High Coast, Quercus III Petraea
Sweden Single Malt, 50.8% ABV
Mountain oak, Quercus petraea, is also called winter oak or grape oak and grows in large parts of Europe. In Sweden, it occurs mainly on the coast in the southern parts, often in rocky and lean soils. Bergeken is usually used for storing wine, but also gives a very interesting character to whiskey. This whiskey is first aged in bourbon casks and then aged for 10 months in casks of Quercus petraea.
| NOSE | Bonfire warmed marshmallows, sun-baked oak, and a touch of herbs. That was the initial sniff. With more time in the glass I detect cooler notes of freshly diced orchard fruits, chocolate éclairs, almonds and runny honey. |
| PALATE | Rich and full-bodied. Black and white pepper mixed with sticky, floral honey. Green apples and pears with a light coating of icing sugar. Again a green touch, more pronounced now than on the nose – mint, cloves and tomato plant. |
| FINISH | Medium to long finish. A touch oaky now, but not too much. Remains spicy, balanced with rich honey sweetness and green top notes. |