“Gimme Gimme Gimme (A Dram After Midnight)”
Introduction:
Most of you know that I mainly use samples and miniatures when preparing my Reviews. I usually buy these in Holland and sometimes in Germany or the UK. Sometimes I receive samples from friends or readers or independent bottlers. In only two cases I received a few samples directly from distilleries. When planning my reviews for the next months I always try to give attention to all Scottish Whisky regions as well as other Whisky/Whiskey/Bourbon producing regions all over the world with special attention to the USA, Ireland and Japan. And last but not least the blends. At the request of many readers I give preference to more recent expressions. As a result, my backlog of older samples has increased quite a bit. To do justice to those samples I will review them in the format of Specials. These specials will deal with a specific distillery like today or with specific bottlers, countries or regions. The reviews in these Specials will concentrate on the Whisky and won't go into details about distilleries, maturation etc. I do hope you will like these Specials just as much as my regular reviews and I look forward to your reactions and suggestions. In this special I will review two expressions of the Swedish Mackmyra distillery. Enjoy!
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Whisky Review # 743
Country: Sweden
Whisky Review # 743
Country: Sweden
Brand: Mackmyra
Type: Single Malt Whisky
Age: 10 Years (Limited Edition - 20.000 Bottles)
Age: 10 Years (Limited Edition - 20.000 Bottles)
Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 46.1%
Maturation: A mix of Ex-Bourbon casks, Oloroso Wood and Virgin Oak
Chill Filtration: No
Price Range: US$ 55-70 (June 2018)
Buying Advice:😐 Not bad but a little too Oaky for me. Not cheap for a 10 Y.
Colour:
Golden Amber (Natural Colour)
Nose:
Be sure to give this Mackmyra sufficient time in the glass. Fresh Wood calls the immediate attention as so often in European mainland Whiskies. But in this case it doesn't control the Fruity, Floral, Grassy and Malty notes. On the Nose, the 10 Years does not present really deep and mature Aromas. It's quite Clean actually but pleasant nonetheless.
Main Aromas:
Toasted Barley, Butter Kekse (German Butter Biscuits), Salted Butter, Vanilla, Yeast, X-Mas-Pie with Rum-Soaked Raisins and Sultanas, Apple Puff Pastry rolls sprinkled with Cinnamon and Powder Sugar, Raspberry Jam, Fresh Oak and Wood Pellets, Citrus Peel and Dried- and Fresh Herbs.
Supportive Aroma Accents:
Honey, Fresh Polished Wooden Floors, slightly Sour Grapes, Sherry, Olive Oil, Dusty Track and Cocoa Powder.
Palate:
Bitter-Sweet, Oaky, Spicy, Grassy, Oily, slightly Rough and Sour. The Alcohol is more noticeable by now.
Main Flavours:
Toasted Barley, Salted Caramel, Butterscotch, White Grapes, Green Apple, Pear, Lemon, Grass, Fresh Oak, Bounty Candy Bars, Vanilla, Cassis Liqueur, Pepper, Cinnamon and Sour Berries.
Supportive Flavour Accents:
Honey, Sherry, Varnish, Bitter Orange, Banana, Rum-Soaked Raisins, Aniseed, Ginger and Nutmeg.
Finish:
Middle-Long, Bitter-Sweet, Tannic and a little Rough. (Medium) Dry towards the end. Wood and Wood-spices come to the front without totally dominating the Fruit. It's quite balanced for a 10 Years old thanks to the variety of casks used. The clear Oak notes suggest the use of smaller casks alongside the Virgin Oak. I find Toasted Cereals, Salted Caramel, Dough, Vanilla, Green Apple, Pear, Grass, Honey, Bounty Candy Bars, Raisins, Cassis Liqueur, Herbs, Pepper, Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Sour Berries.
Drinking Advice:
I added a few drops of Water and the Nose relaxes. Barley and Fruit take over. I get a little Peach as well. Palate and Finish confuse me a little bit. They get a bit friendlier as well but I also get an odd note of used Oil to fry French Fries. Very unusual. The Mackmyra 10 years certainly accepts a little added Water.
Rating: 84
Nose: 21.5 - Taste: 21 - Finish: 20.5 - Overall: 21
Drinking Experience: Okay/Good
A bit too much (Virgin) Oak influence for my personal taste. But certainly not a bad Single Malt.
Conclusion:
The first Mackmyra distillery was founded in 1999. In 2012 a new distillery started production. It is located just outside Gavle, only a few miles away from the first distillery. The new structure is one of the highest in its kind and follows the gravity model where the production process starts on the upper floor and works it way downwards. This process decreases energy costs by almost 45%. The owners (Mackmyra Svensk Whisky AB) suffered some financial problems in 2014, probably as a result of the huge investment in the new distillery. As a result production went down considerably. But it seems that the situation is back under control now and the future looks bright.
The 10 Years Limited Edition was launched in 2017. It is said to contain 10-13 year old Whisky. I believe it was the first Mackmyra with an Age Statement. It must have been produced at the old distillery as a consequence. I have mixed feelings about this Single Malt. It's well-made and Mackmyra is not copying Scotch role models. It has succeeded in creating its own place in today's Whisky world. And they deserve merit for that. I also applaud the search for innovative ways to mature Whisky using a variety of casks. But wood should serve the Spirit and not the other way around. The New Make Mackmyra Spirit is quite Delicate, Fresh and Fruity. Too much Fresh Oak and small Casks have the tendency to start dominating the Spirit. I believe that to be slightly the case here. But other than that I do not have much to complain. It's not cheap of course as is usually the case with European mainland whiskies. But if you like Spicy and Oaky Orchard Fruit the Mackmyra 10 Years might be just what you're looking for!
Country: Sweden
Maturation: A mix of Ex-Bourbon casks, Oloroso Wood and Virgin Oak
Chill Filtration: No
Price Range: US$ 55-70 (June 2018)
Buying Advice:😐 Not bad but a little too Oaky for me. Not cheap for a 10 Y.
Colour:
Golden Amber (Natural Colour)
Nose:
Be sure to give this Mackmyra sufficient time in the glass. Fresh Wood calls the immediate attention as so often in European mainland Whiskies. But in this case it doesn't control the Fruity, Floral, Grassy and Malty notes. On the Nose, the 10 Years does not present really deep and mature Aromas. It's quite Clean actually but pleasant nonetheless.
Main Aromas:
Toasted Barley, Butter Kekse (German Butter Biscuits), Salted Butter, Vanilla, Yeast, X-Mas-Pie with Rum-Soaked Raisins and Sultanas, Apple Puff Pastry rolls sprinkled with Cinnamon and Powder Sugar, Raspberry Jam, Fresh Oak and Wood Pellets, Citrus Peel and Dried- and Fresh Herbs.
Supportive Aroma Accents:
Honey, Fresh Polished Wooden Floors, slightly Sour Grapes, Sherry, Olive Oil, Dusty Track and Cocoa Powder.
Palate:
Bitter-Sweet, Oaky, Spicy, Grassy, Oily, slightly Rough and Sour. The Alcohol is more noticeable by now.
Main Flavours:
Toasted Barley, Salted Caramel, Butterscotch, White Grapes, Green Apple, Pear, Lemon, Grass, Fresh Oak, Bounty Candy Bars, Vanilla, Cassis Liqueur, Pepper, Cinnamon and Sour Berries.
Supportive Flavour Accents:
Honey, Sherry, Varnish, Bitter Orange, Banana, Rum-Soaked Raisins, Aniseed, Ginger and Nutmeg.
Finish:
Middle-Long, Bitter-Sweet, Tannic and a little Rough. (Medium) Dry towards the end. Wood and Wood-spices come to the front without totally dominating the Fruit. It's quite balanced for a 10 Years old thanks to the variety of casks used. The clear Oak notes suggest the use of smaller casks alongside the Virgin Oak. I find Toasted Cereals, Salted Caramel, Dough, Vanilla, Green Apple, Pear, Grass, Honey, Bounty Candy Bars, Raisins, Cassis Liqueur, Herbs, Pepper, Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Sour Berries.
Drinking Advice:
I added a few drops of Water and the Nose relaxes. Barley and Fruit take over. I get a little Peach as well. Palate and Finish confuse me a little bit. They get a bit friendlier as well but I also get an odd note of used Oil to fry French Fries. Very unusual. The Mackmyra 10 years certainly accepts a little added Water.
Rating: 84
Nose: 21.5 - Taste: 21 - Finish: 20.5 - Overall: 21
Drinking Experience: Okay/Good
A bit too much (Virgin) Oak influence for my personal taste. But certainly not a bad Single Malt.
Conclusion:
The first Mackmyra distillery was founded in 1999. In 2012 a new distillery started production. It is located just outside Gavle, only a few miles away from the first distillery. The new structure is one of the highest in its kind and follows the gravity model where the production process starts on the upper floor and works it way downwards. This process decreases energy costs by almost 45%. The owners (Mackmyra Svensk Whisky AB) suffered some financial problems in 2014, probably as a result of the huge investment in the new distillery. As a result production went down considerably. But it seems that the situation is back under control now and the future looks bright.
The 10 Years Limited Edition was launched in 2017. It is said to contain 10-13 year old Whisky. I believe it was the first Mackmyra with an Age Statement. It must have been produced at the old distillery as a consequence. I have mixed feelings about this Single Malt. It's well-made and Mackmyra is not copying Scotch role models. It has succeeded in creating its own place in today's Whisky world. And they deserve merit for that. I also applaud the search for innovative ways to mature Whisky using a variety of casks. But wood should serve the Spirit and not the other way around. The New Make Mackmyra Spirit is quite Delicate, Fresh and Fruity. Too much Fresh Oak and small Casks have the tendency to start dominating the Spirit. I believe that to be slightly the case here. But other than that I do not have much to complain. It's not cheap of course as is usually the case with European mainland whiskies. But if you like Spicy and Oaky Orchard Fruit the Mackmyra 10 Years might be just what you're looking for!
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Whisky Review # 744
Country: Sweden
Brand: Mackmyra Vinterdröm (Limited Season Series Edition)
Type: Single Malt Whisky
Age: NAS - Bottled in 2016
Age: NAS - Bottled in 2016
Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 46.1%
Maturation: A mix of Ex-Bourbon casks and Fresh Swedish Oak with Plantation Jamaican/Barbados Rum Cask Finish.
Chill Filtration: No
Price Range: US$ 60-80 (June 2018)
Buying Advice: 😏 Young & Boring. Way too expensive for what it offers.
Colour:
Light Amber/Yellow Gold (Natural Colour)
Nose:
Light, Young, Fresh and Clean. The Alcohol is noticeable as is the Swedish Oak. The Rum cask finish must have been a short one. On the Nose this Mackmyra presents Sweet, Sour, Fruity, Malty and Herbal notes. Most of these notes are quite subdued though.
Main Aromas:
Toasted Cereals, Butter Kekse (German Butter Biscuits), Treacle, Vanilla, Green Apple, Gooseberry, Lemon, Grapefruit, Banana, Pineapple, Fresh Oak and Wood Shavings, Dried & Fresh Herbs, Cinnamon, Ginger and Aniseed.
Supportive Aroma Accents:
Honey, Dusty Track, Rum Soaked Raisins, Orange Peel, Milk-Hazelnut Chocolate, Nutmeg, Cloves and Tobacco.
Palate:
Young, Light and slightly Rough. The Alcohol is quite noticeable. A combination of Sweet, Sour, Spicy and Herbal notes.
Main Flavours:
Toasted Cereals, Salted Caramel, Treacle, Vanilla, Gooseberries, Grapefruit, Oak (Virgin and Wood Shavings), Green Apple, Lemon, Dried & Fresh Herbs, Pepper, Ginger and Aniseed.
Supportive Flavour Accents:
Honey, Rum Soaked Raisins, Hazelnut-Milk Chocolate, Salted Peanuts, Cloves, Cinnamon and Tobacco.
Finish:
Middle-Long and slightly Rough. Sweet and Sour notes at first. An increasing Bitterness towards the end. I find Malted Cereals, Salted Caramel, Virgin Oak, Gooseberries, Grapefruit, Lemon, Aniseed, Menthol, Young White Rum, Cocoa Powder, Treacle, Nuts, Black Espresso, Pepper, Nutmeg, Cloves and Ginger.
Drinking Advice:
With added Water it starts to taste like a Peppered Vodka with Rum Finish. Well, something like that. Better sip it neat.
Rating: 80
Nose: 21 - Taste: 20 - Finish: 19 - Overall: 20
Drinking Experience:
Okay. Uninspiring.
Conclusion:
This Mackmyra would have been the ultimate Whisky to "enjoy" during the 2nd half of the World Cup England-Panama game. Because both were utterly boring. The Vinterdröm is just a young Spirit with a Wood & Rum make up. It's not bad but it doesn't bring any excitement to the table. I think that Mackmyra is going the right way with their aged expressions as the 10 Years above shows. But Vinterdröm is just an inventive way to make a quick buck with young Whisky. No way I'm gonna pay 65 US Dollars for this despite the nice bottle/packaging. I will wait for Mackmyra's 12 and 15 Years.
The original Mackmyra reopened as a Lab Distillery in 2017
Maturation: A mix of Ex-Bourbon casks and Fresh Swedish Oak with Plantation Jamaican/Barbados Rum Cask Finish.
Chill Filtration: No
Price Range: US$ 60-80 (June 2018)
Buying Advice: 😏 Young & Boring. Way too expensive for what it offers.
Colour:
Light Amber/Yellow Gold (Natural Colour)
Nose:
Light, Young, Fresh and Clean. The Alcohol is noticeable as is the Swedish Oak. The Rum cask finish must have been a short one. On the Nose this Mackmyra presents Sweet, Sour, Fruity, Malty and Herbal notes. Most of these notes are quite subdued though.
Main Aromas:
Toasted Cereals, Butter Kekse (German Butter Biscuits), Treacle, Vanilla, Green Apple, Gooseberry, Lemon, Grapefruit, Banana, Pineapple, Fresh Oak and Wood Shavings, Dried & Fresh Herbs, Cinnamon, Ginger and Aniseed.
Supportive Aroma Accents:
Honey, Dusty Track, Rum Soaked Raisins, Orange Peel, Milk-Hazelnut Chocolate, Nutmeg, Cloves and Tobacco.
Palate:
Young, Light and slightly Rough. The Alcohol is quite noticeable. A combination of Sweet, Sour, Spicy and Herbal notes.
Main Flavours:
Toasted Cereals, Salted Caramel, Treacle, Vanilla, Gooseberries, Grapefruit, Oak (Virgin and Wood Shavings), Green Apple, Lemon, Dried & Fresh Herbs, Pepper, Ginger and Aniseed.
Supportive Flavour Accents:
Honey, Rum Soaked Raisins, Hazelnut-Milk Chocolate, Salted Peanuts, Cloves, Cinnamon and Tobacco.
Finish:
Middle-Long and slightly Rough. Sweet and Sour notes at first. An increasing Bitterness towards the end. I find Malted Cereals, Salted Caramel, Virgin Oak, Gooseberries, Grapefruit, Lemon, Aniseed, Menthol, Young White Rum, Cocoa Powder, Treacle, Nuts, Black Espresso, Pepper, Nutmeg, Cloves and Ginger.
Drinking Advice:
With added Water it starts to taste like a Peppered Vodka with Rum Finish. Well, something like that. Better sip it neat.
Rating: 80
Nose: 21 - Taste: 20 - Finish: 19 - Overall: 20
Drinking Experience:
Okay. Uninspiring.
Conclusion:
This Mackmyra would have been the ultimate Whisky to "enjoy" during the 2nd half of the World Cup England-Panama game. Because both were utterly boring. The Vinterdröm is just a young Spirit with a Wood & Rum make up. It's not bad but it doesn't bring any excitement to the table. I think that Mackmyra is going the right way with their aged expressions as the 10 Years above shows. But Vinterdröm is just an inventive way to make a quick buck with young Whisky. No way I'm gonna pay 65 US Dollars for this despite the nice bottle/packaging. I will wait for Mackmyra's 12 and 15 Years.
Jan van den Ende June 25, 2018
