The SMWS has a peculiar perspective on Scotch. Over hundreds of years of scotch-making, the drinking public has become brand loyal to just a few famous houses, making it nearly impossible for new brands and distilleries to gain audiences or push the craft in interesting directions. Rather than try and promote these smaller companies outright, the SMWS goes after the drinker herself, educating her on flavors and smells, and tries to inspire exploration in scotch instead of loyalty. Sound familiar? It's what we've done in craft beer over the past ten years!

The SMWS sources single barrels from all around Scotland, large and small houses alike, and offers them as coded bottles for as long as they last (not long). Because these are unblended, they're quite strong, up to 65% alcohol or more, and the flavors tend to be more pointed and interesting. You learn through tasting. And no, you never find out who made it, that's the big idea. You let your senses be your guide.