Spirit of Hven Seven Stars No. 5 Alioth is a premium single malt whisky from the Swedish Spirit of Hven Distillery, part of their celebrated Seven Stars series. Named after the star Alioth, part of the Big Dipper constellation, this expression embodies the star’s brilliance and fiery energy. The whisky is crafted using barley grown on the island of Hven, located in the Öresund Strait between Sweden and Denmark. Aged in a combination of American oak, French oak, and sherry casks, Alioth is a meticulously crafted whisky that blends rich sweetness, complex oak, and subtle fruitiness, while the distinctive character of Swedish terroir shines through.
NOSE: The nose of Spirit of Hven Seven Stars No. 5 Alioth is immediately rich and inviting, with a delightful complexity that unfolds with each sniff. There are prominent notes of dried fruits, including raisins, figs, and apricots, mingling with a sweet maltiness and a hint of honey. The oak influence is well-integrated, contributing aromas of toasted wood, vanilla, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. As the whisky breathes, deeper layers of dark chocolate and a slight nuttiness emerge, giving the nose a luxurious depth. There’s also a faint floral note and a subtle smokiness that adds intrigue. The nose is elegant and well-balanced, with an interplay of sweetness, spice, and oak that promises a satisfying experience.
TASTE: On the palate, Spirit of Hven Seven Stars No. 5 Alioth is full-bodied and smooth, with a silky mouthfeel. The sweetness from the dried fruits and honey carries over from the nose, offering a rich and indulgent start. The fruitiness is complemented by layers of dark chocolate, toffee, and caramel, which bring warmth and depth to the whisky. The oak influence continues to shine, with notes of toasted wood, vanilla, and a touch of spice, giving the whisky a structured and balanced flavor profile. There’s a soft fruitiness from the sherry cask influence, with notes of red berries and a slight tartness that adds complexity. The whisky remains well-rounded, with a slight nuttiness and a faint herbal quality that adds a touch of earthiness.
FINISH: The finish of Alioth is long and warming, with a lingering sweetness from the dried fruit, honey, and caramel. The oak influence continues into the aftertaste, leaving behind a subtle dryness and a faint spiciness that adds a touch of complexity. There’s a final hint of dark chocolate and vanilla, with a faint smokiness that lingers on the tongue. The finish is smooth and satisfying, with a gentle balance of sweetness, spice, and oak. It’s a whisky that leaves a lasting impression, with each sip inviting further exploration.
Caramel
Cinnamon
Dark Chocolate
Dried
Honey
Nutmeg
Oak
Tart
Toast
Toffee
Vanilla