Mackmyra Intelligens AI:01
Mackmyra Intelligens AI:01 is a single malt whisky from Sweden whose recipe was created with the help of artificial intelligence. Since both of us (Marcel & Sascha) come from a computer science background, we are more than excited to see what awaits us here.Combine customer preferences with sales data and existing recipes, throw a bit of statistics into the pot and then run the learning model on a Microsoft cloud and you magically get a whisky of the highest order. At least that's the idea.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Orange and apricot come to us with a slightly tangy scent. Surrounded by citrus fruits, we have light oak barrel notes, a hint of vanilla and, with a little imagination, a nuance of aniseed and ginger. There is also some indefinable herbal stuff.
Palate
In contrast to the nose, we have a surprising amount of oak here. Especially the bitterness of the tannins is very present. Nevertheless, the composition is soft and sweet enough (pear, caramel) so that it remains interesting. We think we perceive a little beech smoke, but we are not quite sure. It could also be a toasted oak barrel. By the way, the herbal stuff is there again, which we still don't know what it is supposed to be.
Finish
The herbal stuff remains. Otherwise slightly dry with citrus and malt. A little bitter and sharp at the same time. Slightly sweet again towards the end.
Thoughts
Marcel 68/100
Mackmyra Intelligens AI:01 shows that AI whisky has yet to hit the mark – the character comes across as a bit sharp and the herbal chaos doesn’t quite ignite. Still, it’s fun to try such experiments, even if the drinking experience is more solid than spectacular.
Sascha 68/100
The balance between sweetness and austere oak is intriguing, but the dominant bitterness of the tannins and the indefinable herbal profile feel underdeveloped. Mackmyra Intelligens AI:01 remains an exciting AI project, though it lacks the elegance and harmonious structure needed for top-tier status.
Value for Money: Fair
Discover our value for money winnersRelated Reviews
Mackmyra Intelligens AI:02
Mackmyra Intelligens AI:02, the successor to Mackmyra Intelligens AI:01, promises an improved recipe and an adjustment of the casks in which this Swedish single malt Whisky matures. To refine the flavour depth, small ex-Oloroso Sherry casks and a little peat smoke was added.We still like the marketing very much. On the website, there are release notes for the Whisky, which is actually more usual for software. For example, the change in colour compared to the predecessor is indicated in hex code. A touch nerdy, but very fitting. The design of the label has also been updated slightly.
80/100
GlenAllachie 9 Years Fino Sherry Cask Finish - The Wood Collection
In the limited Wood Collection, GlenAllachie showcases the effect that different types of sherry can have on whisky maturation. They transferred their Single Malt, aged for 6.5 years in ex-bourbon casks, into casks previously filled with different sherries: Fino, Amontillado, and Oloroso. After a total maturation period of 9 years, all three variants were bottled at 48%, without coloring or chill filtration. On invitation from Kirsch Import and Billy Walker himself, we had the pleasure of comparing these three bottlings side by side, focusing on how cask management and selection influence the aroma.
79/100
Braeval 1994/2019 - Sansibar
Braeval - a distillery that is often overshadowed by its more famous Speyside neighbours, even among whisky connoisseurs. This is mainly due to the fact that official bottlings are virtually non-existent. Instead, most of the production ends up in blends. Fortunately, there are independent bottlers such as Sansibar that make it possible to enjoy such hidden treasures as single malts.
87/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the use of artificial intelligence influence the flavor profile of Mackmyra Intelligens AI:01?
Artificial intelligence combines customer preferences, sales data, and existing recipes to develop a balanced and novel flavor profile. This results in complex aromas that blend classic notes like citrus, vanilla, and oak with unusual herbal and spice nuances.
Why is there no age statement on Mackmyra Intelligens AI:01?
Mackmyra Intelligens AI:01 is a so-called 'No Age Statement' (NAS) whisky. This means the whiskies used can have varying maturation periods, and no single age is specified. The goal is to achieve a consistent and innovative flavor profile through blending.
What role does the oak cask play in the taste of this whisky?
The oak cask significantly contributes to the bitterness and tannin structure present on the palate. Alongside classic oak notes, hints of toasted wood or possibly beech smoke can be detected, making the whisky complex and multi-layered.