Not Sure What to Get a Scotch Lover? Leave It to the Experts

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The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is an international whisky club that prides itself on ‘curating the finest selection of single malt whiskies in the world.’ Each month, the SMWS releases roughly 25 different whiskies (available on a first-come, first-served basis), some of which are limited to fewer than 200 bottles. They make it easy to build your knowledge and palate with exclusive access to some of the rarest whisky expressions in the world.

First founded in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1983, the SMWS now boasts 30,000 members. The group’s primary goal has always been to explore the finest whisky in Scotland – and at times, beyond – in an effort to share and build whisky knowledge within its membership.

So if you’re itching to dust off that snifter set – or, more importantly, if you’ve… never heard of one – read on to learn what the SMWS is all about.

Scotch Malt Whiskey Society

The Backstory

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society: It’s Time to Think Beyond Bourbon

Unlike whisky you’d find in your local shop, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society exclusively offers whisky in its purest form – also called single cask whisky. In short, this means the whisky is bottled straight from the cask (or barrel) at full-strength, without diluting, chill-filtering, or artificially coloring. Each Society bottling offers unique flavours, aromas and taste sensations, and produced in a limited number, making each bottling incredibly rare.

Beyond the whisky, members of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society have access to monthly members-only tasting events across the United States as well as Members Rooms in Edinburgh, London, and Glasgow. There they can find an expansive selection of spirits, award-winning dining options, and the opportunity to commune with fellow enthusiasts from around the world.

The Gist

So How Do I Join the Scotch Malt Whisky Society?

Three available membership options make joining up simple – and an easy one-and-done gift. Right now, readers can access a 20 percent discount on any membership bundle with the checkout code GEARPATROL.

First up, a One-Year Membership is $99 per year with a $70 annual renewal fee. Or, sign up for a One-Year Membership + Tasting Kit bundle ($195), which includes three 100ml single cask whisky bottles, two SMWS tasting snifter glasses, a glass SMWS water pitcher, an SMWS notebook and an SMWS water dropper.

Lastly, choose your own spirit – and save up to $50 – with one of three SMWS membership and bottle pairings ($160-$260), which include full access and one of three select bottles.

Regardless of your choice, during the purchase process, customers who write GEARPATROL in the Order Notes will receive a $50 gift card.

Our POV

Become the Scotch Expert You’ve Always Wanted to Be

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottles some of the finest rare whisky in the world. Their award-winning single cask whisky is not sold to the public and instead offered exclusively to Society members through their online shop or over the phone.

Join up – or give the gift of membership – for access to spirits you can’t find anywhere else, plus informative guides, explainers and tasting notes for a deeper understanding of the whisky world.

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Price: Membership Packages $99-$260

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