Mackmyra Vintersol

It’s brand new, this Mackmyra Vintersol. It means Winter Sun which explains why it will only be available in Sweden – via Systembolaget – as of the 4th of October. When exactly we will have it in our neck of the woods is not yet know (at least not at the time of writing). It’s another one of those Seasonal whiskies by Mackmyra, this time finished in port casks from Quinta Do Vallado – one of Portugal’s oldest port producers in the Douro Valley, founded in 1716. The finish lasted 16 months!

The first thing I am reminded of when putting my nose in the glass is late autumn. Notes of wood, mulled wine and black grapes are followed by mineral notes (pebbles, wet rocks in a sauna) and cherry pith. Chocolate with praline filling follows suit. After a few moments in the glass you notice that this is quite a spicy Swede. I do not mean piquant, but but refined and elegant on ginger, aniseed, vanilla and pepper. But it’s the port that’s in the lead, without dominating completely. It’s all good.

It’s creamy on the palate. The spiciness is more outspoken. All spices from the nose, but in threefold. I confess, I would have thought this malt to be sweeter. It’s fruity on pears and raisins and reminds me somewhat of glühwein, although it lacks a bit of the expected red fruit.

The finish is medium long on more of the same.

This whisky will do well at the end of autumn or the beginning of winter, that much is clear. It’s nicely spicy and reminds me of a cozy get together around a bonfire, with a scarf around your neck, a bonnet on your head and a glass of Vintersol in your hand!

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