Mackmyra

Introduction:

Mackmyra Distillery is a Swedish whisky distillery that was founded in 1999. It is located in Gävle, Sweden. The distillery initially operated in an old mill but later moved to a new distillery called Mackmyra Gravity, which began production without delay after the old mill stopped production in 2011.

One of the unique aspects of Mackmyra’s whisky production is its use of small casks with a content of only 30 liters. These small casks lead to an accelerated maturation process, allowing the whisky to develop its flavors and characteristics at a faster rate.

Mackmyra offers a range of standard bottles that are readily available in the market. Some of the well – known expressions include:

1. Bruks: This is one of their core expressions and is known for its smooth and fruity profile. It is considered a classic Swedish single malt whisky.
2. The 1st Edition: As the name suggests, this was one of the first editions released by the distillery. It may vary in flavor profile and aging characteristics, as it was one of the earliest releases.
3. Svensk Rök: This is a peated expression, offering a smoky and earthy flavor profile. It showcases the use of peat in Swedish whisky production.

In addition to these standard bottles, Mackmyra also releases a range of limited – edition expressions from various cask types, including sherry casks, bourbon casks, and other innovative cask finishes. These limited editions often feature unique and diverse flavor profiles, making them popular among whisky enthusiasts.

Mackmyra has gained international recognition for its innovative approach to whisky production and its commitment to experimentation with different cask types and maturation techniques. The use of small casks and their willingness to experiment with new flavors have contributed to their success in the whisky industry.

Production:

The information you provided about the Gravity Distillery at Mackmyra is correct. The Gravity Distillery, also known as Mackmyra Gravity, is a modern whisky distillery located in Gävle, Sweden. It was built in a unique 7-story tall tower made of concrete, and its design allows for a gravity – driven production process.

The ingredients, including malted barley and water, are transported to the top of the tower, and from there, they flow down through the different stages of the whisky – making process. This gravity – driven system is designed to optimize the efficiency of production while minimizing the need for mechanical intervention.

The distillery is highly automated, making it one of the most technologically advanced whisky plants in the world. Despite its modern features, the heart of the distillery remains traditional, with two Scottish copper pot stills being used for the distillation process. These pot stills play a crucial role in shaping the character and flavor profile of the whisky.

The combination of traditional copper pot stills and modern, gravity-driven production methods allows Mackmyra to produce a wide range of whiskies with distinct and innovative flavors. The distillery’s commitment to experimentation and continuous refinement has led to the release of a diverse and exciting selection of whiskies.

Mackmyra’s Gravity Distillery has gained recognition and acclaim in the whisky industry for its innovative approach to whisky production and its dedication to crafting high-quality whiskies with a unique Swedish character. The use of gravity in the production process is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency.

As with any distillery, it is recommended to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on their whiskies and the distillery’s operations.

The Stills:

The information you provided about the stills at Mackmyra Gravity is accurate. The stills were fabricated by Forsythes, a well – known Scottish company based in Rothes, Scotland. Forsythes is renowned for its expertise in crafting traditional copper pot stills for whisky distilleries around the world.

The stills at Mackmyra Gravity are of medium size and have a very classical design, featuring a narrow neck. This classic design allows for a more direct and efficient distillation process, preserving the original flavors acquired during brewing. Unlike some other stills that may have constrictions or reflux bowls, the stills at Mackmyra Gravity are designed to retain the full character and complexity of the whisky.

By avoiding constrictions or reflux bowls, the whisky produced at Mackmyra Gravity can maintain its original taste and unique characteristics, resulting in a more authentic and distinctive spirit.

The combination of traditional copper pot stills and a gravity – driven production process contributes to the creation of Mackmyra’s innovative and diverse range of whiskies. It allows the distillery to craft whiskies with a distinct Swedish character while upholding the time – honored principles of whisky – making.

As always, it is recommended to check the distillery’s official website or contact them directly for the most current and detailed information about their stills and production methods.

The Mash Bill:

Mackmyra is known for producing its own smoked barley on-site, giving them greater control over the peating process and allowing them to create a variety of whisky styles.

The distillery uses an old building, once part of an ammunition plant, to house two huge silos containing unpeated and peated barley. By having these two types of barley available, Mackmyra can precisely control the level of peat influence in their whiskies. The blend of unpeated and peated barley can be adjusted steplessly, allowing for a wide range of flavor profiles in their whiskies.

This flexibility enables Mackmyra to produce a diverse selection of whiskies, including peatless expressions, lightly smoked whiskies, and heavily smoked whiskies. Each whisky has its own unique character and taste, catering to a wide range of whisky enthusiasts with varying preferences.

By using their own smoked barley and offering different levels of peating in their whiskies, Mackmyra has established itself as an innovative and creative distillery in the whisky industry. The ability to control the peating process in – house contributes to the distinct and exceptional flavor profiles found in their range of expressions.

As with all distilleries, it’s advisable to check the official Mackmyra website or reach out to the distillery directly for the most up – to – date information on their production processes and whisky offerings.

The Warehouses:

Mackmyra is known for its unique approach to whisky maturation. The Gravity Distillery’s concrete warehouse, specially designed for the extreme Swedish climate, provides optimal conditions for aging whisky. The temperature and humidity fluctuations in the concrete warehouse contribute to the whisky’s interaction with the wood, leading to a distinctive character in the final product.

However, what truly sets Mackmyra apart is its approach to maturation across multiple locations. The whisky is matured in more than half a dozen warehouses, not only within Sweden but also in other countries. This approach allows the whisky to benefit from diverse environments and climates, imparting different characteristics and complexities to each expression.

For instance, there are warehouses located in scenic places such as an old castle and a tiny island, where the whisky can experience unique atmospheric conditions. Additionally, Mackmyra even has a warehouse in the icy climate of a mountain in the north of Sweden, taking advantage of the extreme cold temperatures for a different aging effect.

By using a variety of warehouses in diverse locations, Mackmyra showcases its commitment to innovation and experimentation in whisky maturation. This approach allows the distillery to produce an extensive range of whiskies with a wide array of flavors, showcasing the influence of terroir and climate on the final product.

As Mackmyra continues to explore different maturation techniques and locations, whisky enthusiasts can look forward to discovering even more unique and exceptional expressions from this pioneering Swedish distillery.

History:

Mackmyra’s journey to producing whisky in Sweden began in 1998, and the first distillation took place in 1999. The pioneering spirit and determination of the team led to the filling of the first small 30 – liter cask in 2000. After patiently waiting for the whisky to mature, Mackmyra was able to release its first whisky for sale in 2002, marking a significant milestone for the Swedish whisky industry.

In late 2011, Mackmyra made a strategic move and opened its Gravity distillery near Gävle, which is located approximately 100 miles north of the Swedish capital, Stockholm. This new facility, known as the Gravity Distillery, was built as a modern and innovative distillery that embodies the spirit of Mackmyra’s approach to whisky production.

With its unique concrete warehouse designed to handle the challenging Swedish climate, the Gravity Distillery offers an ideal environment for whisky maturation. Additionally, the presence of the Scottish copper pot stills, fabricated by Forsythes in Rothes, adds a touch of tradition to the modern distillery.

The combination of innovation, the use of local resources like smoked barley from the former ammunition plant, and the multiple warehouse locations across Sweden and beyond sets Mackmyra apart in the whisky world. By exploring various maturation techniques and locations, Mackmyra has succeeded in creating a diverse range of whiskies, each reflecting the character of its origin and demonstrating the distillery’s dedication to producing high-quality and unique Swedish whisky.

As Mackmyra continues to refine and evolve its whisky – making processes, whisky enthusiasts can look forward to more exciting expressions from this pioneering distillery in the years to come.

The Visitor Centre:

The visitor’s center at Mackmyra’s Gravity Distillery is thoughtfully designed to provide a welcoming and inclusive experience for all guests, with full accessibility for handicapped visitors. The modern distillery’s layout allows for easy navigation and ensures that everyone can fully enjoy the distillery tour and tasting experience.

The highlight of the visitor’s center is the unique tasting room located on top of the distillery tower. Accessible by an escalator, this elevated room offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area, including the charming town of Gävle and the sparkling Baltic Sea. It provides the perfect setting for guests to relax and savor the diverse range of Mackmyra whiskies while taking in the stunning scenery.

The tasting room’s elevated location adds a touch of magic to the whisky tasting experience, making it a memorable and enjoyable visit for all guests. Whether whisky enthusiasts or casual visitors, everyone can indulge in the flavors of Mackmyra whiskies while immersing themselves in the beauty of the Swedish landscape.

With its commitment to accessibility and providing a truly delightful whisky experience, Mackmyra’s Gravity Distillery has become not only a destination for whisky aficionados but also a welcoming place for all visitors to appreciate the art and craft of Swedish whisky production.