This is the seventh* and final release in Spirit of Hven's Seven Stars series, and it's a beauty. Alkaid has been aged for eight years in nine - nine! - different casks, including Petraea oak from Allier that previously held chateau Margaux, Faginea oak from Portugal that previously held Olorosso sherry, five casks made of Muehlenbergii oak from Missouri that used to mature Hven Vodka and two casks of Burgundy Robur oak that previously housed wine from Maculan.
The cask combination makes for an incredibly complex and smooth Swedish single malt, bottled at 45% ABV. Alkaid is named after seventh and most easterly light point in the asterism, which is also known as Benetnash.
*Well, eighth, technically - No. 6 was split into two bottlings, 6.1 and 6.2.
Strong aromas of toasty oak, old leather and lots of tobacco, with fresh orchard fruits, while vanilla and cocoa intertwine.
Rich and luxurious melted dark chocolate, though no bitterness here, with sweet prunes, floral white peony and green freshly cut grass.
Toffee apple, glazed cinnamon buns and ginger spice, with sweet smoke supported by a drizzle of honey.
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A bouquet of notes. The impact from the margaux casks is there. a lot of different impressions that ends with a sweet smoke. Quite impressive with good balance although a bit young
