OFFER: 35th Anniversary Scotch Malt Whisky Society Virtual Tasting

In celebration of their 35th Anniversary, Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) have launched a Limited-Edition Discovery Pack containing five hand-selected whiskies, which Master Brand Ambassador John McCheyne, will be introducing in a tasting at The Vaults on 24 September and, for this first time ever, you can join him, no matter where you are in the world!!!

WHAT ARE YOU ON ABOUT?

On Monday, 24 September, Master Brand Ambassador, John McCheyne, will host a very special virtual tasting at The Vaults. He will introduce five hand-selected Society drams, each with a different flavour profile, in the first ever global Virtual Tasting! In the lead up to this, SMWS is running a once-in-a-lifetime membership offer, giving Sated’s readers the chance to join the world-renowned members’ club and take part in the tasting from the comfort of their home with their very own Limited Edition 35th Anniversary Tasting Pack at the discounted price of £89. But hurry, this offer ends on 19th September. Find out all about SMWS and what membership entails here.

OFFER: 35th Anniversary Scotch Malt Whisky Society Virtual Tasting

How do I Join?

Simple. Grab a Discovery Pack here and log on to www.facebook.com/thesmwsuk at 7pm on the 24th to take part in the tasting from the comfort of your home. Join us on your own or with a group of friends, it’s up to you! Either way you can get involved in the conversation and share photos of your tasting experience using #SWMSat35

What Will I be Drinking?

So, what’s in these tasting packs?! We thought you’d never ask. We were lucky enough to have the chance to taste these wee drams and, by Christ they’re good!

TASTING NOTES: 35th Anniversary Scotch Malt Whisky Society Limited-Edition Discovery Pack

 

OFFER: 35th Anniversary Scotch Malt Whisky Society Virtual Tasting

135.6 – Cones versus Crones

HighlandSpicy & Dry; 10 years old; 57.1%; 2nd Fill Hogshead Ex-Bourbon

Cone versus Crone 35th Anniversary Scotch Malt Whisky Society Virtual Tasting

The Nose

This is a dram with a dual personality. The nose is easy, bright and welcoming with vanilla, sweet candy and wild flowers, whilst the taste…

The Taste

…is densely herbal with black liquorice, roots, black pepper and wasabi heat. A sweetness comes through with the addition of a few drops of water, tempering the bitter elements and creating a much more balanced palate with its mix of sugar, ginger spice and all things nice.

63.49 – In the Dark of the Abyss

Speyside; Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits; 11 years old; 60.6%; Refill Butt Ex-Oloroso

Into the Dark Abyss 35th Anniversary Scotch Malt Whisky Society Virtual Tasting

The Nose

Reminiscent of playing hide-and-seek, hidden in an Autumn pantry, surrounded by the rich, warming smell of ripened figs, dried dates, walnuts and dark chocolate. You can’t see it because of the darkness but a Christmas pudding mix can definitely be smelt.

The Taste

Olorosso flavours mingle with juicy orange liqueur and boozy Christmas pud fruit to create a boisterous affair with prickles of nutmeg and ginger spice. Water brings the orange out further, overtaking the woodiness of the walnut and strong oak influence. This a beaut of a cold weather dram, best enjoyed by a fireplace underneath far too many blankets.

93.94 – The Final Trawl

Campeltown; Oily & Coastal; 15 years old; 56.8%; Refill Barrel Ex-Bourbon

The Final Trawl 35th Anniversary Scotch Malt Whisky Society Virtual Tasting

The Nose

What a weird one! Notes of freshly grated lemon rind enter the nose at the same times as engine oil and coal-covered sage. Weirder still is that the smell is actually pleasant!

The Taste

Lemon is the predominant flavour here with a touch of liquorice and a dusting of ash. An almost minty smoke comes through as water is added, with coastal influences and a distant memory of peat not far off. Certainly an unusual dram, it is a definite to try, even if only to baffle your senses.

35.214 – Without Pretence

Speyside; Sweet, Fruity & Mellow; 22 years old; 55.7%; 1st Fill Barrel Ex-Bourbon

Without Pretense 35th Anniversary Scotch Malt Whisky Society Virtual Tasting

The Nose

Honest and vivacious with an undeniable streak of wholehearted ridiculousness, this is a dram that can’t contain its own excitement. Heaps of creamy vanilla and soft heather fudge are bound in harmony with sandalwood and apricot turnovers. A clean and fresh vibe filled the room, reminiscent of unexpected sunshine after a rainy morning.

The Taste

Warm, creamy and sweet: vanilla custard joins popcorn and pastry before concluding in nutmeg spice and peppercorn sauce. With water, a whiff of fresh peppermint leaves arrives and the healthy dose of oak presence plops itself down for good.

29.249 – Sweet Black Tea in the Surgery

Islay; Heavily Peated; 21 years old; 48.6%; 2nd Fill Hogshead Ex-Pedro Ximenez

Sweet Black Tea in the surgery 35th Anniversary Scotch Malt Whisky Society Virtual Tasting

The Nose

Medicinal at first, the nose develops into black tea and rosemary with a hint of wine.

The Taste

Rich, sweet and earthy, with dry sauna wood thickness, sweet strong black tea, dried mixed fruits, salted black liquorice, charred wood and leather. Adding water brings a sweeter, gentler, wine-like taste with aromas of rich honey, plums and old leather. Gorgeously smoky and sweet to taste with a lingering finish thanks to the 19 years it spent waiting for you in an ex-bourbon hogshead, this is a true pleasure to drink.

 

Want to join in on the booze-nerd fun?! Buy membership and the 35th Anniversary Scotch Malt Whisky Society Virtual Tasting Discovery Pack + Membership at the Special Offer price of £89 here!

Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is an international members’ club offering the world’s widest collection of rare and exceptional single cask whiskies to discerning whisky lovers. Find out more about the club and what membership entails here.

Bottle shots: Rupert Housden