Box Whisky Quercus II Alba Swedish Single Malt Whisky 50 cl 50,8%

The same spirit, the same vintage, but a completely different wood species. Quercus II Alba is High Coast's counterpart to the Robur release, this time finished in American white oak, and with an even more limited run.

The Expert's Description

Box Whisky Quercus II Alba is a Swedish Single Malt Whisky finished in American white oak and bottled at 50.8%.

Like its sister bottle Quercus I Robur, the whisky was distilled between 3 and 12 October 2012 and matured for 4.1 years in first-fill bourbon casks. It then received a 10-month finish in casks of Quercus Alba, the American white oak species, before only 979 bottles were released in January 2018.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Sweeter and more open than its sister bottle, with vanilla, coconut and a touch of toasted almond.

Palate

Round and creamy with caramel, honey and a soft sweetness, showing the milder tannic profile of American oak.

Finish

Soft and relatively short with a final, warm vanilla note.

Specifications

Name: Box Whisky Quercus II Alba 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 Alba (American white oak)
Distilled: 2012
Bottled: 2018
Number of bottles: 979
EAN no.: 7350076380494

Flavour Profile

Vanilla-led · Sweet · Creamy · Soft · Nutty

Did You Know?

Quercus Alba is the same oak species American bourbon casks are traditionally made from. By finishing the same spirit in both European and American oak, High Coast created two sister bottles that show just how much the wood species itself changes an otherwise identical whisky.

See our full range of High Coast Distillery

Frequently asked questions about Box Whisky Quercus II Alba

How does Box Whisky Quercus II Alba taste?

It tastes round and creamy with caramel, honey and a soft vanilla sweetness, closing on a short, warm finish.

What is the difference between Quercus I Robur and Quercus II Alba?

Both come from the same spirit and vintage, but are finished in different oak species. Robur is European oak with a tighter, more spiced profile, while Alba is American white oak with a sweeter, softer character.

How many bottles exist?

Only 979 bottles were released in January 2018, making it the rarer of the two Quercus releases.

How should I serve it?

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

Is this whisky worth the money?

Yes, the limited run of under 1,000 bottles and the unique chance to compare it with its sister bottle make it interesting for the curious collector.

Where is High Coast distillery located?

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