Longmorn 1968 SMWS 38 Year Old 7.39

In an exciting development, Whisky Auctioneer, the leading global online spirits auction platform, is set to feature several compelling Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America US import bottlings in its May 2024 Auction, currently live and ending on Monday June 10th, 2024. These offerings include releases from esteemed whisky brands like Macallan, promising a true exploration of Scotch whisky preferences in the US market. Other exciting bottlings include:

• Whisky from lost grain distilleries including Caledonian, Cambus & Carsbridge
• Rarely seen among independent bottlers – releases including whisky from Glenkinchie, Glencraig, Cragganmore, Glenmorangie, Kilchoman & Talisker

More info on the bottlings available can be found here.

We also have an interview carried out with Alan Shayne, the founder of Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America where his insights can provide valuable context on the society’s history, its evolution into a global entity, and further details on the exclusive bottlings showcased in the May auction.

An early version of the Society Logo

Alan Shayne founded the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America (SMWS) in the US, bringing the international private membership club to American shores and with it some of Scotland’s finest whisky. We sat down with him to discuss that journey…

First of all, can you tell us a bit about SMWS?

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a prestigious, international, private membership club, whose members are discerning enthusiasts of the finest single cask, cask strength, single malt Scotch whisky.

How did you first encounter SMWS?

My first encounter with the Society was in 1993 when an industry associate introduced me to Mr. Philip “Pip” Hills, the founder of the Society.

There are many whisky clubs in the US and throughout the world – what drew you to the SMWS in particular?

At the time there were no other “whisky clubs” in the USA. I was particularly attracted to the Society because they were the real thing! They were a members’ club that one was pleased to pay to join, because of the quality of the whisky and the ethos and integrity of the organization.

How did the SMWS start in the USA? Was there initially big interest or was it a challenge?

We launched the Society in America, with the understanding that US regulations regarding beverage alcohol were challenging, in respect to offering our whiskies to members only. Having figured it out with the help of the best liquor attorneys, I inherently knew this was a great opportunity. When the Forbes Magazine family heard of what I was doing and we formed a strategic alliance. They published articles about us, which resulted in a demand for memberships, beginning the journey. The challenges were many, however we overcame them, membership grew and we created the first national series of whisky tastings of Single Malt Scotch throughout the country, The Whisky Extravaganza, focusing on the entire category. Naturally, many attendee’s chose to join The Society.

How has that evolved today?

Although I no longer serve in a business capacity with the Society, I’m pleased to participate in Society members events . The Society continues to grow and now offers its members, fine spirits at cask strength, from
other categories of distilled spirits.

How is whisky selected for SMWS America? Are there trends we wouldn’t be familiar with in Scotland?

The Society selects casks in the original manner, by our tasting committee, who blindly tastes the malts we have access to. Once selected, for the most part, a portion of those casks are offered to each branch throughout the world.

Do you have a most memorable whisky moment?

Fortunately, I’ve had a great many whisky moments. The one I recall most vividly was when Pip invited me to visit The Society in the UK. My first stop was London, to attend a members tasting at the Plaza Athenea. I t blew my mind to see members interactions with each other and then purchase bottles of the tasted whiskies at the event. We then traveled to various coastal distilleries on a very old trawler. After enjoying a tour of the Springbank Distillery in Campbelltown and a lovely dinner at local pub afterward, we headed back to the boat. There was a raging storm in progress and I suggested we sleep dockside on the boat. Having been overruled, we set sail for Islay. It was a very scary experience, so I went below deck and consumed a good amount of a Society Caol Ila bottling, then passing out. Awakening at daybreak, I put on a pot of strong coffee, went above deck and encountered a cold and shivering crew. I sent them below, and maneuvered the boat to the harbor at Port Ellen. We docked the boat and enjoyed a warm, welcoming traditional Scottish breakfast and went on to visit a number of Islay’s foremost distilleries.

What do you find most exciting in the world of whisky at the moment?

The most exciting thing about whisky today is that those new to experience, are still attracted to the category despite the continual changes that occur. American Bourbon, over the past 20 years has been quite the rage on our side of the ocean. I’ve been in the industry for over half a century and changes are constant. The goal of whisky enthusiasts is to sample expressions from all the categories. Yet somehow, a great many will revert back to Scotch whiskies, as their flavors, unique characteristics, and cultural connections remain most alluring. Whisky is far more than a drink, it’s an opportunity for camaraderie, to connect and share experiences with likeminded people.

An incredible selection of SMWS US import bottles are available in our May 2024 Auction, offering the chance to explore US taste in Scotch whisky.