Useful Info · 15 May 2026
We've compiled a list of codes to make it easy to find out what whisky is inside each bottle from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. The first digits relate to the distillery, and the numbers after the dot (.) relate to the number of the release, from that distillery. Sometimes you'll see a letter preceding both -that relates to the type of liquid in the bottle, for example a "G" means it's a Grain whisky.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, or SMWS for short, famously don't tell their members the name of the distillery when releasing bottles. Some say the reason behind that choice is to promote unbiased tasting and discovery, others muse it may be to comply with agreements with distilleries - all we know is they have released some absolute crackers over the years.
We've compiled a list of codes to make it easy to find out what whisky is inside each bottle. The first digits relate to the distillery, and the numbers after the dot (.) relate to the number of the release, from that distillery. Sometimes you'll see a letter preceding both -that relates to the type of liquid in the bottle, for example a "G" means it's a Grain whisky.
Special credit to whiskysaga.com and whiskipedia.com, which we used to create this list, and where you can find lots of other useful information.
CW1. Heaven Hill Distillery, Kentucky, USA
CW2. Balcones, Texas, USA
Special credit to whiskysaga.com and whiskipedia.com, which we used to create this list, and where you can find lots of other useful information.
The exploration of flavour and sharing our discoveries is what we’re all about.
From the journal
Charity Auction
We're excited to partner with Rothes Sports Development Group this month to raise money for a great cause. The charity was formed in 2025 to enchance local health, welfare and sporting opportunities in and around Rothes, Moray.
Historical
In this intriguing piece, Gavin D. Smith delves into the relationship between taxes and the Scotch Whisky industry.
Historical
In our inaugural Blog entry, Guest writer Ian Buxton explores the seemingly unglamorous distillery mill. The unsung hero of whisky distilleries.
