...where distraction is the main attraction.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Mackmyra Vinterrök Swedish Single Malt Whisky

Mackmyra continued with their experimentation with this, the Vinterrök, my last single malt review this week. They took significantly peated spirit and aged it in a mix of Swedish and American oak casks that were "saturated" with Scotch Strong Ale. I didn't know any of that information when I wrote the following tasting notes:

Distillery: Mackmyra Svensk Whisky
Series: Seasons (Säsongswhisky)
Region: Sweden
Type: Single Malt
Age: ???
Maturation: see notes above
Alcohol by Volume: 46.1%
Chillfiltered? No
Colorant added? No
(from a purchased sample)

NEAT
Its color is light gold. The nose is dried grass clippings meet peat meet ham? Juniper, spinach and plastic toys? Sulphur? Neat, indeed. The palate: the first sip is cinnamon sticks, brush fire and white sugar. Second sip is very earthy and vegetal with a ginger ale tail. Third and subsequent sips bring those two sides together with an effervescent fizziness. Wormwood + horseradish + ginger + molasses? I don't know. Fascinating. It has a long ashy finish, with an unusual spicy sweetness. Maybe fresh ginger, cayenne, dark chocolate and toffee? There's also a savory thing going on in the back.

WITH WATER (~40%abv)
A little more bacon now on the nose. Dock side, barley, sand and wool sweaters. Cinnamon sticks and peat smoke on the palate. Lemon candy and a zetz of chili oil. It finishes sweeter and lemony. Ashes and cinnamon.

WORDS WORDS WORDS
I've never had anything quite like this craziness. And think I'm in love. It's like someone infused Kilchoman with ginger, horseradish and a new sweater.

This particular eccentricity didn't exactly get raves when it came out and I can understand why. It won't seduce the drinker with harmony and grace, nor immediate drinkability. Ain't no smooth here. It appeals to a very specific palate, probably someone with Swedish-Mongolian-Wiccan-Panda heritage. And I am just that man.

Availability - 
Continental Europe only

Pricing - between $40 and $60 before shipping
Rating - 87

2 comments:

  1. Sounds intriquing, looking forward to trying this one as Flaviar recently included it in their monthly tasting pack. Another one quite similar (smoked and beer cask aged): Säntis Dreifaltigkeit, it's a Swiss cask strength whisky, possibly a bit hard to get but definitely worth seeking out.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the comment! I've been meaning to try some Sänits whiskies. Thanks for the recommendation on that one.

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