The Scotch Malt Whisky Society "For Fawkes' Sake" Review: Smoke, Fruit and Finesse'

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society regularly releases new bottlings. Some are created in honor of a special day, like the For Fawke’s Sake whisky. This whisky is not only a nod to November 5th, but also a distinctive dram when it comes to flavor. In this For Fawkes Sake Review you’ll discover what to expect from this special whisky.

When you read the line “In Celebration of Bonfire Night 2023” on the label of this Scotch Malt Whisky Society whisky, you’ll likely picture a cozy gathering around a bonfire. That is, in essence, what’s being celebrated. But the origin of the story behind the whisky is far less cozy. For Fawkes Sake refers to Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night. It’s an annual celebration on November 5th in the United Kingdom and a few other countries.

What’s being commemorated? The foiling of a plot by a band of conspirators who, in 1605, intended to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London. One of them was Guy Fawkes, now immortalized in the name of the holiday on which people give thanks for the safety of the king and parliament.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society keeps its bottle design consistent: a green bottle with the large SMWS logo just below the shoulder. It’s the label that sets these drams apart and where all the key information can be found. In this case, the front features a large mask that calls to mind the film and graphic novel V for Vendetta. That’s no coincidence, given that a Guy Fawkes mask is literally used in that story.

Behind Fawkes you’ll spot several cupcakes with popcorn and the word “powder,” a nod to gunpowder. They’re playful references to the tasting notes and, of course, the mask from the film. The label artwork reflects the distinctive SMWS style and is brilliantly executed.

The label also lists the Society Cask number, namely 59.74. This tells you it’s the 74th bottling from the distillery denoted by number 59. The precise distillery isn’t disclosed, but the fact that it’s a Highland dram becomes obvious on the nose.

Pour a dram of this golden liquid into your Glencairn and classic Highland aromas rise from the glass. The whisky opens floral, with gentle, peaty undertones and scents of crisp green apples, lemon, and something reminiscent of resin from a freshly felled tree. Give it a moment and you’ll find notes of orange and a touch of sweet candy.

On the palate it starts peppery, with earthy peat tones. Let the dram rest on your tongue and a drying sensation sets in, with alcohol heat quickly giving way to tannins. The peaty smoke lingers, while For Fawkes Sake layers in impressions of gunpowder and winter spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.

This flavor profile won’t be for everyone. While there are certainly sweet notes, they never outweigh the whisky’s spicy, smoky, and punchy character. If you’re after something syrupy and candy-sweet, this isn’t your bottle.

But if you enjoy peat and smoke and don’t mind a dram that leans dry, this is a terrific expression. For Fawke’s Sake first lures you in with a mix of spice and sweetness, then tingles the tongue with a completely different palate than you’d expect. It’s a delightfully surprising dram from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, clearly aimed at fans of a bolder Highlander.

+ Fantastic label design

+ Alluring on the nose

+ Strikingly different on the palate

- Very drying mouthfeel, which you’ll need to enjoy