Spirit of Hven Tycho’s Star single malt whisky review

This Swedish single malt whisky was named after the renowned astronomer Tycho Brahe who discovered the supernova in 1572. Spirit of Hven distillery is located at Backafallsbyn on an small island between Denmark and Sweden. Brahe lived on this small Swedish island back in the late 1500’s.

Hven’s statement about Tycho’s Star single malt:

“Tycho´s Star is made from a mash bill based on three types of barley, Pale Ale Malt for the grassy base notes, chocolate malt for the enticing caramel notes and heavy peated whisky malt to create the leather, liqourice and tar scents. The carefully distilled spirit has matured on casks made of air dried oak. The casks are 58,20% heavy char Quercus Muehlenbergii from Missouri, 33,44% heavy toast Quercus Petraea from Allier and 8,36% medium toast Q. Robur from Bourgogne.”

Rich Swedish single malt

Spirit of Hven is an interesting small distillery founded in 2008. I’ve had their Seven Stars No.2 Merak single malt, which was a pleasant surprise. Tycho’s Star managed to be even slightly better.

They seem to have great craftsmanship for quality whisky, offering richly layered but easy to drink small batch whiskies. And yes, they seem to have star themed whisky names.

Matured in:

American, French and Spanish oak casks

Non-chill filtered, no added colour

Colour: Golden amber

ABV: 41.8%

Nose: Floral yet dark and strong. Meadows with salty licorice. I can almost get hints of smoke. Eucalyptus and spices.

Taste: Warm sherry and trails of smoke. Nutty with slightly bitter herbs. Juicy red fruits, bit watery and nicely oily.

Finish: Bit spicy and bitter. Lots of herbs. Nutmeg and licorice. Red fruits and berries and strong oak notes rise late in the aftertaste.

Balance: Very pleasant dram. Easy to drink, even though it offers different layers.

Scoring

Nose:Taste:Finish:Balance:

Did you know?

They have a full set of hotel, conference and restaurant activity at Backafallsbyn, which is located between Denmark and Sweden. I can imagine it being a nice place to visit. Having been to Southern Sweden and Denmark, both being beautiful parts with nice beaches and seaside activities, I’d like to visit this distillery at some point.

Distillery: Backafallsbyn Brand: Spirit of Hven Region: Hven, Sweden