Having been in the whisky biz for more years than I care to remember, I’ve joined all manner of various whisky clubs and whisky subscriptions over the years. I can honestly say, hand on heart, that there is not a single one that I was disappointed with. In fact, I was so impressed that we decided to start our own here at Great Drams, which I’ll talk in more detail about at a later date. 

For now, however, I’d like to talk about one of the most prestigious whisky members only clubs in the industry today. Not to mention one of the finest independent bottlers out there. No, I don’t mean Great Drams, but thanks for thinking of us. No, the organisation I’m talking about today is the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. 

Over the years, they have released some truly exquisite drams, and played a key role in encouraging the idea of cask strength bottlings, so for that alone they hold a very special place in my heart. They also provide different whiskies from different regions, not only from around Scotland, but also from around the world.

The whisky I’m going to be reviewing today is known as ‘Higher Power’ and comes to you from Taiwan. Here are my thoughts. 

A Brief Scotch Malt Whisky Society History

There’s a rich and storied history behind the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, or the SMWS as it is also known, which I’ll delve into more detail in on another day. Before we get to this fantastic Taiwanese expression, I’m first going to give you a quick overview. 

The SMWS was first founded in 1983, by a group of friends who were all keen on their whisky. One of these men was Phillip ‘Pip’ Hills. Hills was an avid whisky fan and would often tour Scotland’s many distilleries, where he would get to try whisky directly from the cask. He was so blown away by what he tasted that he got a group of his friends together and convinced them to buy their own cask. 

They pooled their money together and purchased their very own cask from Glenfarlcas. This was for personal use as they would, on occasion, fill up a bottle, pull up a chair, grab a few glasses, and share their whisky until the wee hours of the night. Talk about living the dream!

As is the way, news travelled of this unique venture, and they would often share their whisky with friends and family. Eventually, they purchased more casks and became their own small syndicate. Now they would buy various casks, bottle the whisky, and sell it to members who had paid a small subscription. 

Later in 1983 they would purchase their first property, one in Leith which was part of the Vaults building. The building came complete with a series of wine cellars which could be traced back to the 12^th century. They set up a series of member’s rooms in the building where they would host various tastings, hold meetings, and generally chat all things whisky. 

The society grew, they purchased more casks, released more bottlings, and purchased a second venue in 2004. In 2015, the society was sold to private investors from Glenmorangie and in 2021 the holding company was floated on the London Stock Exchange. 

Higher Power

Another thing I love about the SMWS is the fact that they offer such a diverse array of whiskies from all over the globe. They’ve got whiskies from Scotland’s many regions, English whiskies, American, Indian, Japanese, Canadian, Irish, and more besides. 

They also have some of the most uniquely named whiskies I’ve ever come across, with tasting notes that sound bizarre, yet somehow work. Want to know what I mean? Just take a look at their English whisky, which they’ve called ‘Potted Shrimp and Smoked Salmon Terrine’. 

The one I’m looking at today isn’t as out there, as that. It comes from Taiwan, is 5 years old, is aged in a first fill ex-bourbon barrel, and is bottled at a fiery 55.2% ABV. Despite this, it’s light, delicate, and very aromatic. 

On the nose you get strong notes of sandalwood, Turkish Delight, cinnamon sticks, apricots, vanilla, a hint of saffron and garam masala spice blend. Is there a minty pepperiness here? Perhaps, I’m still undecided. What I do know is that it smells amazing! 

On the palate is where your senses really awaken. Again, there’s Turkish Delight and rich cocoa powder to begin with. These are complimented wonderfully by lemon sherbet sweets, lime zest, sweetened milky earl grey tea, and Asian spices. I got fennel and coriander seeds here, though a lot of people pick up cumin. There’s a rich buttery undertone too, almost like seasoned popcorn with salted caramel and butterscotch sauce. 

The finish is medium and perfectly balanced with great mouthfeel. It’s fruiter than expected, with aromatic baking spices, tinned nectarines, and a sprinkling of rose water. A drop of water should reveal further aromatics. Very summery this one, which is ideal at this time of year. 

If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, or simply treat yourself to a dram or two in the process, head on over to GreatDrams.com and take a look at what we have to offer. 

With an impressive selection of limited-edition, rare, and award-winning whisky, as well as heaps of whisky info on our blog, it’s the perfect spot for any whisky lovers out there.