Scotch Malt Whisky Society Membership Packs 

A Matter of Taste

The latest evolution of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society Membership pack marks the 5th iteration of the pack’s design and development in partnership with IPL Packaging over its several years of affiliation with the world’s leading whisky club.

“We’re understandably proud to have, once again, designed and developed a structural packaging solution for the SMWS Tasting Pack, creating a robust MDF box containing rigid board drawers, to which we applied the client’s branding,” comments LB Odendaal, Head of Design at IPL.

“As with previous configurations of the pack, we looked to combine innovation, functional minimalism and design to help heighten the user experience,” says Odendaal. “Designing a complete unveiling process that begins with mapping out the layers of engagement; including first contact, reveal, product extraction and post extraction, resulting in a memorable and tactile interface which enhances the final product and delivers a memorable user experience.”

The outer pack is wrapped in soft-touch paper and features gold foil and spot-varnished brand details to provide a luxurious, contrasting look. A PU leather carry-handle at top of the pack allows for ease of transport.

The box inner features suede lining on the main body, flocked EVA product fitments and silk ribbon pull-tabs.

In the first drawer sits a paper-wrapped product card with detailed brand information and a membership booklet that conceals three 10cl whisky taster bottles located in flocked EVA fitments

The second drawer of the pack contains flocked EVA fitments designed to hold two tasting glasses and a water jug.

 “IPL Packaging has a unique perspective and a proven process for generating fresh design concepts in luxury packaging. The innovation behind these concepts is often based on longstanding relationships developed over many years of being trusted creative and manufacturing partners to our clients and developing a deeper understanding of their brands,” says Odendaal.

IPL PACKAGING A MATTER OF TASTE

Peat Fans Take Notice—A 20-Year, Age-Stated Stunner for a Song
1997 Ledaig 20 Year Old “Munros” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Unchillfiltered Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky 

NOTE: In accordance with local directives, our walk-in retail locations are currently closed. We have low cost and free delivery options available in ZIP codes where we can ship lawfully, including anywhere in California. We can also include any new or existing will call orders in your delivery batch. Choose local delivery at checkout to learn if you qualify.

The latest stellar find from our K&L Exclusive Cask program is one that no aficionado of peat should pass on. Ledaig is a hidden gem for that classic peated malt profile, and over the years we’ve made plenty of Ardbeg and Laphroaig devotees very happy by turning them on to this largely unsung label distilled at Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. We scored three numbered barrels of the very rare 1997 Ledaig 20 Year Old, bottled under the Glasgow Whisky Company’s Munros brand, from one of our trusty suppliers at an unbelievable price, which makes this one of the can’t-miss whisky offers of the year (so far). While an abundance of smoky, charred overtones and cask-strength weight define this Islay malt, there’s also a remarkably broad-ranging complexity capped by the signature Ledaig hallmark of a briny, salty piquancy that lends a singular stylistic flair to what is otherwise a tried-and-true smoke bomb. This 20-year peat monster offers all the stunning character one could expect from a whisky with this much age, but it won’t set you back nearly as much as comparable bottlings from the larger production brands. Fans and collectors of heavily peated Scotch whisky owe it to themselves to get their hands on this once-in-a-blue-moon expression, because when it’s gone it’s unlikely we’ll see it again, and certainly not for less than triple digits..

1997 Ledaig 20 Year Old “Munros” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Unchillfiltered Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($99.99)

The Munros are Scotland’s tallest peaks, all over 3000 feet, named for Sir Hugh Munro, who first compiled a list of Scotland’s 282 tallest individual mountain peaks. Becoming somewhat of an obsession for the UK’s mountaineering crowd, the Munros in Scottish culture represent the spirit of adventure and comradery that mountain climbing embodies. This tiny brand of high-quality single malts is bottled by the Glasgow Whiskey Company. Their US importer sadly passed away a few years ago and the stocks languished in a warehouse on the East Coast until one of our trusted suppliers came across them. This excellent cask strength offering is a vatting of three sequentially numbered American oak ex-bourbon hogheads filled at the Tobermory distillery on May Day 1997. Ledaig is the heavily peated spirit that comes out of the wonderful distillery on the Isle of Mull. The idiosyncratic style has won fans across the malt drinking world, but the relative rarity of this small production malt has pushed up prices recently. We are very lucky to have found these barrels at pre-tariff 2016 prices and bought every single bottle we could find.

Will Blakely | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 20, 2020

Fans of proper peat rejoice! All the rich, mossy earth and iodine and charcoal briquette you know and love are here in an impossibly well-priced package. While the malt is definitely the star of the show, boasting a golden char that brings sultana and citrus peel up from the peaty depths, that smoke is no joke. Dark chocolate full of chunky sea salt, seaweed and green leaves, barbecue pork and charred bananas all make an appearance, along with a cameo from something burning in the distance. It is difficult to find words to capture the fullness of flavor, but I have come to recognize Ledaig for its signature umami character. Few whiskies come close to that complete, slightly salty but entirely satisying feeling. And after recently closing temporarily to upgrade the equipment, the distillery will probably see a price increase for its coveted malt. Pick this one up while you can.

Keith Mabry | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 05, 2020

Deliciously sweet smoky peat flavors are rounded out with notes of incense and dried fruit. This rich and detailed version is a must for fans of Ardbeg’s more elite bottlings.

Dalwhinnie
Distiller’s Edition
2004 Vintage · 15 Year Old · 70cl · 43% ABV

£66.95

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Diageo’s Distiller’s Editions have developed a strong reputation for excellence since their initial release. This 15 year old expression from Dalwhinnie is no exception, a light crisp and easy single malt with strong notes of nut, fruit and sweetness.

The current 2004 vintage of the Distiller’s Edition Dalwhinnie has been given an extra maturation period in ex-Oloroso Sherry casks, imparting extra spice, fruit, and sweetness to this delicate highland single malt.

NOTE: In accordance with local directives, our walk-in retail locations are currently closed. We have delivery options, typically low cost or free, available in ZIP codes where we can ship lawfully, including anywhere in California. We can also include any new or existing will call orders in your delivery batch. Choose local delivery at checkout to learn if you qualify.

For our spirits collectors, we’ve got everything from collector packs, a rare release of Doc Swinson’s, a 38-year-old blended malt from Speymhor, and an exclusive sherried whisky from Couvreur, to name but a few! There’s really never been a better time to buy spirits, and so many of the deals were are seeing are the best ever. No matter which direction you turn, there’s another fantastic dram to add to your collection.

Classic Malts “Strong Collection” (Lagavulin 16 Year Old, Talisker 10 Year Old, Cragganmore 12 Year Old) Single Malt Gift Pack 3-Pack x 200ml (Previously $80) $39.99 View

Michel Couvreur 12 Year Overaged Malt Whisky (750ml) $69.99 View

Ledaig 20 Year Old “Munros” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Unchillfiltered Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $99.99 View

Michel Couvreur Candid Scotch Whisky (750ml) $99.99 View

Doc Swinson’s 15 Year Old “Rare Release” K&L Exclusive Exploratory Cask Series Nonchillfiltered Small Batch Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $154.99 View

Speymhor 38 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $179.99 View

Michel Couvreur “Blossoming Auld Sherried” K&L Exclusive Malt Whisky (750ml) $279.99 View

The Balvenie

presents

The Stories #6

This is the story of how David Stewart made the perfect match between heather and barley.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Lively and vibrant, this Balvenie has notes of fig and geranium oil perfectly balanced with fresh herbal undertones reminiscent of green woodland.
Taste: Flavours of honey, cloves and caramelised baked dates are layered on top of delicate citrus and spice. The sweetness reveals an underlying oaky dryness.
Finish: Lingering, oaky, dried blossom.

AVAILABLE HERE NOW

The Sexton is the one who prepares your grave and is the last person to see you before you’re laid to rest. Make sure you have a life story worth telling. The Sexton is exclusively matured in Oloroso Sherry casks to achieve a perfect balance between bold, dried fruits and toasted oak notes to offer a smooth finish and leave you wanting more. Triple distilled in copper pot stills, the whiskey is approachable in taste and memorable in character. Idea for mixing as well as sipping.

The Sexton

Irish Single Malt Whiskey

70cl · 40% ABV

£29.95

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As we enter another week of lockdown, we’re starting to get into the swing of connecting together online as we all stay at home. To help all our members stay in touch with the Society, and each other, we’ve got another busy week coming up in our virtual Members’ Room. Check out what’s coming up.

BRINGING THE FESTIVAL TO YOU!

Normally in May we’d be out and about, meeting members from all over the world at the whisky festivals of Speyside, the Highlands, Campbeltown and Islay. Since we can’t be there in person, we’re bringing the festival to you. We have celebratory bottlings, virtual pub sessions, music, quizzes and special tastings – take a look at the full programme and see how you can get involved.

SEE FESTIVAL PROGRAM

OUR FIRST VIRTUAL TASTINGS STAT THIS WEEK

If you bought one of our Virtual Tasting Discovery Packs last month, the wait is almost over – the live tastings start this week! We’ll be hosting screenings with local ambassadors across the UK and Europe, so you can join the one nearest to you. Remember to check the start time and platform for your chosen tasting, then get your glasses and Discovery Pack ready to join in. You can even download and print our exclusive tasting mat, and join in the conversation using #alltogethersmws

FIND MY EVENT

DOWNLOAD TASTING MAT

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

We had a great time celebrating the Spirt of Speyside Festival on Friday with the launch of our first virtual pub session. Streamed on our UK Facebook and YouTube page, members got together at the ‘bar’ to share a dram and chat with whisky writer Hans Offringa and Glen Moray ambassador Iain Allan, talk whisky and wildlife with expert Nick Baker, and enjoy music and a good old pub quiz.

If you missed out, don’t worry – you can join us this Friday, 8 May to raise a toast to the Highland Whisky Festival – featuring whisky legend Richard Paterson from Whyte & Mackay, and the Whisky Bard himself, Robin Laing. The festivities kick off at 8pm.

RELIVE THE SPEYSIDE NIGHT

THE FESTIVAL FINALE REGIONAL SAFARI

We’re already looking ahead to our next virtual tasting, where we’ll be enjoying a flavour safari round Scotland’s whisky regions. If you were lucky enough to get your hands on a Festival Discovery Pack, with five 25ml drams from this year’s festival bottlings then join us online for an evening of untamed entertainment on 29 May

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

Nikka is one of the most iconic and highly awarded Japanese Whiskies. It was set up in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, the “Founding Father of Japanese Whisky” – who travelled to Scotland in 1918 to discover the secrets of whisky making. He married a Scottish lady called Rita and then returned to Japan to build the first Japanese whisky distilleries.

Today Nikka combines traditional Scottish whisky-making techniques with Japanese precision, using the art of blending to create a range of extra smooth, approachable and refined whiskies. The innovative range of Nikka products offers something for all whisky tastes.

BROWSE OUR FULL NIKKA RANGE HERE

This month we’re celebrating the wild diversity of both our whisky and our wonderful members. Partnering with leading UK naturalist and SMWS member Nick Baker, we’ve matched each of our flavour profiles to different forms of wildlife. Delve into your personality and taste preferences, and take our Find Your Spirit Animal quiz online at smws.com/hub. Share your discoveries with us on social media using the hashtag #spiritanimal.

Please note that we’re spreading the whisky love throughout May by staggering the Outturn; there are four releases now, and three more will follow in a couple of weeks – on Friday, May 15th – to coincide with World Whisky Day on May 16th!

SWEET AND JUICY – DRY FINISH

CASK NO. 58.33

CASK:  Refill hogshead

AGE:  11 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Sweet, fruity & mellow

SPIRIT ANIMAL:  Elegant Trogon

CHARACTER TRAIT:  Laid-back, soft and well-rounded, takes time to reveal its unique beauty

SWEETNESS AND SPICE – LACED WITH MYSTERY

CASK NO. 16.39

CASK:  2nd fill puncheon

AGE:  18 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Deep, rich & dried fruits

SPIRIT ANIMAL:  Binturong

CHARACTER TRAIT:  Enigmatic with wisdom and depth, surprisingly dexterous and agile

EMANATING PETRICHOR

CASK NO. 4.248

CASK:  Refill hogshead

AGE:  13 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Lightly peated

SPIRIT ANIMAL:  Fire Salamander

CHARACTER TRAIT:  Soft and smooth with gentle beauty and fire in the belly

OLD FASHIONED

CASK NO. N/A

CASK:  1st fill barrels and hogsheads

AGE:  11 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Blended malt

SPIRIT ANIMAL:  A wildcard! You tell us!

CHARACTER TRAIT:  Give the Society’s latest blended malt a try and describe its traits to us in your own words on social media

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB  T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca

Tyndrum Whisky

Presents: Dalmunach

One of only 102 bottles. Distilled at one of Scotland’s newest distilleries, and one of the very first independent releases of this spirit. Built on the land of the former Imperial Distillery, here are our tasting notes:

We’re definitely getting pear drops, and heather honey, but also apples and other fruits, the finish is still a candy shop flavour, with pepper, candied peel and fresh oak.

Be quick, limited stock.

Dalmunach – Order Now