Box Whisky Quercus I Robur Swedish Single Malt Whisky 50 cl 50,8%

Two casks, two wood species, one original whisky. Quercus I Robur is High Coast's experiment with European oak as a finish, a rare chance to taste what the wood species itself means for an otherwise identical whisky.

The Expert's Description

Box Whisky Quercus I Robur is a Swedish Single Malt Whisky finished in French oak and bottled at 50.8%.

The whisky was distilled between 3 and 12 October 2012 and matured for 4.1 years in first-fill bourbon casks, before receiving a 7-month finish in casks of Quercus Robur, the European oak species traditionally used in French and Spanish cask production. Only 8,229 bottles were released in September 2017.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Spiced oak and a dry, lightly tannic aroma, clearly different from the sweeter American casks.

Palate

Full-bodied with tones of dried spice, walnut and a light bitter-sweet balance, showing the tighter character of European oak.

Finish

Medium length and dry with a lingering spiced wood close.

Specifications

Name: Box Whisky Quercus I Robur Swedish Single Malt Whisky
Distillery: High Coast Distillery
Region/Country: Ångermanland, Sweden
Type: Swedish Single Malt Whisky
ABV: 50.8%
Size: 50 CL
Cask type: First-fill bourbon casks, finished in Quercus Robur (European oak)
Distilled: 2012
Bottled: 2017
Number of bottles: 8,229
EAN no.: 7350076380395

Flavour Profile

Oaky · Spiced · Dry · Full-bodied · Lightly bitter

Did You Know?

Quercus Robur is the Latin name for European common oak, the same species traditionally used for French cognac and wine casks. High Coast used this exact species to give the whisky a different character from the American bourbon casks it is otherwise known for.

See our full range of High Coast Distillery

Frequently asked questions about Box Whisky Quercus I Robur

How does Box Whisky Quercus I Robur taste?

It tastes full-bodied with dried spice, walnut and a light bitter-sweet balance, closing on a dry, spiced wood finish.

What is Quercus Robur?

It is the Latin name for European common oak, the wood species traditionally used for French cognac and wine casks. Here it is used for a finish that gives the whisky a tighter, more spiced character than American oak.

How many bottles exist?

Only 8,229 bottles were released in September 2017, after maturation that began with distillation in October 2012.

How should I serve it?

Neat in a nosing glass at room temperature, ideally with a few drops of water to open up the spiced wood notes.

Is this whisky worth the money?

Yes, if you are curious how different oak species affect flavour. It offers a unique chance to compare European and American oak side by side with its sister bottle, Quercus II Alba.

Where is High Coast distillery located?

By the Ångermanälven river in northern Sweden, where the distillery is known for experimenting with both cask types and finishes.