SMWS Launches First Blended Scotch: 18yo Limited Edition

Society's First Blended Scotch Whisky The Blender's Notebook Debuts as an 18-Year-Old Limited Edition

Renowned independent bottler The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), celebrated for its single-cask single malt selections, has announced the launch of its very first blended Scotch whisky, The Blender's Notebook. Marking a brand-new milestone since the Society's founding, this expression arrives with an 18-year-old age statement at 50% ABV, strictly limited to just 1,092 bottles worldwide.

Multi-Layered Blending Architecture and Multi-Cask Maturation

The SMWS whisky creation team adopted a multi-layered blending architecture, anchored by a 20-year-old single Sherry butt whisky, married with grain whisky aged up to 27 years and malt whiskies aged around 18 years. The cask profile encompasses Bourbon barrels, American oak Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry casks, Spanish oak Oloroso Sherry casks, and Hogsheads.

According to official tasting notes, this blended whisky offers aromas of linseed oil, apricot jam tart, and greengage plums, leading to a palate of honeydew melon, Madeira cake, and candied walnuts. The label design pays homage to the retro visual aesthetic of vintage Scottish blended whiskies from past decades, accented with thistle motifs and classical typography.

Rooted in the Heresy Small-Batch Experimental Philosophy

The recipe concept originated from SMWS's retiring Whisky Director Kai Ivalo, who emphasized that any blended whisky bearing the Society's name must boast high malt content, old-school character, and genuine pedigree. Julien Willems, Whisky Quality and Sensory Panel Manager, noted that aged Sherry and PX casks provide substantial depth, Bourbon barrels and American oak elevate the silky malt profile, and the nearly 30-year-old grain whisky serves as a vital anchor, seamlessly weaving each component together.

The Blender's Notebook constitutes Batch 44 of the Society's Heresy series. Launched in 2017, this small-batch experimental range provides an exploratory platform for blending, cask innovations, and spirits beyond Scotland, with three expressions previously securing gold medals at The Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters 2026.

📅 Release Date: 2026-10-26

🔗 Source: The Whisky Wire