2014-10-21 by Thomas Øhrbom (Whisky Saga)

Here is another relatively new whisky from the Swedish distiller Mackmyra. This is the Mackmyra Midnattssol (Mightnight Sun), which was released on May 2 this year. This is the second release in their new Seasons Series, where there third installment was the Mackmyra Iskristall, reviewd last month. Mackmyra Midnattssol has a rather special finish, I do not think i have seen this variant anywhere else. Here’s how Mackmyra describe the maturation of this whisky: "Matured in sherry and bourbon casks, as well as combination casks made from American and Swedish oak, the finishing touch comes from casks which previously stored wine made from birch sap." From what the Master Distiller at Mackmyra says, Angela D’Orazio, about half the whisky that went into Midnattssol had the birch sap wine cask finish. It was left in these casks for about 5 months. The spirit used in this whisky has an average age of about 7-8 years. Mackmyra Midnattssol was available to by at SEK 598 (item number 11410), but it appears to be sold out now. Not sure if this is just temporary or not. This is a limited release though, so you might have to try this in a bar or buy at an auction.

Nose: (21/25): Sweet, well rounded, quite rich on the nose. Some oaky notes, fruits (summer fruits) and mild spices. A bit ‘green’ on the nose, herbal or grassy or somesuch.

Taste: (21/25): Quite spicy! There’s some menthol and mint here, and on the second sip more mint. The main spice is pepper I would say. A bit oaky, but these are soft and mild oaky notes – is that the birch sap making an appearance maybe?

Finish: (20/25): Sweeter now. I find honey and citrus, warm apples. The spice returns towards the end of a medium long finish. Peppermint and white pepper; a cool finish!

Balance: (21/25): I am very, very allergic to birch pollen, but I am happy to report that I had no allergic reactions to this whisky. This is a fun dram, and I like the fact that they dare have fun with finishes and try new approaches. Just don’t release too many versions, please, you’ll only end up confusing us!

Score: (83/100)

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