Mackmyra Vinterrök

The Vinterrök – meaning winter’s smoke - is a peaty Mackmyra with a twist. It got a finish in oak casks that were infused with Scotch Strong Ale (albeit produced in Norway). That is why Mackmyra describes this malt as ‘a smoky soul for beer lovers’. It is a mix of American oak and Swedish oak casks.

There is only a bit of smoke on the nose at first, but quite a bit of oak. Freshly sawed planks and wood shavings. Then some fruit kicks in. Think yellow apples and juicy pears. Hint of butter. Tobacco leaves. Beer…? Nope. After a few moments it becomes sweet and dark, if you get my meaning. Butterscotch and some chocolate. I think this is a very pleasant nose.

It is very creamy, even waxy, on the palate. A nice combination of sweet, sour and salty. Sweet as in vanilla and toffee, sour as in citrus and salty as in… I dunno. Ginger, pepper and aniseed are on duty. This reminds me of the creamy head on a sturdy ale. For a second (and a second only!) I am reminded of the Glenmorangie Signet! This is truly very good.

Wonderfully long, feisty and spicy finish with a sweet finale.

My, my, this has just jumped to the top of the list of my favorite Mackmyra (having said that I have only tried ten so far).

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