Spirit of Hven – Hvenus Rye Whisky (75cl)

Hvenus is the rye whisky from Spirit of Hven, a small pot still distillery on the island of Hven in the Öresund strait between Denmark and Sweden. Mashing, fermentation, distilling, maturation and bottling all take place on the island, using local raw materials and a long fermentation with a range of yeast strains. The stills are small, fitted with shell-and-tube condensers chosen for the copper surface area and reflux they give. The whisky is a dark amber colour. The nose is chocolate and heavy char, with roasted coffee, almonds and coconut. The palate balances tannins with sweet vanilla, alongside herbal pepper, coconut and chocolate.