Mackmyra Special 08 Sauternes-Finish Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Sweden, specifically from the Mackmyra distillery located north of Stockholm in Gävle.
Type: Single Malt Whisky with a Sauternes finish.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Initially matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, followed by a finish in Sauternes casks. The whisky is matured in both large casks and smaller barrels (100-120 liters) to intensify the flavor.
Age Statement: No specific age stated, but it is at least three years old, as per the legal requirement. The whisky was distilled in the newly built gravity distillery in 2011 and bottled in 2012.
Color and Clarity: Light in color, indicating a relatively young whisky.
Bottle Design: Features imagery of the old distillery and a unique barcode design showcasing barley.

Aroma: Light vanilla and caramel notes, with the presence of alcohol. Additional aromas of pears and resin suggest youthfulness. Aromatic herbs and a back note of honey are also present.
Taste: A complex mix of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and Sauternes cask influences. The flavor profile includes fruity sweetness, gentle cask character, spicy aftertaste with notes of resin and butterscotch. Vanilla becomes more pronounced over time, with a hint of spiciness on the tongue.
Balance of Flavors: The whisky showcases a well-balanced mix of sweetness, spice, and oak intensity, attributed to the combination of cask types used in maturation.

Distillery Background: Mackmyra's gravity distillery in Gävle was newly built in 2011, marking a significant development in their whisky production capabilities.
Production Insights: The process of selecting Sauternes casks for finishing the whisky is highlighted, emphasizing the careful hand-picking of casks that have stored wine with a rich character of noble rot.

Swedish Single Malt: Represents the innovative spirit of Swedish whisky-making, utilizing a unique gravity distillery and experimenting with different cask finishes.
Sauternes Influence: The use of Sauternes casks from the Bordeaux region of France adds a touch of French elegance to the whisky, bridging Swedish craftsmanship with French wine tradition.

"Whisky to salute the genuine craftsmanship." - Celebrating the meticulous process of whisky-making at Mackmyra.
"The intensity of the oak in the back I think there should be a few of those very small casks mixed in." - Commentary on the influence of small barrel maturation on the whisky's flavor profile.

Mackmyra Special 08 is a Swedish single malt whisky with a Sauternes finish.
Distilled in Mackmyra's gravity distillery in 2011 and bottled in 2012, it showcases a mix of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and Sauternes cask influences.
The whisky has a light color, with a flavor profile that includes vanilla, caramel, fruity sweetness, and a spicy aftertaste.
It represents a fusion of Swedish innovation in whisky production and French wine tradition, emphasizing craftsmanship and careful cask selection.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring innovative whisky production techniques and unique cask finishes.
For Collectors: Given its limited availability and the story of its production, this whisky could be a valuable addition to a collector's selection.
For Beginners: The light and complex flavor profile makes it accessible for those new to whisky, offering a gentle introduction to single malts with a unique twist.