Best Smws Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 72: Olaf Meier 35:17

3M ago35:17

35:17

Scotch Malt Whisky Society ambassador and Tasting Panel chairperson Olaf Meier is a fountain of knowledge, driven by a limitless number of whisky stories and a huge passion for the Society and the wider whisky world. Olaf now finds himself celebrating his 20th year representing the Society. Despite having more than two decades of whisky experience,…

1
Episode 71: Scotch & Sherry 30:56

3M ago30:56

30:56

In this episode we’re going on a special journey across Spain, to tell the story of whisky and sherry and the wonderful synergy between the two worlds when it comes to sherry cask matured whisky. We travel to the oak forests of Galicia in the far northwest of Spain to take the creation of Spanish oak casks right back to the beginning, in the Cantab…

1
Episode 70: Paul John 28:32

4M ago28:32

28:32

Regular listeners will know that we are fortunate at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society to welcome representatives from distilleries, who visit us in our Members’ Rooms, share some special samples of their whiskies with our members, and give us their insights and knowledge about their distilleries. In March we had a visit to the Vaults by Heemanshu Ash…

1
Episode 69: Flavour Journey with Kami Newton 41:36

4M ago41:36

41:36

In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into the flavour journey that takes place every time we uncork a bottle of whisky and then nose and taste it. It’s a process that the Tasting Panel at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society goes through with every sample that is presented for possible inclusion in a Society bottling. So we caught up with Tasting Pa…

1
Episode 68: Blair Athol 40:24

6M ago40:24

40:24

We were fortunate to have a visit from two of the team from Blair Athol distillery to The Vaults in February, for a special tasting of four expressions of Blair Athol whisky, along with a sample of one of the Society’s own single cask offerings. Blair Athol distillery manager Derek Younie was joined by Peter Milne from Diageo’s Whisky Specialist Te…

1
Episode 67: Springbank 1:07:36

7M ago1:07:36

1:07:36

In February, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society paid host to Melanie Stanger from Springbank distillery in Campbeltown, who visited our Members’ Room at The Vaults in Leith to tell us more about this legendary distillery and share a few special drams.By The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

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Episode 66: Pip's Prague Adventure 20:02

8M ago20:02

20:02

The vintage Lagonda belonging to Society founder Pip Hills played an instrumental part in our whisky club’s foundation, carrying the first precious cargo of single casks from Speyside back to his Scotland Street home in Edinburgh to share with friends. In 1990, Pip Hills and his brother-in-law Dick Pountain decided to take a road trip to Prague in …

1
Episode 65: Matugga Rum 31:11

12M ago31:11

31:11

A taste of rum at a family gathering led husband-and-wife team Jacine and Paul Rutasikwa on the path to setting up their own distillery in the town of Livingston, near Edinburgh. Mads Schmoll paid a visit to uncover the fascinating story behind Matugga Rum and how it blends elements of African, Caribbean and Scottish cultures and heritage…

1
Episode 64: Val McDermid 22:44

12M ago22:44

22:44

Crime writer and whisky enthusiast Val has been a fan of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society since its early days, after receiving an educational journey across the whisky regions from a friend’s father who was something of an aficionado. Whisky Talk caught up with Val in an Edinburgh coffee shop to find out more about her whisky passion, her writing ca…

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Episode 63: Maverick - The Founder's Tale with Pip Hills 23:47

1y ago23:47

23:47

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is marking its 40th anniversary with an updated and revised edition of Pip Hills' memoir, "Maverick – The Founder’s Tale", which now includes the story of 'coming in from the cold' after leaving the whisky club in the 1990s. Pip tells Richard Goslan about reconnecting with the Society and what we can expect from the n…

1
Episode 62: The sound of Glen Scotia 18:32

1y ago18:32

18:32

How do you capture the sense of sound in a distillery and its location – and then incorporate that into a song? That’s what the team at Glen Scotia set out to do, with a whisky and music collaboration in its Campbeltown home. Whisky Talk caught up with the contributors to find out more.By The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

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Episode 61: Denis Lesgourgues 1:18:07

1y ago1:18:07

1:18:07

In this episode of Whisky Talk the Society strays from the familiarity of Scotland's malt whisky to the south of France for an insight into the world of Armagnac. Denis Lesgourgues, a third-generation owner of armagnac house Château de Laubade, paid a recent visit to The Vaults to tell a packed Members’ Room about the beauty of this underappreciate…

1
Episode 60: Kythe Distillery 42:27

1+ y ago42:27

42:27

With so many new distilleries coming online across Scotland, it’s sometimes hard to keep track. But when Angus MacRaild dropped the news at the start of April about his plans for Kythe distillery, it felt like time to sit up and pay attention. Angus has teamed up with partners Jonny McMillan and Aaron Chan to bring their vision for a new distillery…

1
Episode 59: Craig Johnstone 27:30

1+ y ago27:30

27:30

From East Lothian to Tasmania and back to Scotland, Craig Johnstone has worked across the whisky industry for the past 20 years. Today he works for Edrington as master blender for The Famous Grouse, a role he came to via a stint as a distillery tour guide, a distillery manager and a few years behind the bar at the Society’s Members’ Room at 28 Quee…

1
Episode 58: Falkirk Distillery 22:34

1+ y ago22:34

22:34

Stray just a few moments from the M9 motorway between Glasgow and Edinburgh and you will discover Falkirk Distillery, a grand whitewashed building, complete with twin copper pagodas. Duncan Gorman sat down for a chat with co-founders George and Fiona Stewart, to discuss some of the bizarre obstacles they have had to overcome building the distillery…

1
Episode 57: Richard Paterson 1:32:14

1+ y ago1:32:14

1:32:14

Our guest on this edition needs little in the way of introduction to any whisky fan. Richard Paterson has been working in the whisky industry for the past 57 years, with more than half a century of his career spent with Whyte & Mackay Distillers. We were delighted to welcome Richard to the Society’s spiritual home at The Vaults in Leith recently, w…

1
Episode 56: SMWS Women 56:24

1+ y ago56:24

56:24

Women have been instrumental in making the Society what it is today. The three As of Anne Dana, Anne Griffiths and Annabel Meikle came from different backgrounds and hadn’t planned to have a career in whisky. But driven by a thirst for knowledge, an encouraging environment and an openness to new ventures, these women ended up shaping some of the mo…

1
Episode 55: Port of Leith 47:28

1+ y ago47:28

47:28

Port of Leith is Scotland's first vertical distillery, founded by Ian Stirling and Paddy Fletcher. Standing nine storeys tall, it’s just next door to the Royal Yacht Britannia and a stone's throw away from our spiritual home, The Vaults. As the distillery nears completion, the spirit of innovation continues in the development of their new Scotch, a…

1
Episode 54: Malts & Music with Sam Heughan 58:27

1+ y ago58:27

58:27

Outlander star and whisky fanatic Sam Heughan joins Vic Galloway in our latest episode of Whisky Talk Malts & Music. Sam discusses his passion for whisky, his appreciation of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and his own plans for whisky and the wider spirits world. Tune in as Sam shares his thoughts along with both Society and his own Sassenach whisk…

1
Episode 53: Pip Hills and his whisky epiphany 29:57

1+ y ago29:57

29:57

The origin of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society can be traced back to the founder, Pip Hills, visiting his friends at a farmhouse in deepest rural Aberdeenshire, where he first experienced single cask, cask strength whisky, served up from a lemonade bottle by a neighbouring farmer. Richard Goslan returned with Pip to his friends' farmhouse to hear the…

1
Episode 52: Iain McAlister 1:29:44

1+ y ago1:29:44

1:29:44

Glen Scotia distillery is a favourite of Society members, and we were delighted in early December to welcome distillery manager and master distiller Iain McAlister to The Vaults in December to present a fantastic selection of cask samples, along with an SMWS bottling from distillery 93. Tune in to Whisky Talk to sip along with Iain and Olaf.…

1
Episode 51: Brendan McCarron 1:32:35

1+ y ago1:32:35

1:32:35

At The Vaults recently, we welcomed Brendan McCarron, master distiller at Distell’s Bunnahabhain, Deanston and Tobermory distilleries. We recorded Brendan’s tasting, presented in full, with some strong language for good measure alongside strong whisky. Settle down for an illuminating insight into Brendan’s experience, knowledge, and some cracking d…

1
Episode 50: Malts & Music with Karine Polwart 1:02:38

2y ago1:02:38

1:02:38

Karine Polwart is one of Scotland’s most respected singer-songwriters. She sat down at The Vaults with Vic Galloway for our latest episode of Whisky Talk: Malts & Music, to find out about her passion for whisky and what songs our selection of Society drams conjured up in her mind. SMWS whiskies tasted and Karine Polwart’s tunes were: G10.25: Whisky…

1
Episode 49: Dr Bill Lumsden Part 2 51:19

2y ago51:19

51:19

The name Dr Bill Lumsden doesn’t need much of an introduction in the whisky world – the head of distilling and whisky creation at Glenmorangie and Ardbeg has been a constant force of innovation and flavour development over the past 30 years or so. Members of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society were fortunate to attend a tasting conducted by Dr Bill at T…

1
Episode 48: Dr Bill Lumsden Part 1 1:32:05

2y ago1:32:05

1:32:05

The name Dr Bill Lumsden doesn’t need much of an introduction in the whisky world – the head of distilling and whisky creation at Glenmorangie and Ardbeg has been a constant force of innovation and flavour development over the past 30 years or so. Members of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society were fortunate to attend a tasting conducted by Dr Bill at T…

1
Episode 47: Malts & Music with The Whisky Sisters 1:08:43

2y ago1:08:43

1:08:43

Vic Galloway catches up with the Whisky Sisters – Inka Larissa and Jennifer Rose – in the latest episode of Whisky Talk: Malts & Music, to find out where their passion for whisky came from and what tunes their selection of Scotch Malt Whisky Society drams helped to inspire. SMWS whiskies tasted and the Whisky Sisters’ tunes were: Cask No. 41.46: De…

1
Episode 46: Malts & Music with Doug Johnstone 1:10:55

2y ago1:10:55

1:10:55

Writer Doug Johnstone shares four SMWS drams with DJ Vic Galloway in the latest episode of Whisky Talk: Malts & Music, with reflections on how his love of whisky inspired his novel Smokeheads and how these Society drams pair perfectly with music from Little Simz to Biffy Clyro. Whiskies tasted and Doug’s tunes were: Cask No. 12.48: Hoppy madness / …

1
Episode 45: Dave Broom and A Sense of Place 33:47

2y ago33:47

33:47

Whisky writer Dave Broom has an endless curiosity and fascination for whisky, and in his latest book he has set out to explore the story of Scotland’s whisky history, the spirit’s importance within the country’s culture and the diverse landscapes that it comes from. In "A Sense of Place" he takes the reader on a journey across the country, with pic…

1
Episode 44: Stuart MacPherson Master of Wood 42:54

2y ago42:54

42:54

Depending on who you speak to, the cask that you put your whisky into to mature can contribute anything from 50 to more than 70 per cent of its final flavour. Whatever figure you land on, it plays a crucial role. One person who knows more about the impact of various forms of oak on whisky – and especially from sherry influenced casks – is Stuart Ma…

1
Episode 43: Malts & Music with James Yorkston 1:13:17

2y ago1:13:17

1:13:17

Musician, writer and whisky fan James Yorkston shares four SMWS drams with DJ Vic Galloway in the latest episode of Whisky Talk: Malts & Music, with an eclectic mix of music inspired by a wide range of Society whiskies. James and Vic reflect on their musical journeys, their passion for whisky and why you can’t beat exploring music with an SMWS sing…

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Episode 42: Jake King and Whisky Place-Names 28:21

2y ago28:21

28:21

Ever wondered about the origin of a whisky's place-name? Jake King, a Gaelic researcher from the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig campus of the University of the Islands and Highlands on the Isle of Skye, certainly has. He is the author of a new book, The A to Z of Whisky Place-Names: Landscape, Language & Invention, which explores the place-names found on whisky…

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Episode 41: Malts & Music with Gemma Cairney 1:10:18

2y ago1:10:18

1:10:18

Broadcaster Gemma Cairney sits down at The Vaults with DJ and writer Vic Galloway in the new episode of Whisky Talk: Malts & Music, to chat about her creative world, her move to Edinburgh, and memories of childhood holidays in Scotland. Gemma also finds the Society’s selection of single cask whiskies bringing up associations with the music of Eryka…

1
Episode 40: The Islay Festival 30:21

2y ago30:21

30:21

The SMWS returned to Islay for the first in-person festival since 2019, with an Open Day at Islay House to share drams, the Society's festival Rare Release bottlings, tastings and good times. We caught up with members from near and far to find out about their combined passions for Islay and whisky.By The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

1
Episode 39: Malts & Music with Olaf Furniss 1:13:00

2y ago1:13:00

1:13:00

DJ and writer Vic Galloway is back with a new series of Malts & Music, where he invites guests from across Scotland’s creative landscape to share Scotch Malt Whisky Society drams and find out what musical choices they inspire. In the new episode, Vic sits down to share four SMWS whiskies with Olaf Furniss, long-term Society member, journalist and f…

1
Episode 38: Whisky Storytellers 51:46

2+ y ago51:46

51:46

In this episode we dig into the rich tradition of whisky storytelling, with contributions from two Scottish musicians, storytellers and whisky lovers. First up is Hamish Napier, a musician from Strathspey in the heart of Scotland’s whisky country. From Speyside, we travel to Islay to hear from Whisky Bard, musician and SMWS Tasting Panel chair, Rob…

1
Episode 37: SMWS member Pete Begg 24:28

2+ y ago24:28

24:28

From studying engineering, Pete Begg found himself drawn to the world of cooking, working in various restaurants before becoming friends and subsequently colleague of Jamie Oliver. Now Head of Food Development with Jamie’s organisation, Pete is also a devoted member of the SMWS. Our master brand ambassador John McCheyne caught up with him for a dra…

1
Episode 36: Lochlea with John Campbell 27:47

2+ y ago27:47

27:47

This farm distillery in Ayrshire has quietly started producing whisky and lured John Campbell away from Laphroaig in Islay in the process. Whisky Talk's Richard Goslan paid a visit to find out more and hear about the distillery’s ambitions.By The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

1
Episode 35: Malts & Music with Val McDermid 1:15:38

2+ y ago1:15:38

1:15:38

Writer Val McDermid joins BBC Scotland DJ and writer Vic Galloway for Episode 6 of Whisky Talk: Malts & Music, brought to you by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Val describes her early introduction to whisky, her life and work and how these SMWS drams transported her to different times and places throughout her life. TUNES and DRAMS Cask No. 73.121…

1
Episode 34: Malts & Music with Nicola Meighan 1:29:24

2+ y ago1:29:24

1:29:24

Music and arts broadcaster and writer Nicola Meighan joins BBC Scotland DJ and writer Vic Galloway for Episode 5 of Whisky Talk: Malts & Music, brought to you by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Whiskies tasted and Nicola's tunes were: Cask No. 1.245: Pour it around midnight / My Baby Just Cares For Me by Nina Simone Cask No. 5.81: A fruity prescrip…

1
Episode 33: Malts & Music with Justin Currie 1:42:10

2+ y ago1:42:10

1:42:10

Justin Currie, founder and frontman of Del Amitri, joins BBC Scotland DJ and writer Vic Galloway for Episode 4 of Whisky Talk: Malts & Music, brought to you by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Justin discusses his career and musical passions over five Society drams with Vic, with the single cask whiskies inspiring his choice of music from Cat Power,…

1
Episode 32: Malts & Music with Stina Tweeddale 1:05:48

2+ y ago1:05:48

1:05:48

Episode 3 of Whisky Talk: Malts & Music, brought to you by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, finds BBC Scotland DJ and writer Vic Galloway deep into conversation over a few Society drams with Stina Tweeddale. The Honeyblood singer-songwriter has a combined passion for whisky and music and pairs up her five SMWS whiskies with music from The Slits, Soc…

1
Episode 31: Charlie MacLean MBE 47:17

2+ y ago47:17

47:17

Charlie MacLean is one of the whisky world’s leading writers and experts, and this year saw him honoured as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire – better known as an MBE – in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Whisky Talk caught up with Charlie at 28 Queen Street to find out about the award and his long-term connection with th…

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Episode 30: Malts & Music with Norman Blake from Teenage Fanclub 1:11:39

3y ago1:11:39

1:11:39

In Episode 2 of Whisky Talk: Malts & Music, BBC Scotland DJ and writer Vic Galloway sits down with Norman Blake, co-founder of Scottish indie rock legends Teenage Fanclub. Vic pours a few Society drams and finds out why the whiskies get Norman thinking about Gang of Four, Captain Beefheart, The Kinks, Ennio Morricone and the Wicker Man. Tune in to …

1
Episode 29: Malts & Music with Ian Rankin 1:02:27

3y ago1:02:27

1:02:27

BBC Scotland DJ and writer Vic Galloway presents the first in our special series of Whisky Talk: Malts & Music podcasts, for a whisky-fuelled chat with creative personalities from across Scotland’s cultural life. From the Tasting Room at The Vaults, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s spiritual home in Leith, Vic shares five SMWS drams with writer Ian…

1
Episode 28: Glenturret Distillery 13:58

3y ago13:58

13:58

With a new owner, a new look – and even a new date of birth – Glenturret distillery is emerging from the shadows to take its place in the single malt spotlight. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society paid a visit for Whisky Talk to find out more.By The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

1
Jordan Cherin: On Philosophy, Running and Computer Systems 19:24

3y ago19:24

19:24

On this episode:- Competing in track and field at a Division I school- Balancing majors - philosophy and Computer Information Systems- Advice to a young athleteBy Nita June Davanzo

1
Episode 27: Dennis Malcolm and Glen Grant Distillery 45:36

3y ago45:36

45:36

Dennis Malcolm started out at Glen Grant distillery in Speyside as a 15-year-old apprentice cooper. He worked his way up through different roles in the distillery, and 60 years later he is now Scotland’s long-serving distiller. He tells Whisky Talk about his life, career and the momentous changes he has witnessed in an incredible six decades of lif…

1
Azuraye Wycoff: Promoting Sustainability in the Soil and the Soul 27:29

3+ y ago27:29

27:29

On this episode:- The art of navigating change- Cultivating sustainability in community relationships- How to apply learned skills in various capacities and jobs- Community-minded visioning for a better shared futureBy Nita June Davanzo

1
Episode 26: Ardnamurchan distillery 41:55

3+ y ago41:55

41:55

Ardnamurchan distillery is tucked away at the end of Scotland’s most westerly peninsula, where the natural environment is playing a major role in both fuelling and flavouring the spirit. Alex Bruce, managing director of distillery owner Adelphi, tells Whisky Talk all about it.By The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

1
Alena Schiappacasse: Capturing Truth Through the Lens 37:10

3+ y ago37:10

37:10

On this episode:- Traveling the world as a documentary producer- The gifts of a Waldorf education in filmmaking, communication, and relationship- Finding purpose and beauty in the everyday- Following one's interests to find one's passionBy Nita June Davanzo

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