Mackmyra Björksav

You all know that I'm a fan of Mackmyra. I love how they think outside the box and don't hesitate to try new concepts that people don't usually associate with whisky - and I'm in love with the fabulous drops from their private casks.

I've missed quite a few of Mackmyra's special releases because it's so hard to get them here. But I have some lovely Twitter contacts, and after a conversation earlier this year I was offered a sample of a Germany-only Mackmyra release - and in the same parcel, there was also a sample of Mackmyra Björksav.

Björksav, which means birch sap, was Mackmyra's spring release of 2021. I had no idea what to expect when I first heard about it! While some people I know have tasted birch sap wine, I haven't. But I was curious, and also read some excellent reviews of it.

The whisky is made from a few different components.

• 30% whisky matured in bourbon casks
• 24% whisky matured in Oloroso sherry casks
• 20% whisky matured in casks that have been seasoned with birch sap wine from Grythyttans winery
• 18% whisky matured in different spice casks (whatever that means exactly?)
• 8% whisky matured in Swedish oak casks

Nose
Pronounced aromas - cinnamon rolls, almond, something musty and earthy, summer meadow flowers, orange and toffee.

Palate
A nice oily mouthfeel. Inviting sweet flavour with baked apple and cinnamon, honey, nuts, Digestive biscuits and a touch of bitter almond. A medium finish with baked fruit and toffee, and a subtle bitterness.

This made my palate happy. It's rich and tasty, with a pleasant mix of flavours, an intriguing earthiness and something that reminds me of my childhood summers. The first time I nosed it, I thought of fresh birch leaves - but I certainly must have been biased by knowing about the birch sap wine cask. Or not - it wouldn't be the first time I get those aromas from a Mackmyra!

This is probably one of the best commercially available Mackmyra whiskies I've had, alongside the Vinterglöd. And I think it's still available to buy in certain places.