Whisky of the World - Part 1

Very cool tastings these last weeks at the Quebec Whisky Club and I was quite excited about the one with Mackmyra. I really felt in love with this distillery when Jonathan Lucks, Brand Ambassador, came last year for our Quebec Whisky Day. Such a different whisky. The whole attitude is different. The taste is refreshing and everything is original. In the industry, they will tell you how every whisky is unique and authentic and blablabla. But I really think Mackmyra is particular. It is really unconventional, but according to a serious tradition. How the distillery was funded, how they keep the whisky in different locations (satellite warehouses): in a mine or castle for God's sake. It's crazy. I also had the privilege to meet Master Blender Angela D'Orazio. My interview with her was very cool. Obviously, she's a passionate. Herself, she is the owner of many casks. We learned very interesting things, but most of all, we tasted good stuff!

Mackmyra is surprising and as I said once, whisky lovers should just grab a bottle of different whiskies from around the world and taste them. You have to go beyond Scotland and Kentucky. You have to open up to possibilities. In Part 2, I have in mind to talk to you about another distillery I love at the other end of the world: Amrut. Don't worry, we'll get there. 

Here are some Mackmyra expressions that I liked:

Mackmyra Special 03, 48,2% : The smell is great. Soft and fruity. I smell apple. Granny Smith. Its sooooo good ! Its refreshing, with the juniper. The fruit is a little acid or sour. I like the feeling - Its summer, its Happy Hour in Sweden. Then, the Swedish Oak shows up at the party. What a personality. A fantastic balanced vanilla, less sweet or cake-style vanilla compare to the American Oak. A bit spicy. 92

Mackmyra Special 04, 53% : Wood bark, vanilla but more masculine.Hot, sticky and humid summer. Its also woody. Robust with nutmeg. Even towards the citrus. Lemon pie with meringues. Marmalade. A tickling ABV, but its alright. The Bourbon rocks. It's a pretty amazing journey. 91

Mackmyra Reserve Single Cask Elegant Swedish Oak, 52,4% (Distilled in 2010, bottled in 2012, 56/59 ) : Again. Joy. I'm happy to taste again a special edition directly from the distillery. Its so good. A generous fruity smell, but this hint of wood. Unique. The wood is also different. Maybe more cedar. Spicy. Old bourbon vanilla with rose pepper. A little bit of black licorice and at the end, a red wine or dried fruit like prunes. Superb. 93