Spirit of Hven – Seven Stars No. 3 Phecda (50cl, 45%)

Seven Stars No. 3 Phecda is the third release in the Seven Stars series from Spirit of Hven, a family-owned distillery on the Swedish island of Hven. It is a medium-peated single malt, certified organic, non-chill filtered and naturally coloured, bottled at 45% ABV in a 50cl bottle. It was matured in Missouri-grown American oak and Allier French oak. The American oak brings vanilla and toffee, while the French oak adds liquorice and peppery spice. The nose has leather, salty liquorice, pepper and barbecue smoke, with dark chocolate and coffee. The palate is balanced, with liquorice, dark chocolate, toasted oak and pepper, and the finish is medium-long and oily, with gentle smoke.