High Coast Distillery

History of High Coast Distillery

 

The High Coast Whisky distillery, originally known as Box Whisky, is a Swedish whisky distillery located in Bjärtrå, Kramfors municipality. Situated on the eastern bank of the Ångerman River, the distillery’s name reflects its location in the High Coast area.

High Coast Whisky produces both unsmoked and smoked whisky varieties. The unsmoked whisky uses barley from southern Sweden, malted in Halmstad, while the smoked whisky incorporates barley from Belgium and Scotland, smoked with Scottish peat.

About 75% of the barrels used for aging are bourbon barrels, and around 25% are sherry barrels, with a small portion being barrels made of Swedish or Japanese oak.

The site of the distillery was originally home to a company manufacturing boxes for export to England, named Box AB, in the late 19th century. After a fire in 1890, the land was sold to the municipality.

A wood-fired steam power plant, Box Kraftverk, was built on the site, completed in 1912 and replaced by hydroelectric power in 1924. The power plant building was used as a switching station until the 1960s and later served as an exhibition space and studio in the 1990s and early 2000s.

The transformation into a distillery began in 2010, with whisky stills newly made in Speyside, Scotland, and some equipment purchased from the closed Vin & Sprit factory in Sundsvall. The first distillation occurred in November 2010.

In 2018, the distillery changed the name of its whisky from Box to High Coast. This decision was made following a name similarity issue raised by the Bacardi-owned whisky company Compass Box the previous year.

As Compass Box was a larger and more established company, Box decided that changing the name was the best solution. However, the company behind the whisky retained its original name, Box Destilleri AB, after the brand name change.

Awards Won by High Coast Distillery

• Gold at the World Whiskies Awards 2021 for High Coast Whisky / Berg.

• Bronze at the World Whiskies Awards 2021 for High Coast Whisky / New Make.

• Category Winner for High Coast Whisky / Distillery Exclusive, which also received previous awards including Gold Medal 2019, Category Winner 2019, and Best Swedish Single Malt 2019.

• Best Swedish Single Cask Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2023 for High Coast Whisky Distillery Exclusive No 8.

High Coast Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Located by the majestic Ångermanälven river, the distillery features a Visitor Center, which includes a restaurant and whisky bar with a large decking overlooking the river.

The center also houses modern conference facilities and a souvenir shop, making it an ideal spot for gatherings in all seasons.

Restaurant & Whisky Bar

The restaurant at High Coast Distillery is an idyllic spot where taste, experience, and hospitality are prioritized. It offers good food and beverages that complement each other in a unique environment.

The whisky bar boasts a wide range of High Coast whiskies. During the fall, the restaurant and bar are open on Fridays and Saturdays, but visitors are advised to call or email in advance to confirm opening hours.

Whisky Tastings

High Coast Distillery conducts whisky tastings led by some of Sweden’s most knowledgeable and well-liked tasting leaders.

These sessions are filled with knowledge, anecdotes, and exceptional whisky. While most tastings are in Swedish, English tastings can often be accommodated upon request.

Guided Tours

A guided tour of the distillery is a must for visitors. Lasting about an hour, the tour is led by skilled guides who take visitors through the journey of the raw materials from the malt silo to the warehouses.

After the tour, guests can visit the bar and restaurant to sample a selection of current and previous whisky releases. Public guided tours are normally in Swedish, but English tours and tastings may be available upon request.

Conferences

The Visitor Center also caters to conferences, with fully serviced meeting rooms for small and large groups, accommodating up to 45 people. The conference facilities are complemented by food, drink, and activities.

For bookings and more information, visitors can contact the distillery directly at besok@highcoastwhisky.se or call +46 (0)612-530 60.

Flask & Barrel Review of High Coast Distillery

The setting is breathtaking. The Visitor Center, with its sprawling deck overlooking the river, is the perfect spot to relax. I kicked things off at their restaurant and whisky bar, and let me tell you, the ambiance is just as impressive as their whisky selection.

The food was top-notch, perfectly complementing the whisky tasting that followed.

Speaking of tastings, these guys know their stuff. The tasting session was an absolute treat, filled with rich anecdotes and, of course, exceptional whisky.

It’s not every day you get to learn from some of Sweden’s most knowledgeable whisky experts. And for someone like me, who’s all about the details, it was a real deep dive into the world of whisky.

The guided tour of the distillery was another highlight. Walking through the journey of their whisky-making process, from the malt silo to the warehouses, was fascinating.

It’s clear they take immense pride in their craft. The guide was knowledgeable and engaging, making the tour both informative and fun.

I’ve got to mention the conference facilities too. They’re modern and well-equipped – ideal for those looking to mix business with pleasure. It’s a setting that inspires creativity, that’s for sure.

Now, why not a perfect 5/5? Well, due to Swedish regulations, you can’t buy a bottle directly from the distillery, which is a bit of a downer for a collector like me. But, their whiskies are available at Systembolaget, so all’s not lost.

What To Do Nearby High Coast Distillery

• Norrfällsviken: A picturesque old fishing village, Norrfällsviken is known for its charming camping and holiday village, along with Storsand, a sandy beach just a short walk from the town center. The village features a small Fishing Museum showcasing the area’s fishing culture​​.

• Bönhamn: A quaint coastal village, Bönhamn is renowned for its scenic harbor and rich history. It’s a popular summer destination, so it can get busy. Parking in the town is restricted, but parking spots are available on the main road leading into the town​​.

• Hög Bonden: This island near Bönhamn is home to Sweden’s second-highest lighthouse, offering stunning views of the High Coast. The island features a trail along its rocky cliffs and has a hotel and restaurant in the former lighthouse keeper’s house. Ferries to the island are available, with a more frequent schedule in the high season.

• Högakustbron (The High Coast Bridge): This iconic suspension bridge provides spectacular views of the coastline. There’s a viewpoint up the hill from the bridge, complete with a wind shelter and fire pit​​.

• Skuleberget: An iconic mountain with a dramatic rock face, Skuleberget offers hiking trails of varying difficulties and a Via Ferrata rock-climbing adventure. For those preferring a less strenuous visit, a chairlift to the peak is available​​.

• Skuleskogen National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this park is a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the Slåttdalsskrevan Canyon and Slåttdalsberget for exceptional views. The park also features a sandy beach, Kälsviken, ideal for camping or swimming in summer​​.

• Hiking the Högakustleden: This 128.6km long trail passes through many of the High Coast’s attractions. It’s suitable for both day hikes and longer treks, with various wild shelters and camping spots along the way​​.

• ARKNAT Wind Shelters: These unique shelters, part of a program combining architecture and landscape, are scattered across the High Coast, many near the Högakustleden trail. They offer a distinctive outdoor experience​​.

• Trysunda: An island about an hour’s ferry ride from the mainland, Trysunda features a historic fishing village and natural wonders, including a beach with circular rocks and white sandy beaches​​.

• Ulvön Islands: Known for their fishing history and surströmming production, these islands offer picturesque fishing villages, beautiful nature, and swimming spots​​.

• Rotsidan: A nature reserve with smooth cliffs formed by the wind, Rotsidan is ideal for hiking, nature enjoyment, swimming, or picnicking​​.

• Mannaminne: An open-air museum near Nordingrå, blending arts, culture, and history with over 50 different buildings from around the world. It’s open from May to September, offering a unique cultural experience​​.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near High Coast Distillery?

• Dallas Pizzeria: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Storgatan 18, 870 52 Nyland, Sweden.
  For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +4661222444. 

• NC café & lunchbar: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Limstagatan 8, 872 30 Kramfors, Sweden.
  For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +46704868086. 

• Pelles Burger: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Vinkelgatan 2, 872 35 Kramfors, Sweden.
  For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +4661212762.

What hotels are near High Coast Distillery?

• Bjärtrå Bed & Breakfast: It has a rating of 4.9 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Hjälta 128, 872 96 Bjärtrå, Sweden.
  For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +46708156651. 

• Ullångers Hotell & restaurang: It has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Sundbrogatan 30, 870 32 Ullånger, Sweden.
  For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +4661310900. 

• Hotel High Coast: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Hornöberget 101, 872 94 Sandöverken, Sweden.
  For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +46613722270.