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SMWS Focuses On Flavour With New Online Whisky Course

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has created an accredited course in partnership with The Edinburgh Whisky Academy (EWA).
  • Beth Squires is a passionate whisk(e)y enthusiast, writer, and serves as the Deputy Editor at The Whiskey Wash. She is also a current mentee on the OurWhisky Foundation's Atonia Programme.
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Sonia Raineri is one of the experts from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society who guides students through the course. Credit: Mike Wilkinson

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), a global whisky club famed for single cask bottlings, has created an accredited course in partnership with The Edinburgh Whisky Academy (EWA). The Focus on Flavour education course will guide whisky lovers through each step in the whisky-making process, and also discuss how the wide range of flavours in whisky is produced. 

Suitable for both beginners and whisky enthusiasts, the online course and accompanying tasting pack costs £65 for SMWS members and £75 for non-members. Purchase your course and begin your whisky education here. 

Focus on Flavour 

As part of the SMWS Focus on Flavour course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the whisky-making process, and how each part of the said process can contribute to the final flavour profile of a whisky. From malting, mashing, and fermentation to charring, toasted, and wood types, every aspect of the process is covered. 

The course is made up of five videos that students can watch at home, supported by online materials and articles. Also included with the course is a curated tasting pack containing four 50ml samples from four different casks. The labels do not provide the name, distillery code, or flavour profile, allowing students to taste and discern the flavours themselves. 

Students will then take an online test and receive a certificate once successful. 

Anne Phillips, Marketing Director at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “At the SMWS we believe whisky is for everyone, and developed this course to share our expertise gleaned over 40 years of whisky creation with anyone who wishes to find out more about this incredible and diverse spirit.”

SMWS’ Unique Approach 

The Focus on Flavour course also outlines the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s approach to bottling whisky, which incidentally involves focusing on flavour profiles from single casks rather than on the distillery information. Each SMWS bottling is assigned to one of 12 flavour profiles as a guide to what drinkers can expect from the whisky inside the bottle.

Credit: Mike Wilkinson

Beth Squires

Beth Squires joined Mark Littler Ltd full-time in October 2020 after completing her university degree in English Literature. Since then, she has acquired extensive knowledge about all aspects of whisk(e)y and now holds the position of Deputy Editor at The Whiskey Wash. Beth is passionate about history, industry innovation, marketing, and sustainability. With a special fondness for independently bottled rare scotch, Beth also serves as a whisky bottle investment specialist. Additionally, she is a mentee currently enrolled in the OurWhisky Foundation's Atonia Programme.

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