Mackmyra Äppelblom

Appelblom is Swedish for apple blossom, in the case of this new release from Mackmyra it refers to the fact that the whisky was finished in casks that previously held calvados from Christian Drouin (after an initial maturation on ex bourbon barrels and virgin American oak). The house Drouin in considered one of the best calavdos producers in the world. It was founded in 1960 and the family company is currently run by Guillaume, third generation. This Mackmyra Äppleblom is a so-called ‘‘säsongswhisky’ – seasonal whisky – like the Skördetit, Iskristall, Blomstertid, Midnattssol, Midvinter, Sommartid, Vinterdröm and Vinterrök. I am expecting a very fruity whisky with apple in the lead, obviously. The nose is as was to be expected. Very fruity on apples, apples and more apples. Apple juice, apple sauce, cider, you name it. And I do not just mean the distillate from our Swedish friends, but of course also the creamy, full aromas of the calvados. Add some cedar wood, but also quite a few herbal notes as if from jasmyn, ferns, hay and wet moss. Pears and oranges start to shine through. Finally some almonds and toffee. Textbook spring whisky to enjoy on a sunny terrace. The body is fine, and so is the drinking strength. Nicely creamy and sweet on more of the same, with a spicy touch as if from a pinch of pepper and some cloves. Tasted blind, you might confuse this with a calvados, so it is fair to say that the Drouin cask has put its foot down. But if it works like this, I will not complain.

The finish may be somewhat short, the return of the jasmin from the nose brings a smile to my face.

Well, this was my 21st Mackmyra and I have to say that those seasonal whisky’s are truly great. This one will cost you around 65 EUR. Next Sunday, I’m serving this with some warm apfelstrudel. Cannot go wrong.

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