Maltstock 2024

Relaxed autumn news

Maltstock 2023 was a big succes and it shows. Our guests were happier than before, we won an award and sold more early bird tickets than ever before!

With little less than a year before our 15th anniversary we thought it would be a good idea to give you a little heads-up!

Bob, Klaas, Stan, Teun

As mentioned we have sold a record number of early Bird tickets! But fear not, we still have plenty tickets available. It is humbling though and a great compliment that our guests appreciate Maltstock to the point that they not only give us high appreciation figures in the survey, but also pay for a ticket a year in advance! Thank you for that! We are looking forward to celebrating our 15th anniversary with you relaxed people!

So feel free to join the relaxed fun. Simply get your ticket here: https://www.maltstock.com/shop

A WHISKI Christmas

Indulge in a magical Christmas at Whiski!

This year, we present not one, but two enchanting venues for you to choose from – Whiski Bar in the middle of the Royal MIle and Whiski Rooms on the Mound, both in the heart of historic Edinburgh. Our passionate chefs have spared no effort in curating an extraordinary Christmas menu, sourcing the finest ingredients from Scotland’s abundant larder to ensure a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Explore our mouthwatering menus below and let your taste buds guide you to your perfect Christmas celebration.

Whiski Rooms

Celebrate the festive season in style with Whiski Rooms Christmas menu. Great for groups and parties with stunning view over the Mound to Princes Street – we look forward to welcoming you.

See Whiski Rooms Xmas menu

Whiski Bar & Restaurant

Celebrate the festivities with us in the Royal Mile at Whiski Bar. We can cater for groups and will ensure your party goes with a bang. With live music every night, we have it all going on to make your celebration a fabulous one.

See Whiski Bar’s Xmas Menu

SHOP FOR GIFTS ONLINE

Struggling for a great gift? Browse our online web shop for a fantastic range of over 500 whiskies, gift hampers and Scottish gifts, all can be delivered or pop in and see us in our dedicated shop adjoining the Whiski Rooms .

SHOP NOW

GIFT VOUCHERS

Our gift vouchers make great gifts, so versatile and can be use din all three of our Whiski Venues so take your pick from Whiski Bar with its live music every night to the romantic Whiski Rooms or indulge in a delicious whisky tasting in our shop or just buy a bottle of something tasty with your gift voucher – we ‘ve got it covered.

Buy Gift Vouchers & Experiences here

BECOME AN AMERICAN SINGLE MALT EXPERT

Embark on a thrilling journey into the world of American single malt whisky, where tradition meets innovation, and a tantalizing adventure awaits. Featured in Whisky Advocate, our course is not just any course; it’s the definitive resource worldwide, offering an unparalleled deep dive into this exciting new whisky category.

Designed for whisky aficionados, spirits distributors, retailers, and industry professionals, this course is your gateway to mastering every aspect of American single malt whisky. From its history to the meticulous production techniques employed by the top distilleries, you’ll gain expert knowledge of this evolving and dynamic spirit.

The program covers the following topics:

• Defining American single malt
• Comparing American single malt to other single malts
• Regional production approaches
• Production methods
• Cask selection and influence
• The science and art of blending and vatting whisky
• Guide to understand and read whisky labels
• Tasting and appreciation of American single malt whisky

But that’s not all! Join us, and you’ll uncover the secrets of our Courage & Conviction American single malt whisky’s distinctive flavor profiles, and explore the nuances that set it apart from its counterparts. Immerse yourself in tasting sessions and experiences that will ignite your passion for this exceptional spirit.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to become a true connoisseur and a pioneer in the world of whisky. Enroll today and discover why our course is the unrivaled authority on American single malt whisky.

ENROLL HERE

We visited the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown!

We visited the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown! In the first episode of Whisky Magazine and American Whiskey Magazine’s Kentucky tour, Christopher and Maggie take in the world-famous bourbon whiskey festival in Bardstown

Bardstown’s Kentucky Bourbon Festival was recently reinvented and now offers whiskey enthusiasts more than ever before.

From unlimited pours of a diverse range of whiskey styles to festival-exclusive barrel picks and masterclasses to live music, the festival is a true bucket-list event for whiskey enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and collectors.

Distillers old and new, commercial and crafty were all in attendance at the 2023 show, pouring for attendees who had flown in from all over the United States and beyond. Now a true destination event, we sent Whisky Magazine’s editor-at-large Christopher Coates and American Whiskey Magazine’s contributing editor Maggie Kimberl to learn more.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel now!

WATCH NOW

Get ready for a bigger and better
Whisky Live London 2024

The moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here! We’re thrilled to announce that tickets for Whisky Live London 2024 are now available for purchase! But wait, there’s more! We want to share the excitement with you by offering an exclusive 15% early bird discount on our Whisky Live Classic Experience tickets. That’s right, you get to enjoy unlimited whisky while saving at the same time! This is a limited-time offer, so be sure to book your tickets and secure your place today!

Book your tickets now and avoid disappointment.

BOOK NOW

Make sure to get involved with the events happening at the Society this October! It’s one thing to enjoy a dram in your own home. But Society whisky comes to life when it’s shared with fellow members, guests and our expert and entertaining SMWS ambassadors.

VIEW ALL EVENTS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

It’s official – we’ve really gone and done it!

We wanted to share the fantastic news that GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ has officially validated our world record attempt, so The Scotch Malt Whisky Society now holds the record for the most participants in an online whisky tasting event – the final number being 447, as some attendees had to be discounted due to the strict regulations.

We are absolutely delighted that our members from more than 15 countries including the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, South Africa, Hong Kong, Denmark, Switzerland, New Zealand, Mexico, Taiwan and Korea were able to achieve this during our 40th anniversary celebrations.

We want to extend thanks to each and every one of you who purchased the dedicated tasting pack, who registered for the event and who participated on the day.

For those of you who took part, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has ordered the winning certificate but there is also an opportunity to purchase a general certificate of participation directly from the Guinness World Records website should you wish to do so.

Congratulations!

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Sherry Cask Exclusives from The Whisky Exchange

PX marks the Spot

On Thursday 26 October, our own Billy Abbott will be hosting a tasting of Sherry Cask Exclusives from The Whisky Exchange at our Great Portland Street store. This tasting will feature our Lagavulin 1991 Cask of Distinction alongside some other highlights from our range of exclusives.

Billy is an award-winning drinks communicator passionate about all things whisky and this is a great way to discover more about this incredible style.

Sherry cask-aged whiskies are some of the most exciting and most celebrated of drams, and at The Whisky Exchange we are fortunate to have an incredible selection of exclusives. These range from more traditional examples which balance barley, warming spice and dried fruit, classic peat and sherry combos and more contemporary examples which are pushing the boundaries of flavour. On Thursday 26 October, Billy Abbott will be hosting a tasting at our Great Portland Street store featuring our Lagavulin 1991 Cask of Distinction to celebrate these brilliant drinks.

⁠Book now 

The Details
Venue: The Whisky Exchange Great Portland Street
90-92 Great Portland Street
London
W1W 7NT
Date: 26 October 2023
Time: 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Price: £75

Book now

Recommendations for Top Whisky Distillery Centres

Glenfiddich – the first distillery to open a visitor centre to the public in 1969

Benriach – one of the most flavoursome experiences, featuring a bar, tasting lounge and retail space, visitors are encouraged to discover Benriach’s rich creative heritage which dates back to 1898

Nc’Nean – the greenest distillery – This pioneering whisky is not only making a big impression in the whisky industry, but is leading the way in sustainability in the spirit industry. Nc’nean is committed to the smallest environmental footprint, and has created a certified organic whisky that is made in a distillery powered by 100% renewable energy and bottled in a 100% recycled clear glass bottle, a first in the spirit industry in the UK.

GlenDronach – One of Scotland’s oldest licensed distilleries, The GlenDronach has long been established as the home of rich and characterful Single Malt Scotch Whisky, slowly matured in Spanish sherry casks. Inspired by this rich heritage and traditional craft, the enhanced visitor’s centre offers a new tasting room, whisky bar, lounge area and retail space. The experience even includes a selection of two distillery-exclusive Hand Fills which give GlenDronach connoisseurs a rare opportunity to personally fill, seal, label and sign their own cask strength bottle of The GlenDronach from a choice of two sherry casks.

Glen Moray – Glen Moray is a small authentic working distillery with bags of atmosphere and real people.  The popular visitor centre offers a range of distillery tours and tastings as well as a coffee shop and gift shop.

Port of Leith – has opened its tour bookings and reveals first-look images of the finished interior ahead of opening to the public on Wednesday October 11th.

Why learn about whisky?

I’ll give it a good go, but I don’t think you’ll ever get to the bottom of knowing every single thing there is to know about whisky!” Ever wondered why whisky is such a rich and worthwhile topic for study? We brought together a group of whisky experts and asked them why they love to learn more and more.

Learn More

A definition up for discussion?

Did you know that the current definition of single pot still whiskey does not accurately reflect the historical mashbills distilled across Ireland over the last two hundred years? Matt Healy (Certificate in Irish Whiskey teacher) highlights the upcoming public consultation period and the benefits that a potential change in definition would bring.

Learn More

Let’s talk about… barley

Make sense of how barley – a cereal packed with starch – is used by distillers in the Scotch whisky production process in this barley explainer video from one of our whisky lecturers, Vic Cameron.

Learn More

The Scotch whisky distilleries using worm tub condensers

Shell and tube condensers are modern, easier to repair/replace and thought to provide better copper contact than traditional worm tub condensers. Some distilleries do still use the worm tubs, however, and maintain that they affect the characteristics of their spirit (texturally complex, meaty and sulphury are the typical notes given).

Learn More

See you in November?

Huge thanks to the terrific candidates who joined us for a packed week of Diploma courses at Arniston House last week. It’s always a pleasure to teach such enthusiastic learners from around the globe. The November Diploma in Single Malt Whisky course (Thu 16 & Fri 17) is your last chance to join us in-person to study this year. So come along and earn your SQA-certified whisky diploma – our highest award – with us in spectacular surroundings with 15 likeminded Scotch whisky lovers.

Learn More