Whisky Focus - The SMWS Homecoming - A Premium Collection Of Four Single Malts

Following the launch of The Creators Collection last month, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is unveiling Homecoming, a premium selection of four single malt whiskies that honour the rich history and traditions of the world’s leading whisky club.

This exclusive collection is presented in collaboration with Edinburgh-based artist Shona Hardie, who has designed bespoke bottle labels inspired by The Vaults in Leith—the Society’s spiritual home since 1983.

Dating back to the 12th century, The Vaults is steeped in history, with its current structure completed in 1787. Originally serving as a wine merchant’s bonded warehouse, it remains Scotland’s oldest building to have continuously maintained its original purpose. Today, it is renowned not only for its extensive selection of single cask whiskies and spirits but also for its inviting and eclectic atmosphere.

Shona Hardie, a painter and muralist celebrated for her depictions of Leith’s vibrant characters, first collaborated with the SMWS in 2023 when she was commissioned to create a mural at The Vaults. Her artwork captures the Society’s rich heritage and its diverse range of whisky flavour profiles.

Set to launch this month, the Homecoming collection features four aged single malt Scotch whiskies, blending the artistry of whisky-making with Shona’s evocative illustrations.

With each bottle representing a distinctive aspect of The Vaults, the Homecoming collection features:

• 20 Year Old whisky Home is Where the Hearth is, lightly peated to mimic the warmth of the fireplace in The Vaults
   
• Snug and Toasty, a spicy and sweet 32 Year Old bottling representing a circle of friends gathering for a dram in the venue’s snug area
   
• Bar-Room Buzz, a fruity 32 Year Old whisky conjuring the liveliness and energy of the main members’ bar
   
• Shore Reflections, a 30 Year Old whisky matured in an ex-sherry cask with notes of leather and Demerara sugar, paying homage to Leith’s historic role in the sherry trade

The complete Homecoming collection is now available for £1,295, with individual bottles priced between £195 and £425.

Moving forward, each instalment of the Creators Collection series—set to be released over the next 12 months and beyond—will highlight a distinct flavour story, whisky production technique, and cask maturation process.

Shona Hardie said: "As a local artist it has been fantastic to become part of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s incredible history through our collaboration on this exciting new collection. Homecoming is about reconnecting with the past and with your community – something I have tried to capture in my label designs.

"I wanted to tie in the fire and the hearth with the building itself. Walking through the gates to the warmth of the heart of the building, that to so many members is symbolic of a homecoming of sorts.

"The clinking of glasses signifies friendship – sharing a dram and finding like-minded people in the community The Vaults creates."

Euan Campbell, Head of Whisky Creation at the SMWS, said: "The Homecoming collection is not just about whisky; it’s about a journey back to where it all began for the Society. We’ve come a long way in the last 40 years, with members all over the world, but The Vaults remains our spiritual home. This collection is about reconnecting with our past, honouring tradition and bringing those timeless values into the present.

"With this collection we’re inviting our members – wherever they are in the world – to experience a deeper connection to The Vaults, making every sip a celebration of tradition and a tribute to the enduring spirit of our heritage."

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a global whisky club renowned for its distinctive approach to single cask whiskies, offering exclusive limited-edition bottling's to its members. Established in 1983, the SMWS has grown to over 40,000 members across more than 20 countries, including the UK, the United States, Australia, and multiple locations throughout Europe and Asia.

If you are interested in any of the bottles in the SMWS Homecoming collection or perhaps joining the worlds biggest whisky club, which does offer exclusive whiskies single malt, single cask whiskies to suit most budgets, visit and www.smws.com
 

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