Whisky Focus - The Scotch Malt Whisky Society International Women's Day Selection

For the second year in a row, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is celebrating International Women’s Day with the release of five special-edition single malt whiskies, selected by an all-women Tasting Panel. Continuing their commitment to supporting women in whisky, the Society will donate 5% of profits from these bottling's to the OurWhisky Foundation.

Founded in 2022, the OurWhisky Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to advancing women in the whisky industry. Through qualifications, internship programs, mentorship, and workshops, the Foundation helps women progress in their careers. Their initiatives include the Modern Face of Whisky stock image library and groundbreaking research such as the "Do You Even Like Whisky?" report.

Everyone is welcome to join in celebrating women in whisky at the Society’s International Women’s Day events. This year’s exclusive whiskies, handpicked by the all-women panel, highlight the diverse flavours of Scotland’s whisky regions:

• The SMWS Cask 122.78: Divide And Conker – An 8-year-old Lightly Peated whisky with notes of autumn barbecue, tuna, mackerel, and vanilla pods.
   
• The SMWS Cask 10.282: Sweetness & Darkness – An 11-year-old Spicy & Sweet dram featuring toasted coconut, balsamic glaze, and bourbon biscuits.
   
• The SMWS Cask 53.496: A Mouth-Drying Sauna – A 16-year-old Deep, Rich & Dried Fruit whisky with flavors of popcorn, blackcurrant, and sweet liquorice.
   
• The SMWS Cask 71.109: A Nordic Cranachan – A 15-year-old Sweet, Fruity & Mellow expression with notes of sea buckthorn, cloudberries, and summer trifle.
   
• The SMWS Cask 93.222: Smokehouse on the Beach – An 8-year-old Oily & Coastal whisky with aromas of smokehouse, wild strawberries, and sea breeze.

Building on last year’s successful International Women’s Day celebrations, SMWS is hosting a series of events across its venues, honouring women who have shaped the whisky world.

A key highlight is the "Women in Whisky" event on 7 March at Bath Street, Glasgow, featuring three distilleries led by remarkable women:

• Laphroaig’s Elizabeth ‘Bessie’ Williamson, the first woman to own a Scottish distillery, who championed single malt appreciation and resisted military efforts to repurpose her stills during WWII.
   
• Augusta Dickel of George Dickel Distillery, the only female distillery owner in America in the 1800s, preserving a legacy of quality whisky-making.
   
• Annabel Thomas of Nc’nean, founder of one of Scotland’s newest distilleries, which launched with a women-led team and is pioneering sustainability in whisky.

Attendees will enjoy three carefully selected drams and a one-course supper for £35, celebrating these trailblazing women who challenged tradition in a male-dominated industry.

Additional events include:

• "Industry Panel: International Women’s Day" at Queen Street, Edinburgh (6 March) – A discussion featuring four influential women from different whisky sectors, including influencers and culinary experts. The evening includes a whisky cocktail on arrival, four drams, and a one-course supper.
   
• "Women of Whisky" at The Vaults, Leith (8 March, International Women’s Day) – A special three-dram tasting hosted by women of the Society.

These events honour the past, present, and future contributions of women in whisky while bringing the community together to celebrate.

"Women have always played a key role in the evolution of the Society and the wider whisky industry," said Madeleine Schmoll, European Content Manager at SMWS. "From distillery owners who fought against the odds to modern innovators leading the way in sustainability, we're proud to celebrate their contributions and inspire the next generation of women in whisky."

Founded in Edinburgh in 1983, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has grown to a global community of over 40,000 members. Specialising in rare single cask and single malt whiskies, the Society sources from more than 180 distilleries across Scotland and beyond, releasing around 20 unique whiskies each month.

Here in the UK members enjoy exclusive access to four SMWS Members' Rooms in Leith, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London, as well as a worldwide network of 100 partner bars.

If you are looking for more info or if you are interested in joining The SMWS membership starts from £100 and is available to purchase here www.smws.com/whisky-club-membership
 

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