Mackmyra Svensk Rök

Mackmyra Svensk Rök (Swedish Smoke) is a peated whisky made using completely only Swedish ingredients.  It is matured in a selection of Swedish oak casks, including some new oak and apparently 100 liter first-fill casks as well, with the whisky being matured 50 meters below ground in an old mine.

According to Finnish whisky author Jarkko Nikkanen, this whisky suits well the Nordic palate, and hopefully others as well.  The nose is very nice with aromas of smoke combined with sweetness and fresh berry notes.  Juniper dominates very much along with smoke.  Strong but smooth smoke dancing hand in hand with powerful juniper notes.  Bit earthy , fresh pine and waxy sweet sap, like being in a forest during spring and hints of marshmallow.

Water brings some phenol first, but turns the aromas into lovely sweet roasted vanilla notes over time.  The taste is amazing with juniper and smoke still strong.  Red, mildly sour lingonberries, but mostly sweet summer berries, sweet and yet salty and peppery licorice to boot.  Sweet and sour dominates the more you chew it with wee peppery citrus notes.  

The finish is good and long, the smoke stays with you until the very end.  The aftertaste is amazing and worth savoring.  Salty licorice with some sour notes and hints of tar, nicely exploding at the back of your throat.  Yet again, the red berries along with some juniper and oak.

Overall, Mackmyra Svensk Rök is a smoky well balanced whisky with juniper smoke, smooth vanilla and roasted oak.  It is a must-try for those who enjoy peated whiskies, first time trying and already a massive fan.

Slàinte Mhath !