In November we are celebrating Old Fashioned Week (1-10th Nov) so I thought it would be a good time to share some history. As with many classic cocktails, the history of the Old Fashioned cocktail is rather messy, but this is what we know. Old Fashioned started as Whisky Cocktail. In the early 1800s Whisky […]
Below you will find a crash course on single malt whisky production. By using pictures of each step, I want to give you a better understanding of the full process.
There are many factors that contribute to the final flavour of whisky. In Scotland the spirit must mature in casks for a minimum of three years before it is legally allowed to be called whisky. In this time the spirit will be heavily influenced by the cask it’s been in, therefore it is important to […]
Whether you love whisky or are just getting into it, this venue is a great place to enjoy a dram or two. Located in the centre of Edinburgh in a beautiful Victorian building, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar is open to all. Join in a group tasting or private party or simply just pop in for an after-work drink.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is feeling festive this month and they’d like to invite you to take part in their Whisky with Character celebrations. Throughout May, SMWS is celebrating the wonderful diversity of its whisky along with the colourful characters of its members. If you can’t attend in person, the Society is hosting its […]
Would you believe me if I told you, you can taste the difference in the spirit depending on where the barley comes from and how it has been grown? Barley is barley, right? Don’t think so! The fact is, even two farms next door to each other can produce quite different barley. The importance of […]
Scotland can be divided into six different whisky regions: Speyside, Lowlands, Highlands, Islands, Campbeltown and Islay. Each region has an unique flavour profile, although, as always, there are exceptions to every rule. It is also good to remember these are simply guidelines, not regulations. Overall, Scotland has around 133 whisky distilleries, and some 30 new […]
I started this year with a resolution to explore the world of whiskies, and one of the first groups to help out was the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), so there is no better way to end the year than another whisky tasting with the SMWS! The society has recently opened a new venue for […]
Remember, remember the fifth of November…