Adventures to relish

As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself raising a dram (or two!) to what has been another truly remarkable year for The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. From Edinburgh to Taipei, Berlin to Hanoi, our shared passion for whisky has taken us on adventures that would make even the most intrepid explorer jealous.

QUALITY AND CREATIVITY

Firstly, let’s talk about the whisky – because, let’s face it, that’s why we’re all here. The Society team has continued to curate an incredible range of outstanding single casks in our Signature Range as well as great developments such as the Two to One releases.

They have also brought bold creativity in our Heresy small batch releases which many of you have had a chance to enjoy – including Scrumptious!, our first whisky matured in calvados casks and the smoky classic of Smouldering Mojo, our first from mezcal casks.

Add to that the continued creativity and outstanding drams in the Creators Collection, and you have a line-up that would make any whisky lover’s heart skip a beat.

400 AWARDS AND COUNTING

For those who haven’t had a chance to enjoy these themselves, there have been plenty of awards along the way, including the much coveted Trophy prize at the 2025 International Spirits Challenge (ISC), for Cask No. 12.87: Velvety smooth with a hint of spice. It feels unfair not to name them all, but since 2018 we’ve picked up around 400 awards so I’m sure you’d rather raise a glass than hear me go on about them!

A GROWING GLOBAL FAMILY

On a personal note, my own adventures this year took me across Asia in May and June, meeting members in China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. The warmth of the welcome (and the enthusiasm for whisky) was unforgettable. Speaking of Vietnam, we officially launched there this year – and I’m thrilled to confirm that India is next on our map.

The Society’s global family is growing, united by our desire to captivate a global community of whisky adventurers, and it’s a joy to see our spirit of curiosity and camaraderie spreading far and wide. We also had the chance to reflect on how it all started, when our very own Pip Hills returned to The Vaults to celebrate his 85th birthday with members in October.

EVEN MORE IN STORE

Back home in the UK, October saw the launch of our new Flavour Profiles in the Signature Range, giving members an even more intuitive way to explore the incredible diversity of our whiskies. And as we look ahead to 2026, expect even more focus on the Signature Range – with VIP access to whiskies individually tested and selected by our experts. Of course, the adventure doesn’t stop there: more Heresy releases, more Creators Collections and a few surprises we’re keeping under wraps (for now!).

So, as you settle in with your favourite dram of the good stuff this festive season, know that you’re part of something truly special – a Society that celebrates flavour, friendship and the thrill of discovery. Thank you for being with us on this journey.

Slàinte mhath,

Andrew Dane, Chief Executive