A serious Peat Monster rounds off the Box Second Step Collection!

The second Step 03 is Box Distillery’s final step in the much talked about Second Step Collection series. A triptych, trio, that has showcased Box Distillery’s character; what the northern Swedish climate, careful cask choices and passionate craft can achieve with a young whisky. The Second Step 03 was released as a web release via the Swedish alcohol monopoly, Systembolaget, 6th April 2017.

This expression mainly consists of peated whisky that has been matured in ex-bourbon casks, these have been complimented with whisky matured in American and Hungarian virgin oak casks. It’s said to be a whisky made in classic Islay style, around 75% of the casks used were traditional ex-bourbon barrels of 200 or 135 litres.

The expression is bottled at 51.3% ABV with an average age of 5.5 years old, showing a significant 38.6 ppm! 

Nose: Oh wow… That’s peaty there’s no doubt about that… And that’s fruity… And kinda sweet as well (or maybe it’s because I just baked some cupcakes but still… #PerfectHousewifeIknow ). Some yummy notes of candied citrus, smoked vanilla cream, roasted marshmallows and baked peaches. There’s also something slightly vegetal in the background…

Palate: A peaty beast for sure (if you’re some sort of peat freak and want to explore further than your usual Islay malts, this is definitely something you should try!). Of course you can say it’s still a bit young, the spirit is pretty frank at first sip but boasts a whole array of aromas from wood spices, molasses and burnt caramel to roasted walnuts, cereal toasties & a slight charcoal smokiness. Underneath the peat & spices, I can also pick up some underlying fruity hints.

Finish: pleasantly vanishing into a sweet smoky cloud.

 Psst! Find the Recipe Here!