Nordic Whisky #234 - Spirit of Hven MerCurious Corn Whisky
Spirit of Hven MerCurious Corn Whisky, NAS, 45.6 %
A corn whisky from Sweden! Now that has to be tested. The Spirit of Hven MerCurious Corn Whisky was first released a few months back and is now a core range product from this very fine Swedish distillery.
Here is the official description:
Every batch comprises of 14 casks, all playing an important tune in this masterpiece; all casks are made of American air-dried virgin oak. MerCurious is velvet smooth and enticing while still challenging with rich character. The recipe is 88% corn, 5% wheat, 3,5% barley, 3,5% rye. Maturation is between 3 and 8 years depending on cask recipe.
Available to buy in Sweden at SEK 395 (059902), and in the UK at around GBP 49.
Nose: Very closed up on first approach. So, I’ll leave it alone for a few minutes and then come back.. OK, I’m back and the spirit seems to have come to life. I now find buttered popcorn, fudge, and vanilla. Some fruitiness as well - of the tropical persuasion.
Taste: Creamy and full-bodied. Smooth and somewhat bitter mix of creamy vanilla, honey and toasted oak. Tropical fruits in the back, but not quite getting my attention - mango. banana and pineapple perhaps.
Finish: Medium long finish. It remains creamy all the way. Banana split, served with caramel sauce and vanilla ice-cream, sprinkled with unsalted popcorn. Darker notes of slightly burnt toast with a spread of honey and orange marmalade.
Comment: A fine corn whisky. I do prefer their wonderful Rye whisky Hvenus though.
Score 85/100
Sláinte!
-Thomas
