The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has released a limited edition 35cl whisky called A Belter for America to celebrate Scotland’s return to the FIFA World Cup after a 28-year absence. The half-size bottle is designed as a travel companion for fans heading to the United States this summer, with less than eight weeks until Scotland’s first match.
The expression has undergone additional maturation in a sherry cask. Official tasting notes from the brand describe dark-roasted coffee beans, chocolate, caramel, and candied fruits.
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A Belter for America is priced at $53 (£39) and is available now. The release is a rare departure for the members-only club, as the bottle is available to all whisky fans.
The label design captures the now famous overhead kick against Denmark at Hampden Park. That goal started Scotland on their path to World Cup qualification.
The whisky’s name is an affectionate nod to Letter to America by The Proclaimers. The SMWS described the band as “Scotland’s other most famous export.”
A Belter for America is one of two limited edition expressions the SMWS has created to mark Scotland’s return to the world stage. The nation has not appeared at a World Cup since France in 1998.
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The SMWS focuses on exploring whisky by flavor rather than brand and keeps its distillery sources obscured by using a unique code rather than a distillery name. A Belter for America comes from Distillery 28, a number the society noted carries significance for fans as it also marks 28 years of waiting.
Julie Roberts, Innovation Manager at SMWS, said: “Scotland’s qualification has been a long time coming, but as any whisky lover knows, good things come to those who wait.”
Roberts added: “A Belter for America is for everyone who wants to raise a glass to the team, whether they are watching from a pub in Edinburgh or making the trip across the pond. We can’t think of a better way to get into the spirit of the tournament!”
Founded in Edinburgh in 1983, the SMWS is recognized as the world’s leading whisky club. The society bottles single cask whiskies at cask strength and has built a global membership base across more than 20 countries. Scotland will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
