Mackmyra Vinterdrom

This is my first experience with a Swedish single malt. From my understanding, Mackmyra is a prominent name in Swedish whisky production with numerous offerings. Vinderdröm is one of their limited edition, seasonals without an age statement. It's matured in former American bourbon casks and finished in Caribbean rum casks. Bottled at 46.1% ABV, with no details on added colorant or chill filtration, though the ABV suggests it might not be chill filtered. The golden hue could indicate some added colorant. The nose begins with fresh oak and a musty cardboard scent. Dry grass and barley malt are also prominent. Anise and black licorice are noticeable, along with some allspice. Nutty notes of pecans and Brazil nuts, and an earthy quality are present. It's fairly fruity, but not particularly sweet. Lemon, orange, and apricot notes are detectable. A hint of menthol or eucalyptus, along with light molasses and rum, are also present. This bears a strong resemblance to Highland or Speyside Scotch, a very favorable comparison. Over time, more sweetness emerges in the form of butterscotch, vanilla cream, and brown sugar. The palate greets with a peppery wood spice entry, immediately followed by juicy tropical fruits. Kiwi, apricots, oranges, coconut, pineapple, and cantaloupe are tasted. An earthy note, similar to a light Highland peat, is present, although I don't believe this is a peated malt. Again, the profile is very reminiscent of Scotch. A medium-bodied mouthfeel that is simultaneously dry and mouthwatering. The finish is medium long, very fruity with brown sugar notes. My initial blind tasting led me to believe it was Scotch. I must say, if other Swedish single malts can achieve this level of quality and profile, then they deserve serious consideration in the whisky world. I'd be interested to see the results of a wine finish or heavy peating. Vinterdröm is not exceptional, but it is solid. 3.75 stars, and thanks to a friend for the sample. Cheers

A curious discovery. This Scandinavian spirit evokes American rye, potentially with a sherry cask finish. It's crafted from Nordic barley, pure glacial meltwater (one wonders about the impact of climate change on such purity 😒), and then finished in Caribbean rum barrels. A better North-South union than seen since the Civil War. Its age is unclear, but I suspect it's young, perhaps under 6-8 years, yet remarkably integrated with the rum cask influence. Herbal, grassy notes mingle with hints of caramelized sugar. The name "Vinterdrom" translates to "winter's dram." I anticipated flavors of Christmas cake and mulling spices, but perhaps a Caribbean winter offers a different profile: clean, grassy notes and rum aromas. Regardless, it's quite excellent. First IKEA, then meatballs, then those safety-conscious, snow-capable Volvos. Now, whiskey. Well done on diversifying, Sweden.

A fantastic and distinct spirit. Initially, I guessed it was a Bruichladdich, then a rye finished in another barrel, based on its grainy aroma. It presents malty and citrus notes, concluding with an extended herbal taste that becomes somewhat sugary. This sweetness is a result of aging in Plantation Rum barrels that previously contained rum from Barbados and Jamaica. An excellent entry into Swedish malt, provided by an anonymous sample from a friend.