The Top 10 Whiskies from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society with Wild Names

Thursday, 21 August 2025 at 18:05

The whiskies from Scotch Malt Whisky Society have some of the most zany and eye-catching names you'll ever come across. Ranging from 'Chocolate Mice Nibbling Rhubarb' to 'Bonkers for Conkers', each name promises a unique taste experience. Discover our top 10 list of bizarre names!

This article was previously published on our Dutch website.

Chocolate Mice Nibbling Rhubarb

Picture this: tiny white chocolate mice frolicking amongst pineapple, banana, and crunchy green apples, following an irresistible trail of cane sugar and toasted coconut. This exclusive whisky, aptly titled ‘Chocolate Mice Nibbling Rhubarb’ is a rare gem from the Lowland region, initially priced over 750 Euros.

Stock is limited, so speed is of the essence. Distilled on March 25, 1992 and matured in a 1st fill ex-Oloroso STR-barrique.

Nose: Chocolate meets pineapple, banana, and hints of green apples, chased by Demerara sugar and toasted coconut.
Palate: A medley of nectarines, peaches and candied ginger melds with aromatic tobacco, culminating in stewed rhubarb.
Finish: Lengthy, with shades of mango and coconut rice.

Green leaves fall from lemon trees

'All that I can see is just another lemon tree...' Lemon trees are renowned for their juicy fruits, but their leaves have a curious tale to tell as well.

This 18-year-old Lowland region whisky offers a one-of-a-kind experience that embraces the essence of lemon trees.

The whisky was distilled on January 27, 2003 and aged in a 1st fill ex-bourbon cask.

Nose: Aromatic with creamy butter, sticky fudge, and croissants with sugar syrup and marzipan.
Palate: Strawberry sherbet and ginger spice, followed by hard toffee, lime marmalade, and fresh herbs.
Finish: Long with hints of menthol, nutshells, and tree bark.

Morris dancers on the tongue

This whisky, known as ‘Morris Dancers on the Tongue’ is no longer available and bears quite an unusual name too. The beverage was distilled on March 11, 2010 and matured in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel from Speyside.

As the name suggests, this 13-year-old Speyside single malt pays homage to traditional British Morris dancing - vibrant and spicy in character.

Nose: Notes of honey, caramel-chocolates, sugarcane and straw, followed by wild boar with red berry jelly and peaches in cream.

Palate: Raspberry or cherry chunks in dark chocolate, crème caramel or toffee.

Finish: Spicy with notes of chili.

A Barrel of Laughs

Is that ironic, or does this whisky truly have a sense of humour? ‘A Barrel of Laughs’ is certainly an attention-grabber. This 11-year-old single malt from Speyside unfolds a surprising mix of aromas.

Nose: Pineapple chunks, banana bread, creamy vanilla custard, smoky sausages on a barbecue doused with sweet honey glaze, subtle wood spices, syrup, anise seed, and Madeira cake.

Palate: Refreshing citrus liqueurs, ripe exotic fruit notes, wood spices, bay leaf, spicy bitters, cough syrup and date molasses.

Finish: Long and tingling, leaving lingering tones of spices and sweet spice.

Touched by a Bear's Paw and Claw

Touched by a Bear's Paw and Claw is a 13-year-old powerful Islay single malt whisky. The beverage was distilled on June 1, 2010 and aged in a 1st fill ex-Oloroso STR barrique.

Nose: Notes of teak oil, smoked walnut wine, and Sambuca infused with liquorice, followed by roasted pears, plums, and peaches.

Palate: An abundance of smoke, roasted red pepper, sweet potato, and smoked paprika.

Finish: Flavors of Portuguese custard tarts and plum yogurt, orange peel oils, tea chests, and a cutting board used for fruit.

G35 - Japanese Car or Norwegian Cheese?

What a peculiar comparison. We hope this whisky doesn't have an identity crisis. ‘G35 - Japanese Car or Norwegian Cheese?’ is 15 years old. The beverage was distilled on October 16, 2007 and aged in a 1st fill STR-PX barrique.

Nose: Opening with inviting aromas of toasted white bread, warm croissants, melted butter, blackcurrant jam, and honey.

Palate: A robust taste experience of Black Forest kirsch and cracked black pepper salami on dark rye bread.

Finish: A finish of ripe strawberries and sweet green grapes balanced with a spicy kick.

This whisky offers an interesting combination of flavors that are both savory and sweet, inspired by both Japanese cars and Norwegian cheese.

I Challenge Thee to a Duel

I dare you... to a dram of this exquisite Speyside single malt! This whisky is bottled at cask strength with a hefty alcohol content of 60 percent alcohol by volume.

The drink was distilled on September 18, 2007. The spirit in a first-fill ex-Oloroso hogshead, a barrel matured with Spanish sherry that adds a touch of nobility and adventurous spirit to the whole.

Nose: Aromas of Jamaican ginger cake, cedarwood cigar boxes, licorice, pipe tobacco, and a hint of damp dunnage. There are also subtle notes of coconut shells, slightly salty old sherry influences, and fruit loaf present.
Palate: The first sip reveals strong flavors of walnut wine, old furniture, and a hint of leather - like a slap in the face with a well-worn leather driving glove.
Finish: Long-lasting and satisfying, with the flavors of tobacco and spices lingering for a while.

Bonkers for Conkers

No, this is not the same as the video game Conker, but this is a whisky. ‘Bonkers for Conkers’ has a price tag of €2,999.00 per bottle. This whisky is an incredible 33 years old and hails from the Speyside region. The expression was distilled on May 18, 1989, and has spent its time in a first-fill ex-Oloroso butt.

Nose: Deep rust brown in color with aromas of polished conkers, rosehip, birch branches, plums, dates, and figs.
Palate: Spicy with flavors of smoked deer with blackberries and red beets, balanced with a fresh berry and chantilly cake.
Finish: Long with notes of tiramisu and conker coffee liqueur.

This whisky is part of The Vaults Collection, a series of rare single cask, single malt whiskies selected from the most remarkable stocks of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Each bottle is presented in a beautiful wooden box, featuring a specially designed label that highlights the unique history and character of the whisky.

Sticky Toffee Axle Grease Pudding

Sticky Toffee Axle Grease Pudding: The perfect whisky to lubricate your engine. This whisky from the Campbeltown region has an alcohol content of 53.7%, is 30 years old, distilled on April 23, 1993. The spirit has matured in a first-fill ex-PX hogshead, contributing to the flavor profile of this Oily & Coastal whisky.

Nose: Notes of smoke and oil with hints of pencil boxes, Madeira chicken, and toffee pudding.

Palate: Stewed beef cheeks in sweet blackberry and sherry gravy, with glazed parsnip, heather honey, and shisha tobacco.

Finish: Medium length with notes of peaty oil, alongside smoked sausages and guinea fowl served with roasted acorns and wild mushrooms.

Curry Ice Cream Flurry

The whisky named ‘Curry Ice Cream Flurry’ is a Highland whisky with an alcohol content of 59.9 percent. The drink is 10 years old and distilled on May 21, 2012. The divine drink has matured in a first-fill ex-bourbon barrel, accentuating its Spicy & Sweet profile. It combines spicy curry tones with the creamy sweetness of ice cream.

Nose: Fragrant aromas of lavender, cloves, and cherries with honey, raspberry jelly, and tutti frutti ice cream, followed by olive oil and oakwood.

Palate: Robust ginger and wasabi spices on the tongue soften to honey, toffee and caramel waffles, topped with lemon sponge cake covered with butter icing and served with pomegranate in rhum agricole.

Finish: The aromatic spices persist on the tongue with pure chocolate, pistachios and oak tannins for a creamy texture on the finish.

What is the best whisky from this list?

That's quite a list of names. But which one stands out to you? Or is that something entirely different? Let us know in the comments below. After all, taste is always a matter of debate.