Scan Magazine | Special Theme | A Taste of Sweden
True whisky explorers
By Sara Wenkel | Photos: Mackmyra
This whisky, boasting unique Swedish flavours, is successfully attracting a growing number of international customers. Mixing what some would call the purest water in the world with local Swedish ingredients is the winning concept at Mackmyra. “And no additives,” assures Lisa Collins, marketing manager. “The sweetness in our whisky comes from the Swedish barley, which develops a distinct flavour during the long, sunny summer days. Some of our whiskies are also matured in casks of Swedish oak. The Swedish oak has grown slowly in our harsh Scandinavian climate and generously adds a fiery spice to the whisky.” This spice, balanced with the fruitiness, is what characterises Mackmyra. Today, Mackmyra can be found in most parts of Europe as well as the US, Canada and Taiwan. “In addition to our unique Swedish flavours, I believe our international customers appreciate how we always keep the environment in mind,” says Collins. “For
example, our Gravity Distillery measures 35 metres above the ground, meaning that the whole process flows from the top down in an energy-efficient way.” Moreover, Mackmyra converts all waste products into biofuel. Mackmyra has been recognised globally with multiple awards, among others,
Eating as many ginger biscuits as you possibly can is an essential component of Swedish culinary tradition. At long last, this flavoursome delight is being discovered in other parts of the world too. In part, this is thanks to the high-quality biscuit produced by the classic old company Kronans.
84 | Issue 109 | February 2018
Web: www.mackmyra.com
The Gravity Distillery.
A reliable recipe for success
A family affair since its foundation in 1893, Kronan was taken over by current owner Ulf Broman’s family in 1985, and they have been running the company ever since. Kronans is a tightly run ship, although there is probably going to be a slight change in that regard soon. “We’re a small company with a big product. However, it looks like we’ll have to employ some people quite soon,” Broman explains. This serves as proof of Kronans and its products gaining fame. Above all, it is a forthcoming expansion in the German market that has prompted the need to prepare for growth of the business. It is primarily Kronans’ ginger biscuits that are increasing in popularity – which is not that surprising, really. “In two big different blind tests, Kronans has been named the tastiest ginger biscuit in the country,” says
Wizards of Whisky’s World Distiller of the Year 2015. Mackmyra’s master blender, Angela D’Orazio, is often praised for her work in finding new, exciting flavours. “She always wants to try something new, meaning that we always have brilliant limited editions,” smiles Collins.
By Pia Petersson | Photos: Kronans
uorice chocolate, or some yummy cloudberry jam – which incidentally goes fantastically well with ginger biscuits?
Broman. This is clearly an honour and stamp of approval in a country whose population manage to consume almost four million kilogrammes of ginger biscuits per year. While it is the ginger biscuits, still made from the same recipe as in the 1920s, that are the main attraction, Kronans has a lot more to offer. How about some delicious liq-
Web: www.kronans.se