Mackmyra Svensk Ek

One of the coolest things happening in the whisky scene now is the push to better link place and spirit, the whisky's terroir, so to speak. Mackmyra's Svensk Ek is a prime example, using local grains and aging primarily in Swedish oak. This wood gives the dram a distinct character; the aroma is perfumed, showing allspice and sandalwood alongside vanilla and a grape-like scent. The taste is full of succulent, ripe fruit (especially stone fruit), some vanilla, spice, a little salt, and a woody note. It struck me that this could resemble an Old Pulteney NAS to some extent. It would be perfect if it didn't feel so young; it's just a bit too raw. That said, it's a delicious sign of potential with more aging...and still quite enjoyable now.

Nose: Juicy, sweet apple crumble with marzipan. Coffee with cream. A hint of dark chocolate. Toasted nuts. Vanilla. Palate: More toasted nuts and marzipan. It's spicy and sweet coffee, but with a subtle fruity note too, which complements it well. Finish: Lasts a medium amount of time. It's sweet and woody, yet also fruity. After a bit, it subtly shifts to milk chocolate. Overall: It's like liquid apple pie with coffee! Really delightful. Mackmyra's (green) fruity spirit pairs wonderfully with the active elements from the casks used. A solid 3.75 - it would be truly great with just a bit more intensity in the finish.

I don't typically award five stars to any whiskey, but this one is exceptionally deserving. While not remarkably distinct from a typical highland Scotch, it's as if this distillery captured the finest characteristic of every highland Scotch and integrated it into their recipe. This particular one resonated with me. It's not daring or even bold, just a damn good whiskey that doesn't try to be anything it's not.

Nose: Sugary caramel, tree fruit, pastry. Palate: Pungent black pepper, warming spices, toasted oak, and pine nuts. A background note of caramel and honey sweetness persists. Finish: Tart citrus and oak notes on a brief finish. A dry, spiced baked good aftertaste. This is a smooth and pleasant spirit. It provides a unique experience compared to most Scotch whiskies, and I would gladly choose it again.

On the nose, it has the apple notes of Brukswhisky but sweeter, like cooked apple. On the palate, it's also light but with more character and citrus aromas. It's still a bit too unrefined for me, but better than Bruks. The finish is pleasant, on the tongue, with blood orange aromas. A light but enjoyable whisky.

The nose is oaky and spicy (black pepper spicyness and not much else going on). The taste is rather sweet on the tongue with the same spicy pepperness that is a signature note from Swedish oak. On to the finish the sweetness keeps developing but the oak is taking too much space.