Scotch Malt Whisky Society “Pause for Garbanzo” Review: A Tropical Flavour

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) turned 40 this year—plenty of reason for the whisky club to celebrate. And what’s a party without a festive whisky? For the anniversary, SMWS members handpicked casks, including a 15-year-old expression. In this SMWS Pause for Garbanzo Review, you’ll discover how this whisky blends sweetness with spice.

“In Celebration” shines on the label of Pause for Garbanzo from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society—a whisky named after chickpeas (garbanzo beans). This special bottling was created as a Member Cask Selection to mark the 40th anniversary of the world’s largest whisky society.

For the Benelux, SMWS member Lancelot Seghers selected a cask containing a 15-year-old expression from a second-fill ex-Trinidad rum cask—and we’ve been thoroughly spoiled. Sweden, for instance, received a 14-year-old whisky, Germany a 13-year-old, and Australia a 12-year-old bottling.

Scotch Malt Whisky Society whiskies have used the same bottle design for years, with a few exceptions: a slender, green bottle with a fairly long neck. Alongside the recognizable SMWS logo (on both the bottle and the cork), you’ll find, as with most whiskies, a label on each bottling that provides more details about the liquid.

In this case, the label features “In Celebration” in gold lettering and the name of the expression: Pause for Garbanzo. The bottling code also appears on the label. The society cask for this whisky is 9.279. While The Scotch Malt Whisky Society doesn’t disclose the exact distillery, the code is said to reveal it. What is clear is that the whisky hails from the Speyside region. The label also notes a limited outturn of just 210 bottles and the age statement for Pause for Garbanzo: 15 years.

The moment you crack open this Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottle, an enticing, sweet aroma escapes. It’s not one you often encounter in whisky. The scent of fresh, juicy strawberries leaps from the bottle to greet you. Once in the glass, the creamy liquid reveals vanilla, toffee, and banana notes that complement the strawberry beautifully.

A drop of water helps open up the 57.3 percent ABV, making it even more expressive. Its already sweet character becomes sweeter still. On the palate, the whisky starts off just as sweet. The fruit-driven flavors from the ex-Trinidad rum casks will especially appeal to sweet-toothed whisky lovers.

There’s no trace of smoke in Pause for Garbanzo, but there is another tingle at play. As the whisky lingers on your tongue, alongside the sweet tones you’ll quickly find hints of nutmeg and something best described as the sensation of having licked a chili pepper. It delivers a gentle burn in the mouth—but never an unpleasant one.

While a splash of water amps up the whisky’s sweetness on the nose, it also brings more of those sweet tones forward on the palate. Unlike eating chili peppers, a drop of water here helps to soften the heat. Once diluted, the finish turns noticeably milder—suddenly making this dram far more approachable for sweet-toothed whisky fans.

Pause for Garbanzo is one of many bottlings SMWS released in honor of its anniversary. It’s a fine example of member collaboration—members helped shape this whisky—and a perfect showcase of the experimental streak the Society embraces.

At 114 euros, it isn’t cheap, but you’re getting a unique whisky with flavors that don’t come around often. Smoke or peat lovers should look to another SMWS release. This one is tailor-made for the sweet-toothed—especially those who enjoy a little kick.

+ Delightfully sweet and inviting

+ A spicy surprise at the end

+ Marries a few unique flavors with flair

- Not for peat or smoke enthusiasts

- You’ll have to dig a little deeper into your wallet