THE SOCIETY EXPERIMENTS WITH BOTANICALS TO INVIGORATE THEIR FLORAL COCKTAIL OFFERING

SMWS CREATES A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL MENU INSPIRED BY FRESH BOTANICALS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has teamed up with Dr Greg Kenicer of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and world-renowned mixologist, Jason Scott to explore how fresh plants can enhance the flavour of whisky cocktails.

Inspired by the summer plants that grow in our gardens and wild forests, Greg and Jason have created cocktails that explore the more delicate and floral notes within The Society’s outturn whiskies.

Dr Greg Kenicer is an expert botanist and lecturer at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden and is the critically acclaimed author of the Scottish Plant Lore and Plant Magic.

Having been part of The Royal Botanic Garden for over 20 years, Greg has a keen interest in traditional plant uses, as well as the diversity and evolution of the pea family.

Through complementing and contrasting edible flowers and exciting mixers, the cocktails feature rich botanical ingredients that include fresh lavender, a key component of rich Mediterranean habitats and Scottish gorse, which brings a subtle flavour of coconut to any cocktail.

Dr Greg Kenicer, said: “I am delighted to be working with Jason and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society on this exciting and unique project.

“When it comes to enhancing and developing cocktail flavours, there is so much out there for drink makers and bartenders to explore from the botanical kingdom. Many of these plants can be grown in a garden or even a window box, or you can find them at your local supermarkets.

“Since the Stone Age, botanicals and fresh plants have been used as compounds to enhance the flavour of drinks. It’s really exciting to see mixologists across the world continuing this ancient legacy, and also innovating in so many creative ways.”

Adding his thoughts, Jason Scott of Bramble bar and Lucky Liquor Co. said: “Whisky’s botanical heart and the vast range of flavour profiles available mean there are a host of botanical ingredients that complement whisky inspired cocktails.

“After visiting The Botanics and meeting up with Greg, it’s been a journey of fun and discovery to create these fantastic floral cocktails. I’m confident whisky and flower lovers alike will adore this summer cocktail menu.”

The signature cocktails will be available at SMWS Bath Street, Queen Street and Greville Street from Friday 11th June. Non-members are also welcome to attend Queen Streets’ Kaleidoscope Bar and can visit both Bath Street and Greville Street venues on Tuesday evenings, by booking online or by phone.

To celebrate the signature cocktail menu, the SMWS will also be hosting an event on the 29th of June, at their Queen Street venue.

Cocktail list:

Queen Street, Edinburgh – Joy & Sorrel

The Joy & Sorrel features vibrant fuchsia flowers with a taste of citrus lemon and sweet sorrel syrup.

Bath Street, Glasgow – Melancholy Crush

This refreshing julep combines an elegantly fruity and herbal dram with fresh mint, lemon and Angostura Bitters.

Greville Street, London – Four Seasons

This London inspired violet Penicillin, features a 2008 Speyside distilled whisky combined with ingredients that include fresh lavender, finished in an old-fashioned glass.

Bottled – Flaming Primrose

Garnished with a primrose flower, this vibrant blood-red cocktail incorporates infused gorse Campari and Sweet Vermouth with an 8-year-old single malt, an oily and coastal whisky.

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About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 27,000 members and branches around the world
• The SMWS bottles rare single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society bottles single malts, unique single casks and exclusive blends
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 140 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 single malt whiskies every month

The Society offers a variety of membership packages that can be tailored. Please see https://cutt.ly/RnT8ZDQ

For more information about the Society, visit https://cutt.ly/UnQtmAA

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