This month it’s all about the summer stuff. From sitting around a campfire, daydreaming about a tropical getaway, or even going to a wedding, we’ve got the perfect bottle for you in our July Outturn.

We’re continuing with the roll out of the Society’s new flavour profiles. The original twelve flavour profiles have evolved into eight mouthwatering categories – each with a new name, colour and character. This is a refinement and a refocus on flavour based on our historical archive of Tasting Notes and member feedback. Discover more here.

More of the new profiles will be introduced over time as we slowly retire the old profiles.

NUTTY, ZESTY, GOOEY

CASK NO. G17.2

AGE:  10 years

CASK:  1st fill ex-bourbon hogshead

TOTALLY TROPICAL TIMBER

CASK NO. 112.130

AGE:  16 years

CASK:  1st fill barrique medium+ toast

WEDDED BLISS

CASK NO. 68.138

AGE:  13 years

CASK:  1st fill PX butt

ADVENTURERS AROUND A CAMPFIRE

CASK NO. 64.162

AGE:  17 years

CASKS:  1st fill oloroso hogshead & refill red wine barrique

IT’S FRUIT JIM, BUT NOT AS WE KNOW IT

CASK NO. 3.361

AGE:  13 years

CASK:  1st fill oloroso hogshead

DAYDREAMING

CASK NO. 10.291

AGE:  11 years

CASK:  1st fill PX hogshead

BROWSE JULY OUTTURN HERE

VIEW ALL BOTTLINGS

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

At 4pm each day a bit of magic happens in France. Say Bonjour to le goûter, a schoolyard tradition of enjoying a sweet snack before the end of the day. As our friends in France celebrate Bastille Day (Apologies, we’re a day late – WI), we’re sharing our favourite goûter-inspired sips: Scotch whiskies with a bit of French inspiration. From wine casks and French oak to an after-dinner cognac made for whisky-drinkers, there’s plenty to raise a glass to here. Bonus points if you add a sweet treat!

SHOP ALL WHISKIES

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

Renovations

THE VIDEO

Hello all! We’ve got some stunning shelving in the office now, so a much better looking backdrop for videos going forward. I would love to hear from you all about what you’d want to see going forward on the channel. There are so many bottles now that I lose track of what to review next!

Whisky Reviews every Wednesday
Facebook.com/whiskytube
Twitter.com/whiskytube
Youtube.com/whiskywednesday

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES “CAMP BUFFALO TRACE”, NEW SUMMER EXPERIENCE FEATURING BOURBON EDUCATION AND OVERNIGHT LUXURY CAMPING

This immersive summer experience brings bourbon heritage to life through hands-on activities, guided discoveries, and rare overnight stays on the historic Distillery grounds

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 2026) – This summer, Buffalo Trace Distillery is transforming its historic Frankfort campus into the ultimate summer destination for bourbon lovers with the debut of Camp Buffalo Trace, a new immersive experience for guests 21 and older. Blending nostalgic summer camp-inspired activities with hands-on bourbon education, Camp Buffalo Trace features a full-day of interactive programming, culminating in a rare opportunity for select guests to extend their adventure with an overnight stay in luxury camping accommodations on-site.

Camp Buffalo Trace reimagines classic summer camp activities through the lens of America’s native spirit, offering four hands-on experiences that combine craftsmanship, competition, and discovery.

1. Whiskey Woodcraft Workshop – Guests will craft a custom muddler from authentic barrel staves while learning firsthand about the role white oak plays in bourbon making.
2. Bung Driving Relay – Guests put their skills to the test in a cooperage-inspired, fast-paced competition that brings a traditional barrel-preparation technique to life.
3. Blind Tasting & Buffalo Trace Trivia – Guests challenge their sensory skills and bourbon knowledge through this blind tasting and team trivia competition highlighting Buffalo Trace history.
4. Single Barrel Challenge – Guests sample three barrels of the same bourbon at different ages and attempt to identify each one while exploring how time, warehouse placement and maturation influence a whiskey’s final character.

Select Camp Buffalo Trace participants will also receive an overnight luxury camping experience at Buffalo Trace Distillery inside air-conditioned canvas tents featuring premium indoor and outdoor furnishings, fully stocked mini fridge with water and Freddie’s Old-Fashioned Sodas, plush robes and slippers and more.

“At Buffalo Trace Distillery, we’re always looking for new ways to create memorable moments for our guests, and Camp Buffalo Trace offers an opportunity to celebrate the fun and connection that make summer so special,” said Tyler Adams, General Manager at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “By bringing together interactive activities, bourbon education and overnight camping accommodations, we’ve created a one-of-a-kind program designed to help guests make lasting memories at the Distillery. We look forward to welcoming guests to Camp Buffalo Trace!”

Camp Buffalo Trace will take place on August 29 and September 5, with attendance available exclusively through an online sweepstakes. Those interested can select between two experiences: day camp only OR day camp + overnight luxury camping. 90 winners, each receiving a guest pass, will be randomly selected for the day camp experience across both dates. 10 winners, each receiving a guest pass, will be randomly selected for the day camp + overnight luxury camping experience across both dates.

The overnight luxury camping experience will be hosted on Distillery grounds immediately following the day camp experience. Entrants who select the day camp + overnight luxury camping option will remain eligible to win the day experience even if they are not selected for the overnight stay. In total, the Distillery will welcome 200 guests for Camp Buffalo Trace.

Camp Buffalo Trace is part of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s expanded lineup of seasonal programming designed to offer guests new ways to experience the Distillery. From the annual Great Buffalo Chase Fun Run on July 4 and the Backyard Sessions Summer Concert Series to Biscuits & Bourbon, celebrations surrounding the launch of the new Buffalo Trace Distillery Bourbon Lemonade Canned Cocktail, and the recently introduced National Historic Landmark Tour, the Distillery continues to create memorable experiences that bring its rich history, craftsmanship and hospitality to life.

The Camp Buffalo Trace Sweepstakes begins July 14, 2026, at 12:00 pm (noon) ET and ends July 21, 2026, at 11:59 am ET. No purchase is necessary to enter. To enter, or to learn more about the official rules, please visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com/camp.

For more information about Buffalo Trace Distillery’s entire lineup of summer experiences, please visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/bourbon-backyard.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery  

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller, Stagg, Eagle Rare 10, and Thomas H. Handy received Gold Awards at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits Competition and its flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon received a Master Medal at the 2025 Global American Whiskey Masters. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit  www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media-kit.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Purchasing a product will not improve your chances of

winning. Must be legal resident of (50) U.S. or D.C., age 21 or older. Registration begins at 12:00p ET

7/14/2026 and ends at 11:59a ET 7/21/2026. To enter, and for complete official rules including eligibility, scan the QR code or directly visit www.BuffaloTraceDistillery.com/camp. Selected winners must claim their camp experience within 3-days of being contacted by following the provided instructions to RSVP. No travel or travel reimbursement is provided for any prize award winner. Odds of winning based upon number of eligible entries received. No alcoholic beverage is part of any prize award. Void wherever prohibited or restricted by law. SPONSOR: Sazerac Company, Inc., Louisville, KY.

145 YEAR OLD DISTILLERY

CELEBRATES ITS 25 YEAR RENAISSANCE!

Since its original establishment in 1881, Bruichladdich was for much of its early life a workaday distillery on Islay located on the western shore of the Lochindaal Bay across from Bowmore. Intended by its founders, the three Harvey brothers who were scions of a Glasgow distilling family, to be be a modern distillery of the Victorian Age, the facility was meticulously designed and built around stone buildings that used state-of-the-art coal technology vs. the peat-drying traditions that were typical of the region. Operations hummed along under Harvey ownership for 50+ years until a fire in 1934 and William Harvey’s death in 1936 brought a close to the opening era.​

After some years of idled operations, Bruichladdich was re-launched under a string of new owners who began to dabble in peated whiskies and continued to do so for decades. With the addition of two stills in 1975, production expanded to the point that by the 1990s, the distillery was producing more product than ever before and under then owner Jim Beam, the bean-counters in Kentucky considered the whole distilling operation surplus to requirements. Thankfully, the distillery was simply mothballed until, in 2001, a consortium led by London Wine Shop owner Mark Reynier brought it back to life and, ever since, it has grown to be a darling of Islay.​

Key to the ascendancy of Bruichladdich since its renaissance was the new owners’ choice of renowned Master Distiller Jim McEwan to lead operations. Jim had gotten his start in the world of Scotch at age 15 learning to make barrels at Bowmore, then was named Cellar Master at age 22 and, by the age of 37, he was Distillery Manager He held that post until his “retirement” in 2000, but was soon enticed to go across the bay and restart Bruichladdich. Under his guidance, the portfolio was refined and expanded to encompass three distinct lines: unpeated spirits under the Bruichladdich banner; heavily peated Scotches under the brand Port Charlotte; and super-heavily peated whisky under the Octomore name. In 2013, Bruichladdich was purchased by the drinks giant Remy Martin and Jim finally retired, leaving the Master Distiller responsibilities to Adam Hannett who had apprenticed with him over the prior decade. Adam learned his craft well and has continued the fine traditions established by his mentor, crafting outstanding Single Malts for the entire portfolio, which offers something for every Islay whisky palate.

​Cheers!​

SHOP BRUICHLADDICH

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 609: Invergordon 16 Year Old 2009 Klubb23 for Awel.be

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a single grain. ‘Sipping a nice whisky for a good cause? Count me in!’, says Mark. Klubb23, a Belgian bottler with an undeniably impressive track record by now, is launching this bottle in aid of Awel.be, a Flemish organization that offers free and anonymous support to children and young people via telephone, chat, email, and a forum. Volunteers listen to their stories, questions, or problems such as bullying, relationships, or not feeling comfortable in their own skin. It is a 2009 Invergordon single grain that, after regular maturation, received a finish at an oloroso octave, which is responsible for the beautiful color.

https://youtu.be/sQbYlvTuGlk

THE ARDARA DISTILLERY WINS TWO MAJOR INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

~Donegal distillery recognised at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition~

The Ardara Distillery, in county Donegal, has claimed two major international accolades at two of the world’s most respected spirits’ competitions. The victories confirm the distillery’s standing as one of Ireland’s most distinctive producers and mark a significant moment for Sliabh Liag Distillers, the company behind The Ardara Distillery.

Founded by James and Moira Doherty, Ardara produces heavily peated, triple distilled, all-grain-in whiskey, a style almost lost to Ireland for over a century. The distillery is rooted in Donegal’s illicit distilling past and committed to reclaiming the county’s distinctive whiskey heritage.

The Ardara Distillery was named Best Irish Craft Distillery at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition, while Ardara Single Malt Cask Strength won a Double Gold medal at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the most prestigious spirits awards in the world and widely regarded as a benchmark for quality across the global industry.

James Doherty, Co-Founder, The Ardara Distillery said: “San Francisco is arguably the toughest room in the world of spirits to be judged in. To come away with a Double Gold medal for our first Ardara single malt release is powerful, and a strong signal that grain-in, heavily peated Irish whiskey has a serious place on the international stage. We make whiskey the way it was made in Donegal a century ago. It’s not a style everyone expected the market to embrace, but awards like this tell us otherwise.” 

Adding to this, Moira Doherty, Co-Founder, Ardara Distillery said: “Ardara’s mission has always been singular: to remain true to Donegal above all else. It is wonderful to see that recognised in Japan, a market that takes its whiskey seriously. To be named Best Irish Craft Distillery there, making the kind of whiskey we make, means the world is genuinely ready for what Donegal has to offer. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us on this journey, our dedicated team, our local community, our partners, and all those who have chosen to share and enjoy our spirits. Awards like this are never achieved alone, and we see it as encouragement to continue striving for excellence while staying true to where we come from.” 

Behind the distillery’s striking glass façade on the Show Field in Ardara town, three copper stills from Forsyths of Scotland produce a whiskey that is uncompromising in character; smoky, textured, and unmistakably from Donegal, Ireland. Ardara is the only distillery on the island of Ireland dedicated to peated whiskey using the all-grain-in method, a rare approach that honours traditional Donegal distilling while extracting maximum character from the malt. See www.ardaradistillery.com for more details.

About Ardara Distillery

The Ardara Distillery is home to Sliabh Liag Distillers, located on the Show Field in the coastal town of Ardara, overlooking Loughrosmore Bay on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. The distillery produces Ardara Single Malt Irish Whiskey alongside The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey, An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin, and Frank Carr’s Irish Poitín, with distribution across 40 markets worldwide

Guided tours of the distillery run daily, taking visitors through Donegal’s illicit distilling history, the modern copper stills at work today, and the story of how these traditions are being carried forward. See www.ardaradistillery.com