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

December 20, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

“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!

  • Day 1 – “Party Tarts” Cask No: 5.120 (56.8%): £125
  • Day 2 – “Hog Roast And Marshmallows On Toast” Cask No: 66.242 (60.3%): £98.30
  • Day 3 – “Rum Raisins” Cask No: 85.80 (56.7%): £80.00
  • Day 4 – “Whisky Baba” (58.6%): £75.00
  • Day 5 – “A Sea Devil In Sunglasses” Cask No: 4.368 (62.6%): £82.00
  • Day 6 – “Fruitcake Earthquake” Cask No: 95.80 (56.8%): £85.80
  • Day 7 – “Ménage à Mesquite” Cask No: 53.441 (56.4%): £92.40
  • Day 8 – “Stealthy Peat Ninja” Cask No: G15.29 (60.1%): £50.50
  • Day 9 – “Swirl, Sip And Savour” Cask No: 39.268 (61.0%): £89.40
  • Day 10 – “Sooked Down The Fruit Hole” Cask No: 122.58 (58.2%): £57.00
  • Day 11 – “Whispered Smoke” Cask No: 9.277 (55.9%): £125.00
  • Day 12 – “Baptised In Oloroso” Cask No: 35.350 (60.5%): £97.20

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. 

Filed Under: Advent Calendar, Christmas, New Arrivals, News, Sampling, Smws, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Whisky tasting

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

December 19, 2023 by Gary 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!

  • Day 1 – “Party Tarts” Cask No: 5.120 (56.8%): £125
  • Day 2 – “Hog Roast And Marshmallows On Toast” Cask No: 66.242 (60.3%): £98.30
  • Day 3 – “Rum Raisins” Cask No: 85.80 (56.7%): £80.00
  • Day 4 – “Whisky Baba” (58.6%): £75.00
  • Day 5 – “A Sea Devil In Sunglasses” Cask No: 4.368 (62.6%): £82.00
  • Day 6 – “Fruitcake Earthquake” Cask No: 95.80 (56.8%): £85.80
  • Day 7 – “Ménage à Mesquite” Cask No: 53.441 (56.4%): £92.40
  • Day 8 – “Stealthy Peat Ninja” Cask No: G15.29 (60.1%): £50.50
  • Day 9 – “Swirl, Sip And Savour” Cask No: 39.268 (61.0%): £89.40
  • Day 10 – “Sooked Down The Fruit Hole” Cask No: 122.58 (58.2%): £57.00
  • Day 11 – “Whispered Smoke” Cask No: 9.277 (55.9%): £125.00
  • Day 12 – “Baptised In Oloroso” Cask No: 35.350 (60.5%): £97.20

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. 

Filed Under: Advent Calendar, Christmas, New Arrivals, News, Sampling, Smws, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Whisky tasting

Sampling The SMWS Advent Calendar – Day 6 – A Dram Of This & It Really Can Be Christmas Everyday!

December 18, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

“Fruitcake Earthquake” Cask No: 95.80

It’s the half-way point of The 12 Drams Of Christmas and the cracking drams keep on coming!

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

That’s 12 x 50ml. of Festive Wonders!

The 12 Drams Of Christmas – Available To Buy Now!

  • Day 1 – “Party Tarts” Cask No: 5.120 (56.8%): £125
  • Day 2 – “Hog Roast And Marshmallows On Toast” Cask No: 66.242 (60.3%): £98.30
  • Day 3 – “Rum Raisins” Cask No: 85.80 (56.7%): £80.00
  • Day 4 – “Whisky Baba” (58.6%): £75.00
  • Day 5 – “A Sea Devil In Sunglasses” Cask No: 4.368 (62.6%): £82.00
  • Day 6 – “Fruitcake Earthquake” Cask No: 95.80 (56.8%): £85.80
  • Day 7 – “Ménage à Mesquite” Cask No: 53.441 (56.4%): £92.40
  • Day 8 – “Stealthy Peat Ninja” Cask No: G15.29 (60.1%): £50.50
  • Day 9 – “Swirl, Sip And Savour” Cask No: 39.268 (61.0%): £89.40
  • Day 10 – “Sooked Down The Fruit Hole” Cask No: 122.58 (58.2%): £57.00
  • Day 11 – “Whispered Smoke” Cask No: 9.277 (55.9%): £125.00
  • Day 12 – “Baptised In Oloroso” Cask No: 35.350 (60.5%): £97.20

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 gorgeous festive whisky!

DAY 6 Tasting Notes – “Fruitcake Earthquake” Cask No: 95.80 (56.8%)

14 Years old

DEEP, RICH & DRIED FRUITS flavour profile

Cask Type: Ex-bourbon hogshead FINAL CASK: 1st fill ex-PX barrique
Origin: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Distillery: Auchroisk / Singleton
ABV: 56.8%

Buy Now: £85.80
(Please note that you cannot buy SMWS Whiskies unless you are a member)

More information about each dram can be found here!

Nose: Serious rum filled Christmas cake with sticky fruits, chocolate, treacle and figs.

Palate: Sweet, creamy Christmas cake with sherry, chocolate, syrupy figs and biscuit.

Finish: Spicy with a little pepper that grows to join the fantastic sweet cake.

Overall: A gorgeous festive whisky, perfect to celebrate the season with and if you always have a dram of this to hand, it really can be Christmas everyday!


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. 

Filed Under: Advent Calendar, Christmas, New Arrivals, News, Sampling, Smws, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Whisky tasting

Sampling The SMWS Advent Calendar – Day 5 – Buy A Fireplace Just To Complete The Experience!

December 17, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

“A Sea Devil In Sunglasses” Cask No: 4.368!

Day 5 already? Yep! We’re nearly half-way through 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 – Available To Buy Now!

  • Day 1 – “Party Tarts” Cask No: 5.120 (56.8%): £125
  • Day 2 – “Hog Roast And Marshmallows On Toast” Cask No: 66.242 (60.3%): £98.30
  • Day 3 – “Rum Raisins” Cask No: 85.80 (56.7%): £80.00
  • Day 4 – “Whisky Baba” (58.6%): £75.00
  • Day 5 – “A Sea Devil In Sunglasses” Cask No: 4.368 (62.6%): £82.00
  • Day 6 – “Fruitcake Earthquake” Cask No: 95.80 (56.8%): £85.80
  • Day 7 – “Ménage à Mesquite” Cask No: 53.441 (56.4%): £92.40
  • Day 8 – “Stealthy Peat Ninja” Cask No: G15.29 (60.1%): £50.50
  • Day 9 – “Swirl, Sip And Savour” Cask No: 39.268 (61.0%): £89.40
  • Day 10 – “Sooked Down The Fruit Hole” Cask No: 122.58 (58.2%): £57.00
  • Day 11 – “Whispered Smoke” Cask No: 9.277 (55.9%): £125.00
  • Day 12 – “Baptised In Oloroso” Cask No: 35.350 (60.5%): £97.20

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 gorgeous dram, enjoy with a hearty fire to gaze into!

DAY 5 Tasting Notes – “A Sea Devil In Sunglasses” Cask No: 4.368 (62.6%)

13 Years old

Peated flavour profile

Cask Type: Ex-bourbon hogsheads FINAL CASK: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Origin: Scotland
Region: Highland
Distillery: Highland Park
ABV: 62.6%

Buy Now: £82.00
(Please note that you cannot buy SMWS Whiskies unless you are a member)

More information about each dram can be found here!

Nose: Rich smokehouse with fruity peat, apple and sweet liquorice.

Palate: Liquid smoke with sticky prunes and sweet liquorice with chocolate.

Finish: Growing antiseptic with added heady spice but the palate’s sticky, sweet black treacle flavours pour on through to a satisfying finish!

Overall: A gorgeous dram, enjoy with a hearty fire to gaze into. And if you don’t have a fireplace it’s well worth buying one just to complete the experience!


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. 

Filed Under: Advent Calendar, Christmas, New Arrivals, News, Sampling, Smws, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Whisky tasting

Sampling The SMWS Advent Calendar – Day 4 – Apples With Just A Touch Of Christmas Magic Added For Good Measure!

December 16, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

DAY 4 Tasting Notes – “Whisky Baba”!

Day 4 of The 12 Drams Of Christmas and what delights await us here?

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

That’s 12 x 50ml. of Festive Wonders!

The 12 Drams Of Christmas – Available To Buy Now!

  • Day 1 – “Party Tarts” Cask No: 5.120 (56.8%): £125
  • Day 2 – “Hog Roast And Marshmallows On Toast” Cask No: 66.242 (60.3%): £98.30
  • Day 3 – “Rum Raisins” Cask No: 85.80 (56.7%): £80.00
  • Day 4 – “Whisky Baba” (58.6%): £75.00
  • Day 5 – “A Sea Devil In Sunglasses” Cask No: 4.368 (62.6%): £82.00
  • Day 6 – “Fruitcake Earthquake” Cask No: 95.80 (56.8%): £85.80
  • Day 7 – “Ménage à Mesquite” Cask No: 53.441 (56.4%): £92.40
  • Day 8 – “Stealthy Peat Ninja” Cask No: G15.29 (60.1%): £50.50
  • Day 9 – “Swirl, Sip And Savour” Cask No: 39.268 (61.0%): £89.40
  • Day 10 – “Sooked Down The Fruit Hole” Cask No: 122.58 (58.2%): £57.00
  • Day 11 – “Whispered Smoke” Cask No: 9.277 (55.9%): £125.00
  • Day 12 – “Baptised In Oloroso” Cask No: 35.350 (60.5%): £97.20

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 …

Sweet apple pie with crunchy sugar …

DAY 4 Tasting Notes – “Whisky Baba” (58.6%)

12 Year old Blended Malt

Cask Type: bourbon hogsheads and ex-rum french oak barriques

ABV: 58.6%

Buy Now: £75.00
(Please note that you cannot buy SMWS Whiskies unless you are a member)

More information about each dram can be found here!

Nose: Apple orchards abound with pears and creamy pastry with a little lemon and even less earthiness. After a trice sweet sherry notes make an appearance – and we are all glad for it!

Palate: Sweet apple pie with crunchy sugar, some citrus with orange and then lemon comes to the fore. This is smartly followed by toffee which grows n’ grows n’ grows!

Finish: Deep, warming spice with intense pepper and a touch of dryness as a finale at the end.

Overall: “My childhood held a fairy sight—
A thousand apple-trees,
All pink and white for my delight
And humming with the bees.

They grew upon a green hillside,
They sweetened all the air,
They spread a tent of blossoms wide
For my pavilion there.”

“Apple-Trees”
Jessie Belle Rittenhouse Scollard (1869 – 1948)

This dram evokes the above sentiments most perfectly – with just a touch of Christmas magic added for good measure!


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. 

Filed Under: Advent Calendar, Christmas, New Arrivals, News, Sampling, Smws, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Whisky tasting

Sampling The SMWS Advent Calendar – Day 3 – A Christmas Cake Is Pretty Marvellous – And So Is This Dram!

December 15, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

“Rum Raisins” Cask No: 85.80

Well we’re now on Day 3 of the 12 drams from the latest SMWS Advent Calendar!

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

That’s 12 x 50ml. of Festive Wonders!

The 12 Drams Of Christmas – Available To Buy Now!

  • Day 1 – “Party Tarts” Cask No: 5.120 (56.8%): £125
  • Day 2 – “Hog Roast And Marshmallows On Toast” Cask No: 66.242 (60.3%): £98.30
  • Day 3 – “Rum Raisins” Cask No: 85.80 (56.7%): £80.00
  • Day 4 – “Whisky Baba” (58.6%): £75.00
  • Day 5 – “A Sea Devil In Sunglasses” Cask No: 4.368 (62.6%): £82.00
  • Day 6 – “Fruitcake Earthquake” Cask No: 95.80 (56.8%): £85.80
  • Day 7 – “Ménage à Mesquite” Cask No: 53.441 (56.4%): £92.40
  • Day 8 – “Stealthy Peat Ninja” Cask No: G15.29 (60.1%): £50.50
  • Day 9 – “Swirl, Sip And Savour” Cask No: 39.268 (61.0%): £89.40
  • Day 10 – “Sooked Down The Fruit Hole” Cask No: 122.58 (58.2%): £57.00
  • Day 11 – “Whispered Smoke” Cask No: 9.277 (55.9%): £125.00
  • Day 12 – “Baptised In Oloroso” Cask No: 35.350 (60.5%): £97.20

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 marvellous dram!

DAY 3 Tasting Notes – “Rum Raisins” Cask No: 85.80 (56.7%)

14 Years old

Deep Rich & Dried Fruits flavour profile

Cask Type: 2nd fill charred wine barrique
Origin: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Distillery: Auchroisk / Singleton
ABV: 56.7%

Buy Now: £80.00
(Please note that you cannot buy SMWS Whiskies unless you are a member)

More information about each dram can be found here!

Nose: Rum n’ raisin ice cream wrapped in sweet pastry with crisp apple and honey – delightful!

Palate: Sweet, sticky toffee with vanilla custard and apple with stewed fruits.

Finish: Growing, warming spice and all the above continues along at a tasty sweet Christmas cake pace!

Overall: “What crowding thoughts around me wake,
What marvels in a Christmas-cake!”
To Mrs K____, On Her Sending Me an English Christmas Plum-Cake at Paris
By Helen Maria Williams

A marvel indeed – but then a Christmas cake is pretty marvellous – and so is this dram!


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. 

Filed Under: Advent Calendar, Christmas, New Arrivals, News, Sampling, Smws, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Whisky tasting

Sampling The SMWS Advent Calendar – Day 2 – Prepare To Have Your Cockles Warmed!

December 14, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

“Hog Roast And Marshmallows On Toast” Cask No: 66.242

Today we sample the second whisky of our 12 drams from the latest SMWS Advent Calendar!

Now reduced from £149 to £119!

12 x 50ml. of Festive Wonders!

The 12 Drams Of Christmas – Available To Buy Now!

  • Day 1 – “Party Tarts” Cask No: 5.120 (56.8%): £125
  • Day 2 – “Hog Roast And Marshmallows On Toast” Cask No: 66.242 (60.3%): £98.30
  • Day 3 – “Rum Raisins” Cask No: 85.80 (56.7%): £80.00
  • Day 4 – “Whisky Baba” (58.6%): £75.00
  • Day 5 – “A Sea Devil In Sunglasses” Cask No: 4.368 (62.6%): £82.00
  • Day 6 – “Fruitcake Earthquake” Cask No: 95.80 (56.8%): £85.80
  • Day 7 – “Ménage à Mesquite” Cask No: 53.441 (56.4%): £92.40
  • Day 8 – “Stealthy Peat Ninja” Cask No: G15.29 (60.1%): £50.50
  • Day 9 – “Swirl, Sip And Savour” Cask No: 39.268 (61.0%): £89.40
  • Day 10 – “Sooked Down The Fruit Hole” Cask No: 122.58 (58.2%): £57.00
  • Day 11 – “Whispered Smoke” Cask No: 9.277 (55.9%): £125.00
  • Day 12 – “Baptised In Oloroso” Cask No: 35.350 (60.5%): £97.20

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 …

“Surpris’d I was with sudden heat which made my heart to glow”

DAY 2 Tasting Notes – “Hog Roast And Marshmallows On Toast” Cask No: 66.242 (60.3%)

15 Years old

Peated flavour profile

Cask Type: Refill Ex-PX Hogshead
Origin: Scotland
Region: Highland
Distillery: Ardmore
ABV: 60.3%

Buy Now: £98.30
(Please note that you cannot buy SMWS Whiskies unless you are a member)

More information about each dram can be found here!

Nose: There’s some sweet smokehouse action going on here with additional lemon citrus, boiled sweets and poached pears. The smokey peat is quieter and in the background – much more than other peated drams. Wafts of dunnage arise after a while.

Palate: There’s smoke now! Additionally, lots of lemon, sugary peat, savouriness, liquorice and antiseptic.

Finish: Plenty of hot chilli tops this hearty, moreish dram off.

Overall:
“As I in hoary winter’s night stood shivering in the snow,
Surpris’d I was with sudden heat which made my heart to glow; ”
The Burning Babe
By Robert Southwell SJ

And at 60% this dram would certainly pack a similar punch – prepare to have your cockles warmed!


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. 

Filed Under: Advent Calendar, Christmas, New Arrivals, News, Sampling, Smws, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Whisky tasting

Sampling The SMWS Advent Calendar – Day 1 – Brighten Up Your “Bleak Midwinter”!

December 13, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

It’s time for The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Advent Calendar!

Well it’s that time of year again, that is, forget about the Bleak Midwinter and enjoy 12 drams from the latest SMWS Advent Calendar!

Now reduced from £149 to £119!

12 x 50ml. of Festive Wonders!

The 12 Drams Of Christmas – Available To Buy Now!

  • Day 1 – “Party Tarts” Cask No: 5.120 (56.8%): £125
  • Day 2 – “Hog Roast And Marshmallows On Toast” Cask No: 66.242 (60.3%): £98.30
  • Day 3 – “Rum Raisins” Cask No: 85.80 (56.7%): £80.00
  • Day 4 – “Whisky Baba” (58.6%): £75.00
  • Day 5 – “A Sea Devil In Sunglasses” Cask No: 4.368 (62.6%): £82.00
  • Day 6 – “Fruitcake Earthquake” Cask No: 95.80 (56.8%): £85.80
  • Day 7 – “Ménage à Mesquite” Cask No: 53.441 (56.4%): £92.40
  • Day 8 – “Stealthy Peat Ninja” Cask No: G15.29 (60.1%): £50.50
  • Day 9 – “Swirl, Sip And Savour” Cask No: 39.268 (61.0%): £89.40
  • Day 10 – “Sooked Down The Fruit Hole” Cask No: 122.58 (58.2%): £57.00
  • Day 11 – “Whispered Smoke” Cask No: 9.277 (55.9%): £125.00
  • Day 12 – “Baptised In Oloroso” Cask No: 35.350 (60.5%): £97.20

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 …

“Party Tarts” Cask No: 5.120!

DAY 1 Tasting Notes – “Party Tarts” Cask No: 5.120 (56.8%)


19 Years old

Juicy Oak & Vanilla flavour profile

Cask Type: 1st. fill ex-bourbon barrel
Origin: Scotland
Region: Lowland
Distillery: Auchentoshan
ABV: 56.8%
Buy Now: £125
(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 on the nose with apples, pears and syrupy prunes … but wait … there’s also floral and fresh mint in there as well!

Palate: Cane sweetness with apples and stewed fruits with creamy toffee. After a while some tropical fruits and a little mint make a welcome appearance.

Finish: Fruity spice with hints of chilli which grows over time ending with a dry finish.

Overall: Brighten up your Bleak Midwinter with this warming treat – and still that “frosty wind made moan”!


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. 

Filed Under: Advent Calendar, Christmas, New Arrivals, News, Sampling, Smws, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Whisky tasting

“Dance Of The Pastry Chef” – The Latest Whiskies From The SMWS!

December 12, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

Dance of the pastry chef
Cask No: 125.80


New Arrivals From The Scotch Malt Whisky Society!

Festive Pick n Mix Case

Festive Pick n Mix Case

£365.00

Qty left: 18

Sweet Fruity & Mellow

Whispered smoke

Whispered smoke
Cask No: 9.277

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glen Grant
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 55.9%
£125.00

Qty left: 27

Juicy Oak & Vanilla

Party tarts

Party tarts
Cask No: 5.120

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Auchentoshan
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 56.8%
£125.00

Qty left: 33

Spicy & Sweet

Swirl, sip and savour

Swirl, sip and savour
Cask No: 39.268

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Linkwood
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 61.0%
£89.40

Qty left: 34

Peated

Ménage à mesquite

Ménage à mesquite
Cask No: 53.441

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-oloroso hogshead
Distillery: Caol Ila
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 56.4%
£92.40

Qty left: 35

Oily & Coastal

Wide-ranging conversation piece

Wide-ranging conversation piece
Cask No: 59.76

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Teaninich
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 57.7%
£63.60

Qty left: 41

Sweet Fruity & Mellow

Sooked down the fruit hole

Sooked down the fruit hole
Cask No: 122.58

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Croftengea (Loch Lomond Distillery)
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 58.2%
£57.00

Qty left: 57

Deep Rich & Dried Fruits

Rum raisins

Rum raisins
Cask No: 85.80

Cask Type: 2nd fill charred wine barrique
Distillery: Glen Elgin
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 56.7%
£80.00

Qty left: 61

Juicy Oak & Vanilla

Dance of the pastry chef

Dance of the pastry chef
Cask No: 125.80

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glenmorangie
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 59.0%
£195.00

Qty left: 67

Peated

A sea devil in sunglasses

A sea devil in sunglasses
Cask No: 4.368

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Highland Park
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 62.6%
£82.00

Qty left: 70

Deep Rich & Dried Fruits

Baptised in oloroso

Baptised in oloroso
Cask No: 35.350

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-oloroso hogshead
Distillery: Glen Moray
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 60.5%
£97.20

Qty left: 70

Lightly Peated

Stealthy peat ninja

Stealthy peat ninja
Cask No: G15.29

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Rhosdhu (Loch Lomond Distillery)
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 60.0%
£50.50

Qty left: 71

Deep Rich & Dried Fruits

A rumour of sherry

A rumour of sherry
Cask No: 11.48

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-oloroso hogshead
Distillery: Tomatin
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 59.5%
£66.00

Qty left: 81

Lightly Peated

Hog roast and marshmallows to toast

Hog roast and marshmallows to toast
Cask No: 66.242

Cask Type: refill ex-px hogshead
Distillery: Ardmore
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 60.3%
£98.30

Qty left: 82

Deep Rich & Dried Fruits

Fruitcake earthquake

Fruitcake earthquake
Cask No: 95.80

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-px barrique
Distillery: Auchroisk / Singleton
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 56.8%
£85.80

Qty left: 86

Lightly Peated

Gladrags of yesteryear

Gladrags of yesteryear
Cask No: 3.350

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Bowmore
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 57.1%
£179.50

Qty left: 98

Oily & Coastal

First footer

First footer
Cask No: 10.257

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-px hogshead
Distillery: Bunnahabhain
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 58.6%
£82.50

Qty left: 101

Lemon odyssey

Lemon odyssey
Cask No: SM0.1

Cask Type: 1st & 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrels

ABV: 50.0%
£45.00

Qty left: Only 1!

Birch beer in the shade

Birch beer in the shade
Cask No: B5.10

Cask Type: 1st fill charred barrel
Distillery: George Dickel (Cascade Hollow)
Origin: Tennessee (USA)
ABV: 62.1%
£69.50

Qty left: 16

Society Intro Discovery Pack  2023

Society Intro Discovery Pack 2023

£35.00

Qty left: 28

J.G. THOMSON MINI TASTING PACK

J.G. THOMSON MINI TASTING PACK

£35.00

Qty left: 58

SMWS Society Tasting Kit

SMWS Society Tasting Kit

ABV: 60.6%
£90.00

Qty left: 66

Maverick Discovery Pack 2023

Maverick Discovery Pack 2023

£35.00

Qty left: 69

Smokus fruticosus

Smokus fruticosus
Cask No: Batch 15

Cask Type: Bourbon, PX & Oloroso Barrels, butts & hogsheads

ABV: 50.0%
£63.00

Qty left: 76

Fruit utopia

Fruit utopia
Cask No: Batch 17

Cask Type: Bourbon & French oak Hogsheads, barrels & barriques

ABV: 50.0%
£195.00

Qty left: 159

Maverick - The Founders Tale

Maverick – The Founders Tale

£18.50

Qty left: 836

Filed Under: Christmas, New Arrivals, News, Smws, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

“Drop & Dram” – The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s New Subscription Service – Take Your Whisky Passion To The Next Level!

November 17, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

Drop & Dram is aimed at whisky enthusiasts in the UK who are looking to discover new flavours and take their passion for whisky to the next level!

From the 29th November Whisky enthusiasts can now take their passion to the next level and have exceptional cask strength single malt whiskies delivered to their doors every month thanks to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s new ‘Drop & Dram’ subscription service!

Drop & Dram is aimed at whisky enthusiasts in the UK who are looking to discover new flavours and take their passion for whisky to the next level.

The news comes as the Society celebrates its 40th anniversary year. Started by a group of friends in Edinburgh in 1983, the Society is now the world’s biggest whisky club with around 30 branches across the world including China, Australia and the USA, and close to 40,000 members.

For £45 a month, Drop & Dram subscribers will receive a pack containing three carefully curated limited edition 50ml bottles of the Society’s cask strength single malt whisky, alongside detailed tasting notes for each of the three bottles, allowing them to delve into the depths of each whisky’s character. Additionally, links to exclusive videos about each bottle by the Society’s ambassadors will provide further insights into the stories and flavours of the featured whiskies.

What sets the Drop & Dram subscription apart is that subscribers will also gain monthly membership to the SMWS, providing them with the opportunity to purchase full-sized 70cl bottles of their favourite whiskies, as well as attend Society venues and participate in its exclusive events and tastings.

The packs will focus on a different theme each month!

The packs will focus on a different theme each month and there will be a limited number of packs available each month. The first Drop & Dram pack will introduce subscribers to the world of first fill casks – casks previously used for Bourbon or sherry that have been filled with whisky for the first time. In keeping with the Society’s unique convention of giving its bottles fun and evocative names inspired by their flavours, the whiskies are called Shrimps in the sauna; Tweed-clad picnic hamper; and All the fun of the flicks.

We’re thrilled to introduce Drop & Dram to whisky enthusiasts across the UK. This subscription service is a gateway to the world of SMWS, offering an unparalleled whisky adventure for those who are as passionate about exploring whisky flavours as we are.

With each carefully curated Drop & Dram pack, subscribers will embark on a journey of discovery, uncovering the remarkable stories and flavours that our unique single cask single malt whiskies have to offer. Beyond the whisky, they will also become members of the Society and join a like-minded community that shares their passion for whisky discovery and exploration.
– Julie Roberts: Brand Innovation Manager

Drop & Dram subscriptions go on sale on the 29th November. With demand expected to be high and a limited number of packs available each month, the Society has launched a sign-up for priority access on their site which is available here


About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS)

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and has 38,000 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. 

Filed Under: Christmas, New Arrivals, News, Smws, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

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