Mackmyra Svensk Rok Single Malt Swedish Whisky (500ml)

Launched in 2013 and now a regular bottling, this unusual release from the prodigious Swedish distillery is slightly smoky - hence the name "Svensk Rök", meaning "Swedish Smoke". Matured for an undisclosed period in a mix of 30-128 litre casks ranging from American oak, Swedish oak and ex-bourbon saturated with Oloroso, around 70% is peated. One of the tastiest expressions in the Mackmyra line up, Svensk Rok is also one of the best values, boasting melt-in-your-mouth flavours of salted citrus and vanilla along with all the sweet'n'smokey notes you'd expect, but with a twist: Mackmyra employ juniper branches to dry some of the malt, which makes sense, as juniper has been used to season food in Sweden for generations. It comes through at the finish as hints of menthol tobacco, smouldering potpourri and pine. The result is a distinctive local take on Scottish peated styles that really works. 46.1% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... At first you might think the smoke is quite full on. But then you realise the company it keeps, it is part of a tapestry; for there are subtly oaky vanillas at play here, as well as diced fresh apple and elegant understated spices.... Fascinating and quite brilliant. Now this is real blending.  95.5 points- Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2020

“Toasted hazelnut, runny honey and sweet nougat on the nose. Peat smoke, mossy undergrowth and bright citrus on the palate. Expressive and characterful, with a refreshing wave of salinity on the extremely long finish. Marvellous!”  96 points - IWSC 2022

...Meaning Swedish smoke, and they've nailed the juniper smoke perfectly here. Ripening lemons, fresh cream, Turkish delight, pine forests, and barley sugar aromas. Great poise and balance. A light, lacey structure comprising creamy fudge, honey, lemon, oak, and vanilla. It just dances on the tongue. Yet billowing puffs of smoke pulse from the center. Baked lemon peel ushers in a pleasurable rolling, smoky finish. This Röks! - 87 points - whiskyadvocate.com