Overview: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has announced the launch of a limited-edition blended Scotch whisky, marking a significant first for the whisky club best known for its single-cask, single-malt releases. SMWS – The Blender’s Notebook (Batch 44 in the Heresy range) is an 18-year-old blended Scotch whisky with an ABV of 50%.
The Full Story
SMWS – The Blender’s Notebook is built around a 20-year-old single Sherry butt whisky, combined with 27-year-old grain whisky and malt whiskies aged around 18 years. The blend draws on whiskies matured in Bourbon casks, American oak Pedro Ximénez Sherry (PX) casks, and Spanish oak Oloroso Sherry barrels and hogsheads. This latest release is Batch 44 in the society’s award-winning Heresy range.
The concept for the blend originated from outgoing Whisky Director Kai Ivalo before his retirement. He stated that if one were to create a Society blended Scotch, it should be a high malt content blend with an old-school character and pedigree. Julien Willems, Whisky Quality and Sensory Panel Manager at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, noted that Heresy has always been the Whisky Team’s playground where they can experiment with blends and cask combinations.
The range won gold medals for all three of its entries at The Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters 2026. The bottle’s label follows an old-school approach, featuring a design inspired by blended Scotch labels of decades past, complete with thistles and period-style wording in the small print. SMWS – The Blender’s Notebook is limited to 1,092 bottles and available via the SMWS website for a RRP of £80.00.
Production & Profile
The spirit features aromas of linseed oil, apricot jam tarts, and greengage plums. On the palate, notes include honeyed melon, Madeira cake, and candied pecans. The production utilizes a mix of cask types to achieve depth and character, with the well-aged sherry butt and PX influence providing core depth while added bourbon casks and American oak add a silky lift for the malt core.
Brand & Industry History
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is best known for its single-cask, single-malt releases. The Heresy range was launched in 2017 as a small-batch label giving the SMWS Whisky Team the freedom to experiment with blends and spirits from outside Scotland. This release represents a departure from that norm, establishing a new precedent within the club’s portfolio under the direction of outgoing Whisky Director Kai Ivalo.
What This Means
This launch signifies a broader shift in the Society’s approach to blending, validated by gold medals at The Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters 2026. By releasing a blended Scotch whisky, the club expands its experimental playground beyond single-cask limitations while maintaining the quality standards associated with their previous entries.
Consumer Takeaway
Drinkers seeking an old-school character and pedigree can acquire this limited-edition release directly from the SMWS website. The bottle offers a high malt content blend matured in specific cask types, available for £80.00 with a total production run of 1,092 bottles.
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