Back in 2015, Bremen’s Bottle Market was the first-ever whisk(e)y fair I attended. Since then I continued to go there four more times, not missing a single instalment. It is safe to say: Bottle Market is one of my favorite dramming events of the year. (more…)
SMWS
3 Single Cask Whiskies from The SMWS, The Barreliers and Whic (Review Flight)
Three independent bottlings. Three different distilleries. Three individual flavor profiles. Three unique stories – squeezed into one blog post! Admittedly, on the first glimpse there is not much of a common denominator between the members of this tasting trio. (more…)
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society – All SMWS Bottle Codes (Info)
Ever since I joined them in December 2017, I have been an active member and a big fan of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society! Still, I gotta confess that I know less than a dozen if their bottle codes by heart. If you are in a similar situation, this comprehensive SMWS bottle code overview (more…)
Fary Lochan’s “Dramlet”: The first Danish whisky to be bottled by The SMWS (Interview)
So far, one of my absolute whisky highlights of the year is “Dramlet: the Dark Prince of Denmark!” by Fary Lochan and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. From the flavor profile and the maturation details to the back story and the symbolical value (more…)
Fary Lochan 6yo “141.1 – Dramlet: the Dark Prince of Denmark!” by SMWS (Review)
“To be or not to be?” – In case of “Dramlet: the Dark Prince of Denmark!” there is but one reply to the great playwright William Shakespeare’s existential question. And that is “To be!” on all levels. To be the first Danish whisky in the portfolio of the renowned Scotch Malt Whisky Society. (more…)
Ardmore 10yo “66.150 – Smoke, soot and tarry ropes” by SMWS (Review)
In the context of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, the number 66 is a lot more than just two digits clinging to each other. In The Society’s distillery code system it refers to the Beam Suntory-owned Highlands unit Ardmore. And at least in my opinion, this busy production site is always worth checking out. Traditionally, The SMWS has a particularly good nose (more…)
Strathisla 12yo “58.31 – Berried alive” by SMWS (Review)
When I stumbled upon this bottling in The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s outturn catalogue, it struck all the right notes with me: The number 58 stands for a renowned distillery that rarely finds its way into an independent release (namely Strathisla from Speyside). (more…)
Craigellachie 11yo “44.97 – Sweet, succulent shape-shifter” by SMWS (Review)
In mystery shows like “Supernatural“, shape-shifters often fill the roles of sly and devious antagonists that use their transformation abilities to mislead the heroes and perform their vile deeds unnoticed. This special breed of shape-shifter, which hails from Craigellachie Distillery (more…)
“SMWS X Buddelship” Whisky & Craft Beer Tasting at Bar Oorlam (Tasting)
When you are looking for a whisky tasting with a twist in Hamburg, Gearoid O’Callaghan, also known as The Whisky Jack, is the man to talk to. In addition to Scottish and Irish whisk(e)y, he is also well-versed in coffee, craft beer and trend food. (more…)
“Twins & Twins” – Hansemalt’s Whisky Wednesday with The SMWS (Tasting)
For nearly two years, Chris Rickert (owner of Hansemalt and organizer of Hanse Spirit) was the official brand ambassador for The Scotch Malt Whisky Society in my hometown of Hamburg. Sadly, the two parties went separate ways at the end of 2018. (more…)