Spirit of Hven Seven Stars No. 1 Dubhe is the inaugural release in the Seven Stars series from the Spirit of Hven distillery. Named after the star Dubhe, part of the Big Dipper constellation, this whisky sets the tone for the series with a rich and complex profile that highlights the distillery’s dedication to producing high-quality single malt whisky. The expression is crafted using locally sourced Swedish barley, aged in a combination of American oak, Swedish oak, and sherry casks, which impart both sweetness and depth. The result is a whisky that balances vibrant fruit, warming oak, and subtle spice, making it an excellent introduction to the distillery's approach to whisky-making.
NOSE: The nose of Spirit of Hven Seven Stars No. 1 Dubhe is rich and inviting, with a beautiful balance of fruit and oak. The first aromas that greet you are sweet and vibrant, with notes of ripe apples, pears, and a touch of citrus zest, offering a fresh and fruity fragrance. Beneath the fruit, there is a gentle oak influence, with hints of vanilla, caramel, and toasted wood, creating a smooth and comforting foundation. The whisky's sherry cask maturation adds a layer of complexity, with subtle notes of dried fruit, such as raisins and figs, as well as a hint of dark chocolate. A delicate spice, including cinnamon and nutmeg, emerges as the whisky opens up, adding warmth and depth to the nose. Overall, the nose is well-rounded and sophisticated, with a harmonious blend of fruity sweetness, oak, and spice.
TASTE: On the palate, Spirit of Hven Seven Stars No. 1 Dubhe is smooth and medium-bodied, with a rounded mouthfeel that delivers a rich and balanced flavor profile. The fresh fruitiness from the nose continues, with flavors of ripe apples, pears, and a touch of citrus, creating a lively and sweet entry. The oak influence becomes more prominent, contributing notes of vanilla, caramel, and a light toasted wood character. The sherry cask maturation imparts flavors of dried fruit, dark chocolate, and a subtle nuttiness, adding depth and richness to the whisky. The palate is further enhanced by a gentle spice, with hints of cinnamon, clove, and pepper providing a touch of warmth. The overall flavor is harmonious, with the sweetness of the fruit balancing perfectly with the oak and spice.
FINISH: The finish of Seven Stars No. 1 Dubhe is medium to long, with a lingering warmth that leaves a pleasant aftertaste. The fruit flavors gradually fade, giving way to the oak influence, which provides a dry, slightly tannic quality. The spice lingers on the back of the palate, with a subtle warmth and a hint of dark chocolate. The finish is clean, with the oak and dried fruit notes lingering gently, making for a satisfying and well-rounded conclusion. There is also a faint herbal note that adds a layer of complexity to the aftertaste, leaving the palate refreshed and ready for another sip.
Apple
Caramel
Cinnamon
Clove
Dark Chocolate
Dried
Nutmeg
Oak
Pear
Pepper
Toast
Vanilla
Zest