What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 4:45pm Tuesday 9am - 4:45pm Wednesday 9am - 4:45pm Thursday 9am - 4:45pm Friday 9am - 4:45pm

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society UK

Home
United Kingdom
Edinburgh
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society UK

Welcome to the official page of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society UK. Drink responsibly. Please do not forward to anyone under legal drinking age.

Any user comments which condone or promote irresponsible or dangerous drinking will be removed.

01/08/2024

Where does your whisky take you?

Today we're throwing it back to last year when we hosted a series of maverick tastings with members to explore the senses. In this particular tasting we combined pygmy goats, pilates and whisky to uncover how different environments can affect your appreciation of a dram.

Head straight over to our YouTube channel to watch the video: https://smws.io/c1752e

Please drink responsibly.

31/07/2024

Get ready for the August Outturn with Richard, Calum and a few Society friends as we talk about what's ahead this first Friday.

📺Head over to our YouTube channel for the full podcast.

30/07/2024

If you're heading to Edinburgh for the Fringe, make sure you come and say hello! 👋

From August, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Queen Street will be hosting a whisky drop-in session every day from Tuesday through to Sunday at 1pm.

Join us and dive into the extraordinary world of our whiskies. Our ambassadors will be there to help as you select five sample drams to enjoy.

Tickets are available from The Fringe website: https://smws.io/3df934

28/07/2024

“We embrace the fact that Texas is a partner in what we’re doing. For instance, it’s around 90°F (32°C) in Waco today, yesterday it was nearer 50°F (10°C)," says Gabe RiCharde, spirits manager at Balcones. "Of course, that will mean a fluctuation in where we cut our spirit. We don’t have a sensor or thermometer to work out our cuts, we gauge them ourselves with our noses and mouths."

Find out more about our distilling partner Balcones in this month's issue of Unfiltered as Society brand ambassador Lee ‘Connas’ Connor heads to Waco, Texas.

27/07/2024

As we head towards the end of the month, we're jumping over to Mexico to visit partner bar One Pound Terraza in Mexico City. The bar is a visual homage to British culture, designed meticulously by Luis Lopez Morton and his wife Inés.

🥃 In addition to SMWS bottles, there are around 78 different bottles of whisky on offer.

🖌️The decor features original artworks by both renowned and emerging UK artists and quirky auction finds. The two-level restaurant is bathed in natural light, with the first-floor housing a wine cellar and dining area while the second level has a terrace.

🍸You can choose from one of 16 signature cocktails prepared table-side on a repurposed British Airways trolley.

Read more about One Pound Terraza in the July issue of Unfiltered.

Did you know the Society has a home in Mexico? Head to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society México to find out more.

25/07/2024

Are you coming to see us this summer? Our Members' Rooms have some incredible events on in August. Book your tickets now!

Tuesday 13 August - Worthy Park Rum Tasting, London Greville Street
Friday 16 & Friday 23 August - Drag me to the whisky, an evening with Ivy at Queen Street in Edinburgh
Thursday 22 August - La Masa Taco Bar tasting, Glasgow
Tuesday 27 August - Dramaste: A journey through the senses at The Vaults in Leith

🎫Book your place at these tastings and more here: https://smws.io/96fd40

20/07/2024

Where does your whisky take you? Sometimes it's just great being at home. Our own Mads was inspired by Cask No. 95.104: To accompany gardening or sketching.

"After getting to try some of this month's Outturn whiskies with Richard in the Outturn podcast, I knew this was the perfect dram for soaking up a rare bit of sun at the end of the day. Gardening, like whisky requires plenty of patience. And when both are complete, the garden provides the perfect space to reflect on this oh-so-summery dram."

Where does your whisky take you? Share your whisky destination using .

Please drink responsibly.

19/07/2024

The SMWS are headed to Germany next month for a roadshow with Society legends Olaf Meier and Andrew Park.

The duo will bring the spirit of the Vaults to six German cities. Expect loads of incredible whisky stories from Olaf's last 20 years and at least 15 different bottlings - not to mention a few surprises. The ticket price includes five drams, with the option to purchase additional drams. There will also be a bottle shop.

Sound good? Here are the dates:

• 27 August, Düsseldorf
• 28 August, Frankfurt
• 29 August, Stuttgart
• 30 August, Nürnberg
• 31 August, Dresden
• 1 September, Berlin

Head here to book your place: https://smws.io/7e5512

18/07/2024

Discover the wild journey of maturation, where oak barrels work their wizardry on whisky. From vanilla dreams to smoky surprises, learn how your favourite flavours come to life. Read more: https://smws.io/211821

16/07/2024

Which Edinburgh New Town address played a key part in the formation of the Society?

If you answered 10 Scotland Street, you've been doing your homework!

Next month, author Leslie Hills will be joined by fellow writer Val McDermid to talk about her book, 10 Scotland Street at the Edinburgh International Bookfest. The book follows the history of the house over the course of two centuries and includes an intriguing connection with The Vaults in Leith.

Head to the Edinburgh International Bookfest to get your tickets, or book your place to watch online. The event takes place at 10.30am on Friday 16 Aug at EFI Venue T.

Read the Unfiltered story from Issue 88 here: https://smws.io/e000f8

14/07/2024

Where does your whisky take you? Here's what Gavin from our SMWS HQ team had to say...

"I travelled to Silverstone with some of my family for the 2024 British Grand Prix.

I'd seen this bottle advertised in the April Outturn and knew I had to get a bottle for the event, seemed rude not to. It was an excellent accompaniment for the weekend, especially back at the campsite and in the grandstands at the track. It was occasionally hard to know where the smell from the track ended and the whisky began.

We all had a fantastic weekend, with an excellent race amidst an ever unpredictable British "Summer's" day. A big congratulations to Lewis Hamilton for an incredible win - what a competitor, but alas, a less-than-brilliant day for my beloved Ferrari. Thankfully, that's where Hamilton is heading next year!"

Where does your whisky take you? Share your destination with the hashtag

Please drink responsibly.

12/07/2024

Head to Johannesburg with the SMWS in this month's Unfiltered. Whether you’re a whisky newbie or a seasoned sipper, there’s something for everyone. Expect rare finds, fascinating stories, and plenty of good times. Whisky lovers, this is your moment - don’t miss out.

Read the story: https://smws.io/b7e908

📍 SMWS South Africa Sin+Tax WhiskyBrother Bar & Marble Johannesburg

10/07/2024

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society London at Greville Street is turning 25, and we’re ready to party! From epic tastings to hilarious stories, this place has seen it all. Curious about what makes it legendary? Dive into the new issue of Unfiltered and join the uproarious celebrations at Greville Street.

Read the story here: https://smws.io/8072db

08/07/2024

Get ready to raise a glass this summer as we celebrate our Members' Rooms with a special selection of whiskies - each carefully chosen to embody the spirit of each location and its team. As a cherry on top, we have an exquisite fifth bottling that pays tribute to the spirit of all our venues.

Join us for a series of exclusive tastings at our Members' Rooms to try all five of these extraordinary whiskies:

- The Scotch Malt Whisky Society London - Wednesday 10 July
- The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Glasgow - Thursday 18 July
- The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Queen Street - Thursday 25 July

In addition to your local exclusive, we'll have a limited stock of each exclusive bottling at all of our Members' Rooms for dramming - while they last. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience these exceptional whiskies as we celebrate our venues. See you there!

07/07/2024

Where does your whisky take you? For Unfiltered editor, Richard Goslan the answer is: cycling with a side of spot the distillery! Richard recently spent a weekend cycling the Speyside and Dava Ways. With 106 miles under his belt, it was a celebratory dram of Cask No. 41.173: Flamenco floorboard fantasy when all was said and done.

Share your destination using

Please drink responsibly.

06/07/2024

Big news at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults! There’s a new whisky guru in town and he’s ready to shake things up.Get to know the latest member of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society team, whose passion and expertise are sure to make your next dram even more delightful.

04/07/2024

Whisky journeys, special anniversaries and more - that's what's ahead in the July issue of Unfiltered.

Here are just a few of this month's stories:
🥳 We're celebrating 25 years at Greville Street with its history and your stories
🗺️Travel the world with Society whisky as we head for a night out in Johannesburg with SMWS South Africa
🥃 Visit The Scotch Malt Whisky Society México partner bar in Mexico City, One Pound Terraza

03/07/2024

With Calum away, Mads joins Richard to talk about July's Outturn whiskies in this month's Outturn podcast. Find out what you should be pouring this summer and learn about the effect that different types of casks can have on maturation.

30/06/2024

This month we're diving into the rich history and unique production process at Catoctin Creek Distillery, the first legal distillery in Loudoun County, Virginia since prohibition. Read on in the latest Unfiltered issue: https://smws.io/54b1bd

📷 Courtesy of Catoctin Creek, Butcher Photography, Firefly Imageworks, Rachel Bradley and David Buchanan

27/06/2024

If you want to know how sherry casks are crafted, the SMWS has got you sorted. Join Richard Goslan and Euan Campbell on a journey to Galicia’s oak forests and Andalucía’s cooperages to discover exactly how an oak tree turns into a whisky cask.

Read more in the latest Unfiltered issue.

🎞️ Looking for even more sherry storytelling? Watch our feature documentary Scotch & Sherry: A Flavour Odyssey over on our YouTube channel.

Last but not least, don't forget our Scotch & Sherry Tasting pack which includes three 50ml expertly chosen sherry cask-matured delights: https://smws.io/2d9d29

26/06/2024

Where does your whisky take you? Ask Society Ambassador Bob Wenting of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Benelux, and you'll find him on a Tall Ship travelling down the west coast of Scotland - all the while acting as a resident whisky guide. So far the trip has included trips to distilleries 149, 42, 29 and 33. Next stop, Distillery 51!

Share your destination using

Please drink responsibly.

22/06/2024

Curious how the SMWS comes up with its playful and eccentric bottle names? Discover the fascinating process in the latest issue of Unfiltered. Read the story here: https://smws.io/ef2832

20/06/2024

Unfiltered explores newest Society partner bar, Onyx at Maria Loretto Castle in Austria. Here you'll find 240+ whiskies curated to perfection - including plenty of Society favourites. Read more: https://smws.io/07e3a6

📍Schloss Maria Loretto am Wörthersee
📷 Tanja and Josef Photography & Film

18/06/2024

Here's a round-up of what's on at our Members' Rooms this week...

🎵 Live music: Hear it at The Vaults tonight Tuesday 18 June and at Queen Street on Wednesday 19 June. No ticket required.

🥃Guest visits: Whisky & Beer with Kernel Brewery in London (Wednesday 19th) and The Glenturret Distillery in Glasgow at Bath Street (Thursday 20th)

🦪 For the foodies: Meat & Malt at Queen Street (Wednesday 19th) with Champagne, oysters and whisky in Glasgow on Friday 21st.

Book your place now: https://smws.io/1159cb

16/06/2024

Raise a glass to dad this Father’s Day! 🥃

Our own Sonia Raineri caught up with several members in the June issue of Unfiltered as they celebrate the joy of whisky and fatherhood, a shared passion across generations. Head to the magazine for the full story.

Pictured:
Shelley Connon and her dad
Jamie Brown
Alistair Whitby and his dad Stephen
Michael Ashley and his granddaughter Elizabeth
Paul Clohosey

15/06/2024

Ever wondered what it would be like to explore Scotland's distilleries by bike? In this month's issue regular Unfiltered writer Tom Bruce-Gardyne heads on a two-wheeled Hebridean adventure from Skye to Stornoway.

Read on to learn more about the idea behind Saddle Grape & Grain tours as Tom, Aidan and our own Richard Goslan visit Torabhaig, Raasay and Harris distilleries.

📍Torabhaig Distillery, Isle of Raasay Distillery, The Isle of Harris Distillery

Please drink responsibly.

13/06/2024

Last Thursday SMWS members gathered at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults for an evening with Alba Cooperage. The exclusive gathering, led by the all-knowledgeable Jordan McRorie, provided a unique glimpse into the art of cask-making and repairing — an essential part in the creation of fine Scotch whisky.

The evening kicked off with captivating demonstrations by master coopers, who showcased the intricate process of repairing whisky casks. We were enthralled watching the coopers skillfully taking apart and reassembling oak and sherry whisky barrels in just minutes.

Even better, attendees had the rare opportunity to engage in hands-on experience by assembling a barrel themselves

For those who missed the cooperage session, keep an eye on the Society’s event pages for future opportunities. Cheers to the art of cooperage and the exceptional spirits it helps create!

12/06/2024

Our Society ambassadors are on the move bringing the Society's exclusive whisky tastings to a city near you every month.

Head to the 'upcoming events' section on our page for all the details on our upcoming stops and how to snag a spot at these coveted tastings.

These tastings are open to members and non-members. 🥃

10/06/2024

Raise a Glass this Father’s Day!

Get ready to celebrate Dad in style with our exclusive Father’s Day Tasting Pack. Introducing the “A DRAM GOOD DAD” Whisky Trio – a handpicked selection of single malt whiskies that promises an unforgettable journey through diverse styles and rich flavours.

Each bottle in this trio showcases exceptional craftsmanship, making it the perfect gift for any whisky enthusiast.

Our exclusive Father’s Day offer is available to both members and non-members. To ensure your gift arrives in time for the big day, place your order by June 12th.

Plus, download our Father’s Day digital card to add a personalised message and make your gift extra special.

Make this Father’s Day one to remember!

MEMBER: https://smws.com/a-dram-good-dad/

NON-MEMBER: https://smws.com/a-dram-good-dad-non-member/

Address

87 Giles Street
Edinburgh
EH66BZ

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4:45pm
Tuesday	9am - 4:45pm
Wednesday	9am - 4:45pm
Thursday	9am - 4:45pm
Friday	9am - 4:45pm

Telephone

+441315552929

Website

https://smws.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Scotch Malt Whisky Society UK posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Videos

New month, new Unfiltered. Here's what's ahead... 🍸Explore new cocktails from our Members' Rooms in our summer serve shake-up 🥃 Hear from SMWS Alumnus Georgie Crawford about her whisky journey 🥳 Get ready for the Gathering and find out how to take part.

Get ready for the August Outturn with Richard, Calum and a few Society friends as we talk about what's ahead this first Friday. 📺Head over to our YouTube channel for the full podcast.

Introducing Citrus Reveries... Crafted with our friends at King’s Inch whisky, this unique Lowland distillate, matured in first-fill bourbon barrels, offers flavours of lemon and star anise posset with liquorice biscotti and chocolate chip cake with sambuca-mascarpone cream. Available now in the UK and EU.

Whisky journeys, special anniversaries and more - that's what's ahead in the July issue of Unfiltered. Here are just a few of this month's stories: 🥳 We're celebrating 25 years at Greville Street with its history and your stories 🗺️Travel the world with Society whisky as we head for a night out in Johannesburg with SMWS South Africa 🥃 Visit The Scotch Malt Whisky Society México partner bar in Mexico City, One Pound Terraza

Summer dramming & journeys in oak | The July Outturn Podcast

Have you pondered the meaning of life over The Philosopher's Stone?

Making sure the team at Bunnahabhain Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky make the most of Fèis week!

What's your craziest Islay story?

Did you make it to Ardbeg Distillery during Fèis Ìle?

What word would you choose? 🤔

A quick look at the magic of Bunnahabhain Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 👀

New month, new Unfiltered! Here's what you can expect this month... 🚲Get inspired by our whisky-inspired cycling trip to the Hebrides featuring Torabhaig, Raasay and Harris distilleries 🏰 Read all about our latest partner bar, Onyx, located in a real-life castle on the edge of Austria’s Wörthersee lake 🥃Take a visit to Catoctin Creek distillery in Virginia There's plenty ahead with stories about our whisky community in Singapore and more on scotch and sherry as we head from the forests of Galicia to the cooperages of Jerez. Dive into Issue 94 - out now!

Our June Outturn lands on Friday and after watching this video you might have a few questions... Why are Richard and Calum wearing hi-vis? What's the chat about the haggis? And most importantly: what should you buy your dad for Father's Day? Head on over to our YouTube channel for the answers to all these questions and more. June Outturn lands Friday 7 June at 9am.

Giving away free whisky samples on Islay without talking, part two! 🥃

Giving away free whisky samples at Bunnahabhain Distillery without talking 🤐

Taking in the views at Ardnahoe Distillery during Fèis Íle. #Whisky #Scotch #islay #islaywhisky #scotland #visitscotland

The big Sm'oak on Islay 🥃

What's your favourite Society bottle name? #Whisky #Scotch #islay

What's the difference between bourbon whiskey and Scotch whisky? #Scotch #Bourbon #Whisky #whiskey

Shortcuts

Our Story

Like our intriguingly named whiskies, we’re all different, and we all have our own personality. But we are united and constant in our passion – to share the world’s best whiskies, to bring them to life, and to make you proud to belong to the world’s most colourful whisky club.

All our whiskies are bottled at cask strength and are not subjected to chill filtration or any other interference, so members can enjoy their dram as if it were straight from the cask. The net result is bottlings that often surprise, as well as delight, and which accurately reflect the remarkable variety in the craft of distillation, as well as the infinite complexities of wood, spirit and time, which can only be uncovered in a single cask bottling.

Like our whiskies, our 27,000 members are all together unique. All joining options provide 12 months of membership and contain your membership card and lapel badge, your first copy of Unfiltered and other welcome material. Click here to browse membership

An unconventional club has unconventional beginnings. The Society’s started when our founder Pip Hills stumbled upon the delights of whisky drawn straight from the cask – undiluted and unadulterated. That was in the 1970s, when the whisky industry establishment considered such a spirit too quirky and challenging for delicate palates. Overlooked and unappreciated, it had been left to languish in warehouses across the country, unknown to the wider public. Pip shared his discovery when those experts said there was no demand for it and watched as word of mouth spread. In 1983 he and his pals formed The Scotch Malt Whisky Society to share whisky in is purest form, and unite those of you with a passion for flavour, for variety, for fun….and for not always doing as you’re told.