Cleopatra’s bath time, Cerealism, Delicate masculinity, Drink me you swine!, Thatcher’s tea break, Umami heaven, Sassy lassie in a leather skirt… Like the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s many bottles, we are all unique and different, but united by our interest in whisky. I paid a visit to the SMWS’s latest members-only venue in Glasgow to […]
The Scottish Rum Boom
When you think of Scotland’s spirits scene, whisky and gin are the first that come to mind. Rum, however, is probably the last thing you would expect from the northern European country. But Scotland, especially Glasgow, has a long history of rum. When sailors introduced rum to the UK in the 17th century, the spirit […]
What Is Sweet Vermouth and How to Drink It
Sweet vermouth is a fortified wine that has been aromatised with a range of botanicals. It is also known as red vermouth (vermouth rosso) due to its colour or as Italian vermouth due to its origin. Today, sweet vermouths aren’t just limited to Italy. In the 16th century in Piedmont, a shopkeeper known as Alessio […]
The Beginner’s Guide to Scotch Whisky
Too often I hear someone say they’re interested in getting into scotch whisky but find the whole category intimidating. There are too many things you need to take into consideration or just a lot of choice to know where to start. With this guide to scotch whisky I wanted to cover some basics to help […]
Highland Park Distillery
Highland Park distillery has been in (legitimate) operation since 1798 and has always remained in the original spot where Magnus Eunson, a direct descendant of the Vikings, ran his illicit distilling production. At one point, the distillery was called High Park due to its location, overlooking Kirkwall. High enough to see the taxman’s arrival! The […]
Sharing Whisky with Friends
Winter months really call for whisky, don’t you think? Not only will a wee dram warm you from inside out, but it will also bring friends together. During this dark and cold season, we should make more time for friends and family, as everyone needs a bit of cheering up in winter. What better way […]
The Best Scottish Gins by Women in the Gin Biz
The Scottish gin category is growing so fast it is hard to keep up! Scotland’s gin-producing areas can be separated into six different regions, and between them they boast over 70 distilleries and hundreds of different gins. It’s impossible to sample them all, so I decided to ask some of my fellow gin enthusiasts for […]
A Must-Visit Whisky Bar in Edinburgh
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.
Which Whisky Character Are You? (+ How to Participate in Virtual Tasting with SMWS)
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 […]