High Coast Cinco II

High Coast Cinco II, 8 YO, 51.1 %

Around three years ago High Coast Distillery in Sweden released their Cinco single malt; so named because it is made using single malt matured in five (“cinco”) different ex-sherry casks; Fino, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez. Now we see the release of High Coast Cinco II (not to be mistaken for a High Coast Diez).

The two releases are closely matched, but I’ve tried to highlight some differences (Cinco I vs Cinco II):

• For Cinco 10 out of 11 casks were made from Spanish oak, for Cinco II the number was 12 out of 18 casks

• For Cinco all the whisky had been matured in ex-bourbon casks initially (between 2.66 and 5.64 years) and for Cinco II only two of the 18 casks had initially been matured in ex-bourbon

• The age of Cinco was 6 YO (6.76 - 8.68 / avg 8.48) vs. Cinco II clocking in at 8 YO (8.59 - 8.91)

You will find more details on the official product page.

The High Coast Cinco II is available for sale in Sweden as we speak - at SEK 885 (41406).

Nose: Rich, complex and appealing sherry notes tickle my nose, cuddle up beside me and give me a warm hug. This is comfort whisky! Dried fruits of all sorts, accompanied by rich and warm spices. With time somewhat earthy. Coffee and cocoa nibs. It certainly has an Autumnal vibe to it.

Taste: Full bodied, rich and deeply satisfying. Multi-layered sweetness and rich fruits of the fresh and dried variety. White sugar and demerara. Cinnamon, nutmeg and assorted nuts.

Finish: Medium to long finish. Not a whole lot of development, but there is a sense of kanelbullar here - cinnamon buns that is - sugar, cinnamon, warm buns straight from the oven.

Comment: Another masterful sherry bomb from the Wizards of the High Coast.

Score 90/100

This is Nordic whisky review #349 here on Whisky Saga. See them all here.

Sláinte!
-Thomas