Get Winter-Ready with These Four SMWS Bottles

Monday, 20 October 2025 at 06:49

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is all set for winter. The whisky association has unveiled a brand-new whisky series featuring four single malt whiskies. There's a bottle for each of the special winter days. These are the four flavor bombs to savor.

FAQ

What is SMWS?
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, a worldwide whisky association.

What is the SMWS Winter Series 2025?
A series of four unique and aged whiskies each targeted towards a wintertime holiday.

How do I become an SMWS member?
By registering via this link.

From the chilling nights of Halloween to the poetic evening of Burns Night: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society takes you on a tasty journey through cold weather this winter. The world's largest whisky association does this with four bottlings, each originating from a different distillery.

The distilleries remain unknown, but SMWS has made the numbers known: 29, 1, 59, and 39. What type of whisky can you expect this winter?

Which whiskies does SMWS release this winter?

Cask No. 29.302: Spirit of Hallowe'en
Cask No. 1.298: Mistletoe and whisky
Cask No. 59.93: We'll take a cup of kindness yet
Cask No. 39.313: Sing thy name!

What is Cask No. 29.302: The Spirit of Hallowe’en whisky?

The first of the four whiskies is about Halloween. This monstrous celebration is marked with an 11-year-old Islay whisky. Think of notes of peat, black olives, tar, citrus, and seawater with soy sauce on the nose.

This is followed by notes of salt, peat smoke, wood ash, rope, and kelp on the palate. It promises to be a massive smoke bomb to kick off the series.

What is Cask No. 1.298: Mistletoe and whisky?

The second bottle revolves around Christmas. The holiday becomes extra tasty this year thanks to the 13-year-old Speyside whisky. This one matured 10 years in an ex-bourbon barrel, followed by a first fill ex PX hogshead.

In terms of the whisky's tasting notes, you can expect scents of Madeira cake, sweet red wine, chocolate chips, and raisins. The palate offers dry and spicy tones, sweet biscuit and rye bread with honey. The finish consists of vanilla, white chocolate, rose jam, and lemon.

What is Cask No. 59.93: We'll take a cup of kindness yet whisky?

The third bottle addresses Hogmanay, that is, New Year's. For this day, there's no better companion than a vibrant 13-year-old Highland whisky. Aromas of black tea, lemon, and dark berries lead to flavors of marmalade, pear, and freshly baked cookies.

The whisky's finish grounds you, evoking a walk through a pine forest with fresh (and fruity) tones.

What is Cask No. 39.313: Sing thy name! Whisky?

Concluding the Winter Series, SMWS presents a Burns Night whisky. A tribute to Robert Burns should consist of poetry, music and whisky. With this expression, at least one of those elements has been ticked off.

The single malt whisky is bursting with fruity and spicy layers. Think of peach and apple blossom, hazelnut, cinnamon, and tropical fruit on both the nose and palate. A spicy twist provides a warmth you can share with company, while the finish ends with chai spices, salty almonds, and granola.

Where can the special SMWS whiskies be purchased?

The Winter Series from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society is only available for members to order, and only one can be purchased per member. The first bottle has already been released at a price of 114 euros. Furthermore, the complete set can be pre-ordered for 420 euros.