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SMWS Sherry Whiskies – It’s Truly A Global Flavour Expedition!

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Andalusian Indulgence!

Sherry boasts a spectrum of varieties, spanning from the light, crisp fino to the dry, nutty oloroso, and the sweet, luscious Pedro Ximenez.

Each style offers a distinct profile and flavour, so when it comes to “sherry cask-matured whisky,” the influence can vary depending on the type of sherry previously held in the cask.

Explore these delightful offerings (one combo. is shown below), all derived from casks sourced from Spain’s renowned “sherry triangle.”

It’s truly a global flavour expedition!

Andalusian Indulgence

Embark on a voyage of lavish indulgence with two remarkable whiskies that blend the opulent richness of sherry with unmatched and tantalizing flavours.

£115.00

Cask No. 128.31 Cava and raspberry liqueur jelly

Flavour Profile: Spicy & Sweet

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-carcavelos barique

Region: Wales

Age: 6 Years

Cask No. 68.122 A cafe in Jerez

Flavour Profile: Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-px barrique

Region: Highland

Age: 15 Years

Notes from the Whisky Team:

From Portugal to the Brecon Beacons or From an Andalucian 9th generation bodega to Pitlochry? Both delightful and different journeys. Discover the influence of Caracavelos wine, which is not your run of the mill whisky cask… far from it as it’s a rarity and particularly fun with an incredibly fruity distillate from Wales.

Compare and contrast with a malt from a Highlands distillery aged in an actual bodega sherry cask, which is also a rarity. This cask has matured actual sherry in a bodega that has been a family business for 9 generations.

It’s wine-y funky and certainly not like a lot ot things you’ve tasted before. This is one for the geeks wanting to discuss the finer points of unconventional wine vs unconventional sherry maturation.

Or simply for the adventurers in search of originality!

Search The SMWS for SHERRY-CASK WHISKIES!
(Please note that you cannot buy SMWS Whiskies unless you are a member)

Sherry Whiskies – It’s truly a global flavour expedition!

SMWS hits the road!

During May SMWS hits the road visiting various festivals and whisky celebrations around Scotland and further afield. Below is a list of key dates and locations providing opportunities for SMWS members and non-members to catch up with the Society and sample our whisky.

Scottish Festivals

Spirit of Speyside: 1st – 6th May 2024

30/4/24 (19:30-22:00) SMWS Dinner & Tasting @ The Quaich

The Islay Festival (Fèis Ìle) – 25th May – 1st June

27/5/24 (12:30-17:30) SMWS takeover of The Ballygrant

27/5/24 (19:30-22:00) SMWS Dinner & Tasting @ The Ballygrant

28/5/24 (10:00-21:00) SAMPLING STAND @ The Indie Bottler Festival

28/5/24 (14:15-15:00) SMWS PEAT & SHERRY Masterclass @ IBF

28/5/24 (18:15-19:00) SMWS PEAT & SHERRY Masterclass @ IBF

29/5/24 (19:00-21:30) SCOTCH AND SHERRY: A Flavour Odyssey – Screening of the Documentary and Tasting at The Machrie

30/5/24 (19:00-21:30) SCOTCH AND SHERRY: A Flavour Odyssey – Screening of Scotch & Sherry documentary and Tasting at The Machrie

SMWS Members’ Rooms

There a number of Flavour Hunter events at SMWS Members’ Rooms in the UK as detailed in the Festival Program (pdf)

EU Festivals and Events (non-members welcome)

12/5/24 – Festival tasting – Stuttgart

25/5/24 – Festival tasting – Limburg

25/5/24 – Festival tasting – Furth

Whisky Tastings around the UK & EU (non-members welcome)

A full list of upcoming UK whisky tastings and events can be found here

A full list of upcoming EU whisky tastings and events can be found here

Non-members attending a SMWS On the road event can receive an exclusive £10 discount on any On the Road ticket by using code OTR10.

Valid to the end of June 2024, visit the events page here for dates and location

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS)

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and has 37,000 members around the world.
• It is owned by The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask and single malt whisky, exclusive blends and a range of other Single Cask Spirits.
• The Society has bottled whisky from 180 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 different single malt whiskies every month
• Members have access to four exclusive SMWS Members’ Rooms in Leith, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London along with a global network of 100 partner bars.
• The Society offers a variety of membership options that can be tailored.
• For more information about the Society, visit: https://smws.com/, Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

About The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC)

• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is based in Edinburgh
• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is building a portfolio of premium brands that bring together some of the world’s best spirits producers with a growing movement of discerning consumers by curating unrivalled collections of craft spirits.
• ASC owns The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) and in 2021 it launched J.G. Thomson & Co. Inspired by its namesake, which was originally a wine and spirits merchant in Leith, Scotland, in the 1700s, J.G. Thomson is a new, adventurous blender, creating small batch blended malt whiskies, blended grain whiskies, rum and gin. 

Sampling The New Kilchoman Batch Strength Islay Whisky – A Gentle Giant!

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Kilchoman Batch Strength!

Kilchoman launch a new Core Range Release –
Batch Strength!

Batch Strength possesses all the character that typifies a classic Kilchoman; fresh, vibrant peat smoke, citrus sweetness and a balance of fruit and spices.

However, with the influence of re-charred red wine casks, there is an abundance of red fruits and caramel, and at 57% vol. rather than the standard 46%, it has a weight and power that makes you stand up and take notice!

At 57% Batch Strength is a giant of a dram. It has a raw intensity, that I love!

But importantly, that power is balanced by a delicacy and finesse that speaks for the quality of our production processes in the stillhouse and also the quality of casks used for maturation.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder

Kilchoman has kindly sent me a sample to try. (Thanks kilchomandistillery.com / @Kilchomanwhisky!)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Kilchoman Batch Strength! (57% – 50PPM)



Nose: The classic rich, smokey peat of a Kilchoman with a hint of sweetness but there’s also fruits and growing creamy toffee caramel together with hints of black coffee. Considering it’s ABV this dram is very kind to the nose!

Palate: Rich and heavy with smoke, peat and antiseptic flavours together with the addition of sweet, creamy toffee coming along a little later – with surprisingly, shades of mint!

Finish: A very smooth finish with ginger, pepper spice and added salt.

Overall: Certainly a dram to be added to your ‘Buy & Try’ list and one of the kindest of the high ABV’s I’ve ever had the pleasure to sample – it ticks A LOT of boxes. Savoury, smokey, sweet, creamy and fruity.

In short: A GIANT!

Once again, many thanks to kilchomandistillery.com (@Kilchomanwhisky) for sending me this dram!

Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

About Kilchoman

Kilchoman is a family run business established by Anthony and Kathy Wills in 2005.Ê As the business expanded, the husband and wife team were joined by their three sons; James, George and Peter.Ê

Founded in 2005, Kilchoman was the first new distillery to be built on Islay in over 124 years. Anthony Wills set out to resurrect the grass roots tradition of farm distilling. Our 100% Islay range represents the revival of those traditions, standing alone as IslayÕs only Single Farm Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

“Our range of single malts balance maritime peat smoke and crisp citrus sweetness with layers of cooked fruits and rich spices.”

2023 Awards

◼ The San Francisco World Spirits 2023 Ð Sanaig received the prestigious ÔDouble GoldÕ while Machir Bay was also awarded Gold

◼ The Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters 2023 and The Sprits Challenge 2023 – Machir Bay and Sanaig were both awarded Gold Medals

The SMWS Scotch Whisky & Sherry Celebration – Sampling A Dram & 10% OFF For New members!

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2024 is the year of the Sherry casks!

2024 is going to be a year of celebrating The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s approach to sherry-cask maturation – with the end result being Scotch & Sherry taste sensations!

If you’ve been exploring the world of whisky, you’ll be aware that the huge variety of styles, sometimes with completely different characteristics that can make the term ‘whisky’ feel a little inadequate.

One such style are Sherry cask whiskies which are prized for the spicy, nutty and rich dried fruits notes that they can contribute to whisky, as well as a deep mahogany colour.

There are notable variations depending on the type of sherry that was previously in the cask, from a dry oloroso to sweet Pedro Ximenez and beyond.

As mentioned, one such distinctive flavour profile is imparted by the use of oloroso sherry barrels whuich are crafted in Spain’s Jerez region. These casks, having aged sherry for years, bestow whiskies with a nuanced sweetness and deep mahogany hues.

This marriage of malt and sherry creates a lovely combination of flavours, making them a coveted choice among aficionados!

Search The SMWS for SHERRY-CASK WHISKIES!
(Please note that you cannot buy SMWS Whiskies unless you are a member)

New members can now receive an exclusive 10% discount on their first year of membership and a bottle by using this code at the checkout: SHERRY10

Many thanks to The SMWS (@SMWSUK) who have kindly sent me a Sherry cask whisky sample to try – Thanks SMWS!

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – “Glazed with Marmalade” Cask No: 36.201

16 Years old

Deep Rich & Dried Fruits flavour profile

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-oloroso hogshead
Origin: Scotland
Region: Speyside
ABV: 59.7%

“After 13 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead, we transferred this to a first fill Spanish oak oloroso hogshead for the remainder of its maturation”



Nose: Sweet apple, cherries, creamy strudel, sherry, toffee and black pepper – a lovely combination!

Palate: Apple with sugared cherries, dried fruits, toffee and creamy biscuit.

Finish: A lingering, fruity sweetness with all the flavours of the palate plus plenty of hot, black pepper – YUM!

Overall: There’s lots of depth to this dram and the ABV gives it plenty of punch. If you wish, adding a few drops of water (it can take more than a few drops though!) makes the taste more savoury and creamy but don’t worry, there’s still bags of fruitiness and the presence of the cherries is a delight!

SMWS hits the road!

During May SMWS hits the road visiting various festivals and whisky celebrations around Scotland and further afield. Below is a list of key dates and locations providing opportunities for SMWS members and non-members to catch up with the Society and sample our whisky.

Scottish Festivals

Spirit of Speyside: 1st – 6th May 2024

30/4/24 (19:30-22:00) SMWS Dinner & Tasting @ The Quaich

The Islay Festival (Fèis Ìle) – 25th May – 1st June

27/5/24 (12:30-17:30) SMWS takeover of The Ballygrant

27/5/24 (19:30-22:00) SMWS Dinner & Tasting @ The Ballygrant

28/5/24 (10:00-21:00) SAMPLING STAND @ The Indie Bottler Festival

28/5/24 (14:15-15:00) SMWS PEAT & SHERRY Masterclass @ IBF

28/5/24 (18:15-19:00) SMWS PEAT & SHERRY Masterclass @ IBF

29/5/24 (19:00-21:30) SCOTCH AND SHERRY: A Flavour Odyssey – Screening of the Documentary and Tasting at The Machrie

30/5/24 (19:00-21:30) SCOTCH AND SHERRY: A Flavour Odyssey – Screening of Scotch & Sherry documentary and Tasting at The Machrie

SMWS Members’ Rooms

There a number of Flavour Hunter events at SMWS Members’ Rooms in the UK as detailed in the Festival Program (pdf)

EU Festivals and Events (non-members welcome)

12/5/24 – Festival tasting – Stuttgart

25/5/24 – Festival tasting – Limburg

25/5/24 – Festival tasting – Furth

Whisky Tastings around the UK & EU (non-members welcome)

A full list of upcoming UK whisky tastings and events can be found here

A full list of upcoming EU whisky tastings and events can be found here

Non-members attending a SMWS On the road event can receive an exclusive £10 discount on any On the Road ticket by using code OTR10.

Valid to the end of June 2024, visit the events page here for dates and location

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS)

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and has 37,000 members around the world.
• It is owned by The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask and single malt whisky, exclusive blends and a range of other Single Cask Spirits.
• The Society has bottled whisky from 180 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 different single malt whiskies every month
• Members have access to four exclusive SMWS Members’ Rooms in Leith, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London along with a global network of 100 partner bars.
• The Society offers a variety of membership options that can be tailored.
• For more information about the Society, visit: https://smws.com/, Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

About The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC)

• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is based in Edinburgh
• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is building a portfolio of premium brands that bring together some of the world’s best spirits producers with a growing movement of discerning consumers by curating unrivalled collections of craft spirits.
• ASC owns The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) and in 2021 it launched J.G. Thomson & Co. Inspired by its namesake, which was originally a wine and spirits merchant in Leith, Scotland, in the 1700s, J.G. Thomson is a new, adventurous blender, creating small batch blended malt whiskies, blended grain whiskies, rum and gin. 

Sampling The Limited-Edition Whisky Me Burns Night Tasting Trio!

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The limited-edition Burns Night Tasting Trio!

To celebrate yesterdays Burns Night, a special three dram tasting was hosted by Whisky Me, the UK’s biggest whisky subscription club, on YouTube.

Led by Whisky Me founders Thomas Aske and Tristan Stephenson, they were also joined by Hugh Barron from James Eadie Ltd.

The limited-edition Burns Night Tasting Trio comprised each of the following Whisky Me exclusive bottlings, in partnership with some of the most esteemed Scottish distilleries:

  • Benrinnes, 9-Year-Old James Eadie
  • Glenlossie, 2017 Càrn Mòr (Whisky Me’s Traditional dram for subscribers this January)
  • Teaninich, 5-Year-Old Càrn Mòr

Don’t worry if you missed the tasting though because you can watch it here!

Whisky Me was founded by Thomas Aske and Tristan Stephenson of Black Rock – the east London bar that’s made whisky accessible to all since 2016.

It is a Whisky Club for The Curious and promises a monthly dram of incredible Single Malt Scotch or World Whisky – curated from the planet’s best distilleries – delivered to your door.

Being snobby or elitist about whisky is not part of their ethos. They know there’s no such thing as a typical whisky drinker and to prove it, their aim is to drop drams of the world’s greatest whiskies through as many letterboxes as possible!


As part of the celebrations Whisky Me has provided the following code with a 20% discount on full bottle versions of last nights Burns Night tastings: BURNS20

Valid until midnight Sunday 4th February!

Whisky Me kindly sent me the three Burns Night samples to try. (Thanks Whisky Me! / @whisky_me_)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Benrinnes, 9-Year-Old James Eadie Single Malt Scotch Whisky (46%)

LOCATION: SPEYSIDE
AGE: 9 YEARS OLD
CASK: BOURBON HOGSHEADS

This Whisky Me exclusive bottling from James Eadie Ltd. is not a typical Benrinnes – a distillery associated with sherry cask finishing and the dried fruits that come with it – because it is matured in bourbon barrels. Thus, the underlying meaty character of the distillery is revealed.



Nose: Very syrupy fruity apples with brown sugar, molasses, cola, sultanas and popcorn and much, much later very creamy caramel – a mixed bag indeed!

Palate: Dark, spicy wood with plump fruits, apples and dark chocolate giving way to a dry popcorn finish with peppery spice.

Overall: There’s plenty going on with this dram and for those who literally crave the ‘spirit’ of adventure then this is certainly the whisky for you!

Tasting Notes – Glenlossie, 2017 Càrn Mòr Single Malt Scotch Whisky (47.5%)

LOCATION: HIGHLAND
AGE: 5 YEARS OLD
CASK: EX-BOURBON

This Glenlossie was distilled in 2017 and matured in a pair of bourbon barrels. This produced 500 bottles in total, most of which have gone into Whisky Me pouches.



Nose: Tropical fruits with pressed orange, ginger and vanilla.

Palate: Blood oranges, toffee, a little mint and hot pepper and ginger.

Overall: A Gorgeous “orange” experience but also much, much more. If only this dram was part of your “5-a-day!”

Tasting Notes – Teaninich, 5-Year-Old Càrn Mòr Single Malt Scotch Whisky (47.5%)

LOCATION: HIGHLAND
AGE: 5 YEARS OLD
CASK: BOURBON

This Whisky Me exclusive bottling in partnership with Carn Mor is a marriage of bourbon cask whiskies from Teaninich that were distilled in late 2017 and disgorged in 2023.
We cut the spirit to 47.5% which produced exactly 500 bottles, most of which have gone into Whisky Me pouches.



Nose: Fruity chews with green tea and strawberry.

Palate: Creamy strawberry, herb tea, apples and sweet chocolate with a savoury, peppery finish.

Overall: Creamy strawberries – who would have thought? Anyway, it’s here in this whisky in a true taste bud treat!


Don’t forget to use the Whisky Me code to receive a 20% discount on full bottle versions of last nights Burns Night tastings: BURNS20

Valid until midnight Sunday 4th February!

Sampling The SMWS Advent Calendar – Day 12 – The Nicest Christmas Dram I’ve Ever Tasted – It Must Be A Personal Gift From Santa Himself!

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“Baptised In Oloroso” Cask No: 35.350

Day 12 of The 12 Drams Of Christmas – Our Last Sampling!

The set is Now reduced from £149 to £119!

That’s 12 x 50ml. of Festive Wonders!

The 12 Drams Of Christmas – Full-Sized Bottles Available To Buy Now!

SMWS Offers!

Not only that but the SMWS have a great offer on at the moment to make your whisky decision-making process a little easier!

12DRAMS OF CHRISTMAS – £20 OFF membership and calendar

Code: 12DRAMS10

It’s the most wonderful time of year to sit back, relax and savour 12 exquisite whiskies from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Ease yourself towards Christmas with our stunning selection of hand-picked single casks and more!

Offer Ends: 24/12/2023 11:59 PM

Many thanks to The SMWS (@SMWSUK) who have kindly sent me a sample of each Advent dram to try! (My notes are detailed below)

If you want to catch up on what other SMWS members had to say about each Christmas Advent dram just search for the hashtag #smws12drams on X (Twitter)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

It’s Christmas cake all the way with this whisky!

DAY 12 Tasting Notes – “Baptised In Oloroso” Cask No: 35.350 (60.5%)

16 Years old

DEEP, RICH & DRIED FRUITS flavour profile

Cask Type: Ex-bourbon hogshead FINAL CASK: 1st fill ex-oloroso hogshead
Origin: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Distillery: Glen Moray
ABV: 60.5%

Buy Now: £97.20
(Please note that you cannot buy SMWS Whiskies unless you are a member)

More information about each dram can be found here!

Nose: Rich fruits including prunes, figs and sugary toffee with lots of creamy vanilla caramel and christmas spice.

Palate: Ooh! Christmas in a glass – Syrupy fruits, prunes, figs, molasses, malt extract and sweet caramel toffee with sherry.

Finish: A warming sweet spice but it’s Christmas cake all the way with this whisky. Even at 60.5% you wouldn’t know it as this is so kind to the palate.

Overall: Well this must be a personal gift from Santa himself – it’s everything you’d ever want in a Xmas dram – and more so – The Nicest Christmas Dram I’ve Ever Tasted!

Merry Christmas!

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS)

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and has 37,000 members around the world.
• It is owned by The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask and single malt whisky, exclusive blends and a range of other Single Cask Spirits.
• The Society has bottled whisky from 180 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 different single malt whiskies every month
• Members have access to four exclusive SMWS Members’ Rooms in Leith, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London along with a global network of 100 partner bars.
• The Society offers a variety of membership options that can be tailored.
• For more information about the Society, visit: https://smws.com/, Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

About The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC)

• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is based in Edinburgh
• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is building a portfolio of premium brands that bring together some of the world’s best spirits producers with a growing movement of discerning consumers by curating unrivalled collections of craft spirits.
• ASC owns The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) and in 2021 it launched J.G. Thomson & Co. Inspired by its namesake, which was originally a wine and spirits merchant in Leith, Scotland, in the 1700s, J.G. Thomson is a new, adventurous blender, creating small batch blended malt whiskies, blended grain whiskies, rum and gin. 

Sampling The SMWS Advent Calendar – Day 11 – A Very Mature Dram Bursting With Flavour!

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“Whispered Smoke” Cask No: 9.277

Day11 of The 12 Drams Of Christmas!

The set is Now reduced from £149 to £119!

That’s 12 x 50ml. of Festive Wonders!

The 12 Drams Of Christmas – Full-Sized Bottles Available To Buy Now!

SMWS Offers!

Not only that but the SMWS have a great offer on at the moment to make your whisky decision-making process a little easier!

12DRAMS OF CHRISTMAS – £20 OFF membership and calendar

Code: 12DRAMS10

It’s the most wonderful time of year to sit back, relax and savour 12 exquisite whiskies from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Ease yourself towards Christmas with our stunning selection of hand-picked single casks and more!

Offer Ends: 24/12/2023 11:59 PM

Many thanks to The SMWS (@SMWSUK) who have kindly sent me a sample of each Advent dram to try! (My notes are detailed below)

If you want to catch up on what other SMWS members had to say about each Christmas Advent dram just search for the hashtag #smws12drams on X (Twitter)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

A very mature dram bursting with flavour!

DAY 11 Tasting Notes – “Whispered Smoke” Cask No: 9.277 (55.9%)

19 Years old

SWEET, FRUITY & MELLOW flavour profile

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Origin: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Distillery: Glen Grant
ABV: 55.9%

Buy Now: £125.00
(Please note that you cannot buy SMWS Whiskies unless you are a member)

More information about each dram can be found here!

Nose: Tropical fruits and apples in luscious quantity with sweet, runny caramel toffee.

Palate: All of the above in a creamy heaven!

Finish: There’s some punchy spice and pepper going on here but it’s all wrapped up in a sweet syrup.

Overall: A very mature dram bursting with flavour!

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS)

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and has 37,000 members around the world.
• It is owned by The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask and single malt whisky, exclusive blends and a range of other Single Cask Spirits.
• The Society has bottled whisky from 180 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 different single malt whiskies every month
• Members have access to four exclusive SMWS Members’ Rooms in Leith, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London along with a global network of 100 partner bars.
• The Society offers a variety of membership options that can be tailored.
• For more information about the Society, visit: https://smws.com/, Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

About The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC)

• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is based in Edinburgh
• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is building a portfolio of premium brands that bring together some of the world’s best spirits producers with a growing movement of discerning consumers by curating unrivalled collections of craft spirits.
• ASC owns The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) and in 2021 it launched J.G. Thomson & Co. Inspired by its namesake, which was originally a wine and spirits merchant in Leith, Scotland, in the 1700s, J.G. Thomson is a new, adventurous blender, creating small batch blended malt whiskies, blended grain whiskies, rum and gin. 

Sampling The SMWS Advent Calendar – Day 10 – A Fruit Cocktail But For Adults!

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“Sooked Down The Fruit Hole” Cask No: 122.58

Day 10 of The 12 Drams Of Christmas and were on the home straight now!

The set is Now reduced from £149 to £119!

That’s 12 x 50ml. of Festive Wonders!

The 12 Drams Of Christmas – Full-Sized Bottles Available To Buy Now!

SMWS Offers!

Not only that but the SMWS have a great offer on at the moment to make your whisky decision-making process a little easier!

12DRAMS OF CHRISTMAS – £20 OFF membership and calendar

Code: 12DRAMS10

It’s the most wonderful time of year to sit back, relax and savour 12 exquisite whiskies from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Ease yourself towards Christmas with our stunning selection of hand-picked single casks and more!

Offer Ends: 24/12/2023 11:59 PM

Many thanks to The SMWS (@SMWSUK) who have kindly sent me a sample of each Advent dram to try! (My notes are detailed below)

If you want to catch up on what other SMWS members had to say about each Christmas Advent dram just search for the hashtag #smws12drams on X (Twitter)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

A Fruit Cocktail But For Adults!

DAY 10 Tasting Notes – “Sooked Down The Fruit Hole” Cask No: 122.58 (58.2%)

8 Years old

SWEET, FRUITY & MELLOW flavour profile

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Origin: Scotland
Region: Highland
Distillery: Croftengea (Loch Lomond Distillery)
ABV: 58.2%

Buy Now: £57.00
(Please note that you cannot buy SMWS Whiskies unless you are a member)

More information about each dram can be found here!

Nose: Crisp apples, pears, toffee, honey and musky wood – inviting!

Palate: Oily mouthfeel with pineapple cubes, tropical and orchard fruits with sweet chocolate.

Finish: Spicy and jammy in equal measure with creamy strawberries to the fore – a corker!

Overall: A Fruit Cocktail But For Adults is the best way to describe this dram and that can’t be a bad thing! Maybe not one of your five-a-day though ….

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS)

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and has 37,000 members around the world.
• It is owned by The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask and single malt whisky, exclusive blends and a range of other Single Cask Spirits.
• The Society has bottled whisky from 180 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 different single malt whiskies every month
• Members have access to four exclusive SMWS Members’ Rooms in Leith, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London along with a global network of 100 partner bars.
• The Society offers a variety of membership options that can be tailored.
• For more information about the Society, visit: https://smws.com/, Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

About The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC)

• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is based in Edinburgh
• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is building a portfolio of premium brands that bring together some of the world’s best spirits producers with a growing movement of discerning consumers by curating unrivalled collections of craft spirits.
• ASC owns The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) and in 2021 it launched J.G. Thomson & Co. Inspired by its namesake, which was originally a wine and spirits merchant in Leith, Scotland, in the 1700s, J.G. Thomson is a new, adventurous blender, creating small batch blended malt whiskies, blended grain whiskies, rum and gin. 

Sampling The SMWS Advent Calendar – Day 9 – Everything You’d Ever Want In A Quality Whisky – And A Lot More!

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“Swirl, Sip And Savour” Cask No: 39.268

Day 9 of The 12 Drams Of Christmas and things are getting really festive now!

The set is Now reduced from £149 to £119!

That’s 12 x 50ml. of Festive Wonders!

The 12 Drams Of Christmas – Full-Sized Bottles Available To Buy Now!

SMWS Offers!

Not only that but the SMWS have a great offer on at the moment to make your whisky decision-making process a little easier!

12DRAMS OF CHRISTMAS – £20 OFF membership and calendar

Code: 12DRAMS10

It’s the most wonderful time of year to sit back, relax and savour 12 exquisite whiskies from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Ease yourself towards Christmas with our stunning selection of hand-picked single casks and more!

Offer Ends: 24/12/2023 11:59 PM

Many thanks to The SMWS (@SMWSUK) who have kindly sent me a sample of each Advent dram to try! (My notes are detailed below)

If you want to catch up on what other SMWS members had to say about each Christmas Advent dram just search for the hashtag #smws12drams on X (Twitter)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

A lovely kickass spiciness ….

DAY 9 Tasting Notes – “Swirl, Sip And Savour” Cask No: 39.268 (61.0%)

15 Years old

SPICY & SWEET flavour profile

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Origin: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Distillery: Linkwood
ABV: 61.0%

Buy Now: £89.40
(Please note that you cannot buy SMWS Whiskies unless you are a member)

More information about each dram can be found here!

Nose: Rich fruits with prunes, plums and cherries with caramel, chocolate and shades of mint.

Palate: Thick mouthfeel with cherries, rich fruits and chocolate yuminess!

Finish: A lovely kickass spiciness with syrupy sweet fruits to keep it in check and woody muskiness.

Overall: This is a masterpiece of a dram with everything you’d ever want in a quality whisky – and a lot more!

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS)

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and has 37,000 members around the world.
• It is owned by The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask and single malt whisky, exclusive blends and a range of other Single Cask Spirits.
• The Society has bottled whisky from 180 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 different single malt whiskies every month
• Members have access to four exclusive SMWS Members’ Rooms in Leith, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London along with a global network of 100 partner bars.
• The Society offers a variety of membership options that can be tailored.
• For more information about the Society, visit: https://smws.com/, Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

About The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC)

• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is based in Edinburgh
• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is building a portfolio of premium brands that bring together some of the world’s best spirits producers with a growing movement of discerning consumers by curating unrivalled collections of craft spirits.
• ASC owns The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) and in 2021 it launched J.G. Thomson & Co. Inspired by its namesake, which was originally a wine and spirits merchant in Leith, Scotland, in the 1700s, J.G. Thomson is a new, adventurous blender, creating small batch blended malt whiskies, blended grain whiskies, rum and gin. 

Sampling The SMWS Advent Calendar – Day 8 – A Shy Peated Dram But Tasty Nonetheless!

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“Stealthy Peat Ninja” Cask No: G15.29

Day 8 of The 12 Drams Of Christmas and it’s time to sample another cracking dram!

The set is Now reduced from £149 to £119!

That’s 12 x 50ml. of Festive Wonders!

The 12 Drams Of Christmas – Full-Sized Bottles Available To Buy Now!

SMWS Offers!

Not only that but the SMWS have a great offer on at the moment to make your whisky decision-making process a little easier!

12DRAMS OF CHRISTMAS – £20 OFF membership and calendar

Code: 12DRAMS10

It’s the most wonderful time of year to sit back, relax and savour 12 exquisite whiskies from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Ease yourself towards Christmas with our stunning selection of hand-picked single casks and more!

Offer Ends: 24/12/2023 11:59 PM

Many thanks to The SMWS (@SMWSUK) who have kindly sent me a sample of each Advent dram to try! (My notes are detailed below)

If you want to catch up on what other SMWS members had to say about each Christmas Advent dram just search for the hashtag #smws12drams on X (Twitter)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Peppery with a capital ‘P’!

DAY 8 Tasting Notes – “Stealthy Peat Ninja” Cask No: G15.29 (60.1%)

8 Years old

LIGHTLY PEATED flavour profile

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Origin: Scotland
Region: Highland
Distillery: Rhosdhu (Loch Lomond Distillery)
ABV: 60.1%

Buy Now: £50.50
(Please note that you cannot buy SMWS Whiskies unless you are a member)

More information about each dram can be found here!

Nose: Sherbet sweet apple with some orange and creamy soft toffee.

Palate: A savoury, tangy palate and the sherbet sweet apple is also very present coupled with sweet chocolate and lemon.

Finish: Peppery with a capital ‘P’! Still the finish is sweet and ends in a very dry, woody conclusion with a little salt.

Overall: This dram is described as “lightly peated” – well I should say so – it was VERY shy indeed! Notwithstanding, a very tasty whisky indeed.

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS)

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and has 37,000 members around the world.
• It is owned by The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask and single malt whisky, exclusive blends and a range of other Single Cask Spirits.
• The Society has bottled whisky from 180 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 different single malt whiskies every month
• Members have access to four exclusive SMWS Members’ Rooms in Leith, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London along with a global network of 100 partner bars.
• The Society offers a variety of membership options that can be tailored.
• For more information about the Society, visit: https://smws.com/, Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

About The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC)

• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is based in Edinburgh
• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is building a portfolio of premium brands that bring together some of the world’s best spirits producers with a growing movement of discerning consumers by curating unrivalled collections of craft spirits.
• ASC owns The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) and in 2021 it launched J.G. Thomson & Co. Inspired by its namesake, which was originally a wine and spirits merchant in Leith, Scotland, in the 1700s, J.G. Thomson is a new, adventurous blender, creating small batch blended malt whiskies, blended grain whiskies, rum and gin. 

Sampling The SMWS Advent Calendar – Day 7 – BOOM! It’s A Peated Ride So Hang Onto Your Smokey Hat!

by Leave a Comment

“Ménage à Mesquite” Cask No: 53.441

Day 7 of The 12 Drams Of Christmas already – where did the time go?!

As were getting near Chrimbo, the set is Now reduced from £149 to £119!

That’s 12 x 50ml. of Festive Wonders!

The 12 Drams Of Christmas – Full-Sized Bottles Available To Buy Now!

SMWS Offers!

Not only that but the SMWS have a great offer on at the moment to make your whisky decision-making process a little easier!

12DRAMS OF CHRISTMAS – £20 OFF membership and calendar

Code: 12DRAMS10

It’s the most wonderful time of year to sit back, relax and savour 12 exquisite whiskies from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Ease yourself towards Christmas with our stunning selection of hand-picked single casks and more!

Offer Ends: 24/12/2023 11:59 PM

Many thanks to The SMWS (@SMWSUK) who have kindly sent me a sample of each Advent dram to try! (My notes are detailed below)

If you want to catch up on what other SMWS members had to say about each Christmas Advent dram just search for the hashtag #smws12drams on X (Twitter)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Well BOOM! That is a gloriously peated dram!

DAY 7 Tasting Notes – “Ménage à Mesquite” Cask No: 53.441 (56.4%)

12 Years old

PEATED flavour profile

Cask Type: Ex-bourbon hogshead then 1st fill ex-oloroso hogshead
Origin: Scotland
Region: Islay
Distillery: Caol Ila
ABV: 56.4%

Buy Now: £92.40
(Please note that you cannot buy SMWS Whiskies unless you are a member)

More information about each dram can be found here!

Nose: Sweet peat and smoke are joined by liquorice with some crunchy apple for contrast.

Palate: Rich, heavy mouthfeel with sweet treacle coupled with smokey peat.

Finish: Antiseptic and a warming, savoury chilli spice.

Overall: Well BOOM! That is a gloriously peated dram! Rather moreish to be sure and for peated fans a sure-fire winner. It’s a Peated ride, so hang onto your smokey hat!

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS)

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and has 37,000 members around the world.
• It is owned by The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask and single malt whisky, exclusive blends and a range of other Single Cask Spirits.
• The Society has bottled whisky from 180 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 different single malt whiskies every month
• Members have access to four exclusive SMWS Members’ Rooms in Leith, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London along with a global network of 100 partner bars.
• The Society offers a variety of membership options that can be tailored.
• For more information about the Society, visit: https://smws.com/, Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

About The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC)

• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is based in Edinburgh
• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is building a portfolio of premium brands that bring together some of the world’s best spirits producers with a growing movement of discerning consumers by curating unrivalled collections of craft spirits.
• ASC owns The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) and in 2021 it launched J.G. Thomson & Co. Inspired by its namesake, which was originally a wine and spirits merchant in Leith, Scotland, in the 1700s, J.G. Thomson is a new, adventurous blender, creating small batch blended malt whiskies, blended grain whiskies, rum and gin. 

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