Mackmyra Blomstertid Review
Physical Whisky Characteristics
- Origin: Northern Sweden, near Gävle.
- Type: Seasonal bottling, spring 2016.
- Distillation and Maturation Process: Utilizes traditional Scottish copper pot stills. Maturation involves American white oak casks, ex-bourbon casks, and a significant use of cherry and sherry casks (Oloroso and PX), with a third of the casks being cherry casks.
- Age Statement: No age statement, likely under five years.
- Color and Bottle Design: Dark, impressive color, uncolored and unfiltered, with a plastic cork. The bottle design features pink writing, unusual for whisky, reflecting its spring theme ("Blomstertid" translates to "flower time").
Whisky Flavor Profile
- Balance of Flavors: A strong influence from the cherry and sherry casks, with a notable fruitiness over sweetness.
- Unique Characteristics: Despite the absence of an age statement, the whisky does not exhibit youthful harshness, suggesting a smooth distillate and the significant impact of active cask maturation.
- Comparison: The flavor profile is distinct due to the use of cherry casks, setting it apart from other whiskies that might rely more heavily on traditional sherry casks.
Whisky Storytelling
- Distillery: Mackmyra, known as "gravity distillery" due to its unique tower structure where ingredients are moved by gravity. It's highlighted for its modernity and cleanliness.
- Production Process: Emphasizes the traditional yet innovative approach of using gravity in the distillation process, a nod to historical practices in Scotland.
Cultural or Geographical Significance
- Swedish Heritage: Mackmyra Blomstertid reflects its Swedish origins not just in its unique distillation process but also in its thematic seasonal bottling, celebrating spring ("Blomstertid").
- Innovation and Tradition: The distillery's modern approach, combined with traditional Scottish distillation methods, showcases a blend of innovation and respect for whisky-making traditions.
Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes
- "This is a wonderful whisky without an age statement on it." - Horst Luining, highlighting the quality and maturity of the whisky despite its likely young age.
- "The influence of the sherry cask is very strong." - Acknowledging the significant impact of cask selection on the whisky's flavor profile.
Summary
- Mackmyra Blomstertid is a seasonal spring bottling from the modern yet traditional Mackmyra distillery in Sweden.
- It features a unique maturation process with a significant use of cherry and sherry casks, contributing to its dark color and fruity flavor profile.
- The whisky is notable for its smoothness and complexity, despite lacking an age statement.
- The distillery's innovative use of gravity in the distillation process and its clean, modern facilities are highlighted.
- Mackmyra Blomstertid reflects its Swedish heritage and the distillery's blend of innovation and tradition.
Recommendations for Different User Profiles
- For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring innovative maturation processes and unique flavor profiles will find Mackmyra Blomstertid intriguing.
- For Collectors: Limited seasonal bottlings like Blomstertid, with its unique use of cherry casks, offer a distinctive addition to any collection.
- For Beginners: The smoothness and lack of harshness, despite no age statement, make it accessible for those new to whisky, especially those who enjoy fruity flavors.