks were filled on 9 February 2011 with peated spirit at 68% ABV. After 13 years of maturation and natural evaporation, water was added to each cask to lower the strength to 54% ABV for the final stage of ageing. This process encouraged the extraction of additional water-soluble compounds from the oak, resulting in a whisky with greater depth, sweetness, and body. At bottling, the whisky was reduced to 51.5% ABV.
“This whisky truly demonstrates what time, peated spirit, and our climate can create together,” said Roger Melander, Master Distiller at High Coast Whisky. “When we lowered the alcohol strength after thirteen years, something very interesting happened in the casks. The whisky became rounder, deeper, and more generous while retaining its distinct smokiness. The result is both powerful and elegant.”
Located near the Arctic Circle, High Coast Whisky benefits from dramatic seasonal temperature fluctuations, creating an unusually active maturation environment. Over the course of fifteen years, these conditions have helped shape a whisky that reflects both its origin and the passage of time.
Reflecting on the milestone release, Melander also looked ahead to the distillery’s future.
“Although whisky matures slowly, day after day and year after year, the past fifteen years have passed remarkably quickly. They have been intense, educational, and incredibly rewarding years. We are proud of what we have achieved, but we are certainly not stopping here. We look forward to more years, more exciting releases, and more whisky friends around the world.”
Readers can also explore previous releases in the series:
Special Release 2026 Facts
- Age: 15.2 years
- ABV: 51.5%
- Peat Level: 31 ppm
- Cask Type: Nine first-fill bourbon casks (Heaven Hill & Maker’s Mark)
- Bottle Size: 700 ml
- Limited Release: 1,993 bottles
Tasting Notes
Nose: Red apple, dried papaya, sweet peat smoke, coconut.
Palate: Pear, creamy toffee, pronounced smokiness, bergamot, and starfruit.
Finish: Pipe tobacco and white pepper.