Once upon a time the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) were in India… briefly in 2013… However thanks to convoluted rules, it became impossible hence SMWS drams come only personal import.

For me, the SMWS took on a near ‘mythic’ quality. I would delight in their titles and the sometimes hilarious tasting notes.

Now that I am living in Europe, I no longer have such limitations of Indian customs… True there are different ones, particularly with Brexit first making a mess of smooth shipments from Scotland followed by a complete stop of direct imports from the UK, however, there remain all sorts of options.

Somehow, SMWS just hasn’t made its way so readily into the mix…

Today, I happened to be feeling a bit nostalgic so thought to share a summary of a few SMWS drams past… Curious if others have tried and had other opinions??

Cragganmore

• SMWS 37.85 “Eastern Promise” 14 year (2002) 56.8% – A Bombay Malt & Cigar night, more of an appetizer than full meal deal style whisky

Glenfarclas

• SMWS 1.208 “Long Conversations by the crackling log fire” 21 year (5 March 1997) 54.3% – From a special evening in Berlin! Quite a marvel, sweet, tart, spice with a full burst of rich Sherry flavours – a proper sherry bomb!

Glenlossie

• SMWS 46.74 “Orchard perambulations” 21 year (18 September 1997) 54.4% – Tasted side-by-side with the Glenfarclas. Pucker up for a berry burst, a delicious treat!

Glenrothes

• SMWS 30.94 “Riding a duck bareback up Mount Etna” 9 year (2007) 64.5% – Left the impression of a BIG bold whisky with tremendous complexity

Laphroaig

• SMWS 29.216 “Moonlight night at the beach” 20 year (26 Nov 1996) 51.9% – Also part of the Bombay Malt & Cigar night, enjoying its sweet smoke
• SMWS 29.229 “Harmonious balance” 19 year (13 May 1998) 55.2% – From a rather remarkable evening in Dubai… Definitely “up there” is one of the better Laphroaig’s I’ve had!

Mortlach

• SMWS 76.131 “Totally Tastylicious” 15 year (2001) 57.8% – An aptly named dram – fabulous nose that kept evolving and truly tasty

Strathclyde

• SMWS G10.10 “Busy buzzing bees” 38 years (23 Nov 1977) 49.6% – Also from a Dubai evening, a distinctive grain – peppery, vanilla, cedar wood, and lavender

What fun revisiting through tasting notes evenings enjoyed, exploring expressions from the creative folks behind the Scotch Malt Whisky Society!

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