Whisky Review/Tasting: Mackmyra Special 07 (Sweden) /2011

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Sweden
Type: Swedish Single Malt Whisky
Distillation: Produced at the old Brooks distillery, not the new gravity distillery in Gävle.
Maturation: A mix of whisky matured in small 30-liter oak casks and larger 200-liter casks, with a finishing period in casks that previously held Cloudberry wine.
Age Statement: No specific age statement, but the whisky showcases the effects of maturation in small casks over a short period, adhering to the minimum three years required by European law.
Color: Golden, attributed to the maturation in small casks and the influence of Cloudberry wine casks.
Clarity: Uncolored, with no additives.
Bottle Design: Notable for its good-looking packaging, including a distinctive hole in the bottle design.

General Tasting Notes: Light, fruity, full, complex, spicy, and slightly smoky.
Unique Characteristics: The use of small casks contributes to a rapid infusion of oakiness, vanilla, and caramel flavors. The finishing in Cloudberry wine casks adds a unique fruitiness, distinct from the sweetness of grapes but reminiscent of an older fruity white wine without a brandy note.
Balance of Flavors: The whisky is described as having a good balance between the intensity of spices from the casks, the light smokiness, and the fruitiness from the Cloudberry wine finish. There is no bitterness, indicating a well-managed maturation period.

Distillery Visit: Horst Luening visited the Mackmyra distillery in 2015, providing insights into the distillery's operations and its innovative use of small casks.
Production Process: The whisky's smokiness is attributed to a 40-foot container used as a kiln for producing peated malt, highlighting the distillery's unique approach to creating flavor profiles.

Swedish Distillery: Mackmyra is noted as the most famous whisky distillery in Sweden, known for its innovative maturation techniques, including the use of very small casks and the finishing in Cloudberry wine casks, which incorporate a distinctly Scandinavian element into the whisky.

"A wonderful piece of work" - Praise for the whisky's complex and balanced flavor profile.
"You can see what those small casks are able to deliver" - Acknowledgment of the significant impact of small cask maturation on the whisky's character.

Mackmyra Special 07 is a Swedish Single Malt Whisky with a unique maturation process involving small and large oak casks, finished in Cloudberry wine casks.
The whisky exhibits a golden color, complex flavor profile with light fruitiness, spiciness, and a hint of smokiness.
The use of small casks and Cloudberry wine finishing imparts distinctive flavors of oakiness, vanilla, caramel, and a unique fruitiness.
Mackmyra's innovative approach to whisky production and its cultural significance as a leading Swedish distillery are highlighted.
The whisky is praised for its balance, complexity, and absence of bitterness, showcasing the craftsmanship behind its creation.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring non-traditional whisky-producing countries and innovative maturation techniques.
For Adventurous Palates: Individuals seeking unique flavor profiles, especially those intrigued by the incorporation of local Scandinavian elements like Cloudberry wine.
For Collectors: The distinctive packaging and the story behind Mackmyra Special 07 make it a noteworthy addition to any collection.