Nordic Whisky #38 - Spirit of Hven Sankt Claus Cask #11-229

Spirit of Hven Sankt Claus Cask #11-229, 3 YO, 53,2 %

The Swedish distiller Spirit of Hven released three single cask expressions just before Christmas 2014. They were aptly named Sankt Claus. One release was for the Swedish market (cask #11-222), one was bottled for Juul's in Denmark (cask #11-224), and finally this cask which was for the rest of the world.

Spirit of Hven Sankt Claus Cask #11-229 was matured in a French oak cask for three years. The cask had previously held a wine of 100 % Merlot. The total outturn was 294 bottles (50 cl).

This is what the distillery says about the naming of this whisky:

This release named Sankt Claus, pays tribute to Saint Nicholas, patron over amongst others sailors and fishermen. With the winter storms just around the corner and as we see the waves whip up frisky foam around our island, we would like to send some thought and warmth to the ones sailing the seven seas and narrow straits bringing us delights from far away.

This whisky is now sold out. We managed to obtain a sample at the Cinderella Whisky Fair in January this year.

Nose (22/25): Warm and peppery up front. There is definitely a lot of oak, and berries here. Mild sweetness that does resemble wine.

Taste (21/25): More spicy to taste. Oaky spices and mild pepper. It has a round and slightly dry mouth-feel.

Finish (20/25): Even drier on the finish. The spices remain all the way, tempered by a mild sweetness. A bit short.

Balance (21/25): Definitely still a young whisky, but I like the sweetness and spices that it has picked up from the cask.

Score (84/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas