BOX DISTILLERY ÅDALEN SWEDEN NORDIC PASSION FOR THE ART OF WHISKY

Transcription

1 BOX DISTILLERY ÅDALEN SWEDEN NORDIC PASSION FOR THE ART OF WHISKY

2 A POETIC MEETING IN THE WORLD OF WHISKY OUR STORY BEGINS HERE LIKE EVERY GOOD STORY, ours begins in a place far, far away. More precisely in the remote, north of Sweden. In this rugged landscape, on the shores of the mighty Ångermanälven river, you ll find the Box Distillery. Fed by the rivers crystal clear, chilled water, the distillery experiences wide temperature variations on a daily and yearly scale temperature variations that ensure that the whisky goes through a unique savouring process as it matures. These qualities lend the Box Single Malt a singular character character that is enhanced by a traditional distilling method that takes no shortcuts and makes no compromises. 63 N SO PLEASE, be our guest. But before you raise your glass, consider this: Your bottle of BOX Single Malt Whisky represents much more than passion, a unique environment and the knowledge of dedicated connoisseurs. It s also the end of one story, and the beginning of another: The story of your love affair with Box, the whisky from The High Coast Distillery. Enjoy it with respect.

3 A POETIC MEETING A POETIC MEETING THE ÅNGERMANÄLVEN RIVER LENGTH: 460 KM WATER FLOW: 485 M³/S RIVER AREA: KM² OUTLET: THE GULF OF BOTHNIA MAJOR BRIDGES: HÖGAKUSTENBRON, SANDÖBRON Making whisky in the Ådalen area has its advantages. It s not only the untouched nature of the northern parts of Sweden that makes the whisky unique, even though the dense forests, wide open spaces and clean air definitely adds to the character. The seminal difference actually stems from our geographical location. In the north of Sweden, the temperature variations between summer and winter, between day and night are nothing short of dramatic. The constant changing of the seasons affect the evolution of the raw spirits in the warehouse casks. On warm days, the pressure in the casks builds and the liquor expands, penetrating the wooden oak. Deep inside the wood, flavours are released - flavours that will stay with the maturing spirits when the temperature falls and the pressure drops. The harsh northern climate is truly one of our best friends. There are many reasons why a Box Single Malt is unique. The climate and the river are, without doubt, two of them. THE RIVER THROUGH AN EYE-GLASS THE VITAL RIVER The mighty Ångermanälven river flows by our very doorstep. For thousands of years it s been at the centre of life for people living in the valley. Each second, almost 500,000 litres of ice-cold mountain river water flows by, just outside our windows. To us, as whisky producers, the river is an essential natural resource. The amount of cooling water is an extremely important part in our search for distillates with personality and character. To be able to cool the alcohol in the most effective way is intimately connected with the chances of creating a distillate with a standout personality and clean, fine flavour. During a large portion of the year, the water temperature of the Ångermanälven river is no more than a few degrees over zero and even during the summer months, only the feistiest of outdoorsmen dare go for a chilly swim. BJÄRTRÅ PARISH LARGEST TOWN: LUGNVIK NUMBER OF INHABITANTS: 349 HIGHEST TEMPERATURE: +32,7 C, 17 JULY, 2003 COLDEST TEMPERATURE: -37,9 C, 28 JANUARY, 1999 WINTER LASTS FOR FIVE MONTHS

4 THE PASSION THE PASSION AT BOX DISTILLERY we have a collective, important driving force that guides us: We want to create a world-class single malt whisky. Whisky production is principally a traditional craft; many whisky distilleries are quite similar, but still, despite this, every whisky is unique. At Box we do as everyone else does, but still choose our own path. We ve let ourselves be guided by the work of other distilleries, but we ve also developed our own methods to create single malt like no other.

5 THE PASSION The fruity aromas are brought forward early during the distillation and are affected by the first cut that, for the unsmoked distillate, takes place after 13 minutes. I n order to get it right at the end, we have to do it right from the beginning. That s why we pay the utmost attention when choosing our raw materials. Barley, yeast and water of the highest quality nothing else will do. We choose raw materials we know will give us the chance to create the flavour we re after. We take our water from Bålsjön, a spring-fed lake to the northeast of the town of Kramfors, known for its good, clean and unusually soft water. Before putting the water to use, it s filtered through sand and carbon filters. In order to produce a more full-bodied and malty raw spirit we mainly use pilsner malt. The malt is ground in our hundredyear-old malt mill, a mill that once served as the brewery mill in the location that now houses Heathrow Airport. CLEAR WORT FOR THE SAKE OF THE FLAVOUR Just like many Japanese distilleries, we strive to use clear wort that brings forth the fruity flavour. This is why we re always extra careful during the mashing process. We re-circulate the first part of the wort that hasn t been filtered through the malt bed, putting it back on the top and allowing the peel residues to sink down in order to achieve clear, fine wort. During the third and last mashing, we use water that is slightly colder than what is traditional in order to avoid the bitter flavours that otherwise leach from the grits. EXTRA LONG FERMENTATION PROCESS Since we re always looking to create fruity flavours in the distillates, we use French distillery yeast. When the yeast has done its job, we allow the mash to rest for an extra 24 hours. This rest sets off a process where the lactic acid bacteria produces different substances like acids, aldehydes and sugar alcohols. This prolongs the procedure, but the long fermentation process grants our whisky lovely fresh and round flavours. WITH OUR WHISKY HEART ON OUR SLEEVES Distilling is the part of the whisky process where the still man has the chance to truly control the character of the distillates. At Box we always aim for the fruitiest esters possible. Since these come early on in the process we take our first cut, for the unsmoked distillate, as early as after 13 minutes. The second cut at 67% probably takes place at an earlier stage than at any other distillery and we do this to prevent the heavier substances from staying with the whisky. We open up our smoked distillate even more in order to include the phenols and their smoky flavours. Here, we cut after 30 minutes respectively 60% and the result is less fruit and more of the delicious tobacco, liquorice and smoke flavours. Our careful and elaborate methods may take a bit longer than what is customary, but here in the Ådalen valley we always choose to do things thoroughly rather than taking the fast lane.

6 EXPLORE THE DISTILLERY THIS IS WHERE YOUR STORY BEGINS ARE YOU ATTRACTED BY the idea of creating your own single malt whisky? Here, at our distillery you ll find thousands of passionate whisky lovers from all over the world who all share your interest. Our cask owner s concept is called Box Ankare. This is an equally entertaining and exciting journey together with us, a journey where the goal is to produce your very own world-class single malt. Being a cask owner means being a part of our family, something that both inspires us and helps us evolve. A Box family member is always welcome at the distillery. WE KNOW THAT you ve already created your favourite whisky in your mind. So why not realize the dream together with us? Welcome to Box Ankare. CONTACT US AT CASKOWNERSERVICE@BOXWHISKY.SE OR CALL BOX WHISKY ACADEMY Passion should be shared and the best way of ensuring this is the case is called THE BOX WHISKY ACADEMY. During a week at our distillery you ll get to roll up your sleeves and really learn the craft and knowledge behind the creation of malt whisky. From the mash to the filling of the casks down to the smallest detail. Here, you ll experience real distillery work as well as learning the theories behind it all - and of course there will be ample opportunities for tasting. Full board included. Read more at boxwhisky.se BOX WHISKY FESTIVAL Every summer, the last Saturday of June is festival time in the Ådalen valley. If you appreciate whisky as well as good company, you ll feel right at home at the BOX WHISKY FESTIVAL. Sample our latest products, discover new and different types of liquor from exciting distilleries and allow yourself to be inspired by quality whiskies from around the world. Everything, of course, together with good food and pleasant music in the company of good friends and fellow whisky lovers. VISIT THE DISTILLERY We re happy to show you round our distillery. During the months of June, July and August we re open for visitors every day and offer guided tours as well as the services of our restaurant and bar. During the rest of the year you need to book your visit in advance. And while you re here you might as well take the chance to sample your own whisky. In our CASK OWNER S LOUNGE all our cask owners can relax and feel at home, no matter what part of the world they come from.

7 Sweetpop.se PRINT: ÅTTA.45 TRYCKERI photo: KRISTOFER LÖNNÅ box destilleri ab sörviken 140, bjärtrå tel +46 (0)