Latest from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society

It’s been a busy week at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and we’re pleased to share their latest news.

New Single Cask Spirits range unveiled

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is launching a new sub-brand called Single Cask Spirits for its non-malt whisky releases.

While single cask whisky remains the Society’s core focus, the new Single Cask Spirits sub brand has been created to shine a spotlight on the array of other single cask spirits the Society bottles.

The new-look range will go on sale in the UK and EU in August, with 10 casks available. The first batch includes a 25-year-old over proof rum from Trinidad [£195], which has tasting notes and serves created by world-renowned rum expert Ian Burrell.

Also featured is a 50% proof gin from Glasgow [£40]; and an XO cognac [£95]. The Society has been working with gin expert Geraldine Coates and Cognac expert Michelle Brachet to develop spirit content and serves in the categories.

Later in the year, bourbons and rye and grain whiskies will also be added to the range. Bourbon expert Matt Hastings, an International Drinks Consultant at Fluid Movement, will also be working with the Society to create training materials and serves for the spirit.

The spirits will have their own dedicated page at www.smws.com/scs.

The bottles in the Single Cask Spirits range will feature silver and copper labels, a unique Single Cask Spirits logo and the Society’s distinctive Tasting Notes which describe the flavours of the spirit. The Single Cask Spirits bottles will not be placed in one of the Society’s 12 unique flavor profiles, which are reserved for its single malt whiskies.

Helen Stewart, Senior Brand Manager at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society said: “While single cask whisky will always be our absolute focus and priority, we have released many bottles of other spirits in the last 19 years as we like to explore the unique flavours and characteristics that single casks produce.

“By creating the Single Cask Spirits brand, we are helping our members and like-minded spirits enthusiasts navigate our ever-changing selection of single cask bottlings, and helping people delve deeper into the joys of single casks.”

The SMWS will be hosting Single Cask Spirits sampling sessions in UK venues throughout July. All details on http://www.smws.com.

‘Murray Lounge’ at the London Kaleidoscope Bar

Tennis fans can get into the Wimbledon spirit at Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar’s pop-up ‘Murray Lounge’ on 12th and 14th July.

The ‘Murray Lounge’ will bring a taste of SW1 to the bar’s outdoor space in the western courtyard at 9A Devonshire Square in the City.

Featuring tennis-themed décor, the pop-up bar will serve up a special menu of tennis-themed whisky cocktails along with strawberries and cream, which guests can enjoy while lounging on deck chairs and playing swingball.

Created by Kaleidoscope’s manager and mixologist Michael Cook, the drinks include the 40 Love, which features ‘Let’s Get The Party Started’ single cask whisky, orange bitters and soda and the Deuce Juice, which features ‘A Class Apart’ single cask whisky, aperol and martini rosso.

Also on offer are a number of suitably summery drams of the Society’s single cask malts and other spirits, such as the Swaying Palm Trees, an exclusive Kaleidoscope London release which boasts hints of pineapple and Haribo cola bottles and the Tooty Fruity Booty, which is described as light and fruity.

Kaleidoscope, which was opened in June by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, sits beneath fellow Scottish outpost, Mac & Wild. The bar stocks more than 200 of the Society’s rare single cask malts and other spirits such as rum, bourbon and cognac.

Aside from its Murray Lounge cocktails, Kaleidoscope also offers a menu of other whisky cocktails including the Bloody Scotsman, Blood and Sand, and Old-Fashioned. A range of wine, Champagne, craft beer, and light snacks from Mac & Wild, are also available in the bar.

Kaleidoscope’s Michael Cook said: “With the sun shining and Wimbledon on everyone’s minds, what better way to get into the spirit of things if you can’t get a ticket than by kicking back on a deckchair outside with a refreshing whisky cocktail.

“We can’t guarantee that Andy Murray will win Wimbledon, but one thing we can promise is that ‘rain won’t stop play’ for us as the courtyard outside Kaleidoscope where our ‘Murray Lounge’ is situated is covered!”