As many of you will know, the rules and regulations which govern the production of single malt Scotch whisky were somewhat relaxed several months ago, particularly regarding the types of casks which can be used for maturation. For the first time, casks which previously held tequila, mezcal, calvados and other wines/spirits could be used to mature Scotch whisky. In the last week or so, we’ve already seen a couple of brands exploit these new rules, with Dewars launching Ilegal Smooth 8yo finished in ex-mezcal casks, and Chivas releasing Chivas Regal Extra 13yo which has been finished in ex-tequila casks.
While this may be a new and interesting area of innovation in Scotch, there are plenty of other countries who have been able to experiment with all sorts of casks for years. Just look at the last pair of releases from Method and Madness in Ireland – a whiskey matured in cherry wood and another in acacia wood. In Sweden, they’ve gone a step further.
Mackymra have just launched Grönt Te (which, unsurprisingly, translates as ‘green tea’), a whisky which has been finished in Japanese green tea saturated ex-oloroso sherry casks. I’ll give you a minute to re-read that last sentence a couple of times. Just about got it? Good. Prior to being finished in these green tea seasoned ex-Oloroso casks, the whisky was matured in a combination of regular Oloroso casks, first fill bourbon casks, and first fill Swedish oak casks. Oft.
Angela D’Orazio, master blender at Mackmyra, said: “It’s been a real pleasure to be able to put the limits of whisky to the test and create this spring’s seasonal whisky. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together, and I look forward with confidence to creating new exciting taste sensations.”
Mackmyra Grönt Te
Green Tea Cask Finish
Swedish Single Malt Whisky
46.1%ABV
£59.90 here
Nose: Fruity and floral initially, with lavender, jasmine, daffodils, cranberries, gooseberries, and pomegranate. Some ginger spice and even a wee wasabi nip too. There’s lemon sherbet, pear skins and apple core too, with some new wood. No real sign of green tea thus far!
Palate: Big vanilla hit, with lemon drizzle cake, unripe pineapple and banana. Then some greengages, heather, pine, and resin – the green tea has come through a wee bit there. There’s also faint sultana and a touch of grippy oak too.
Finish: Vanilla and lime, with lots of chewy oak and dried fruits.
Overall: As a whisky, it’s very enjoyable – lots of fruity, floral, and spicy things to keep you entertained. A good depth of flavour and nicely rounded. All those cask types are nicely integrated, rather than being disjointed. However, I’m struggling to really see the influence of those green tea seasoned casks – they come through a bit on the palate but they’re not particularly prominent. Maybe a longer seasoning period, or a longer finished period would enhance this a bit more? Either way, it’s a very good whisky and very fairly priced at under £60.
