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Twin whiskies
distilled on the same day in 1994 at the
Glendronach distillery highlight the
craftsmanship of oak in the newest
releases from the Scotch Malt Whisky
Society’s Creators Collection. The
Society introduces Diptych, a
limited-edition pair that examines
symmetry and contrast through two
30 Year Old single casks drawn from the
same origin.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is
unveiling Diptych – the concluding
chapter of its premium Creators
Collection for 2025, showcasing two 30
Year Old single cask whiskies distilled
at the Glendronach distillery that delve
into the role oak plays in shaping
character.
Releasing today, Wednesday 3 December,
Diptych unites two sister casks from the
same distillery, both distilled on the
same day in 1994. After spending 28
years in Oloroso sherry butts, each
whisky was transferred into first fill
Pedro Ximénez casks – one crafted from
American oak and the other from Spanish
oak. Together, they form an elegant
study in harmony and contrast.
The SMWS Cask No. 96.41: The ‘Iberian’
highlights the impact of Spanish oak, it
is said to open with a captivating mix
of sandalwood, cedar and polished
leather on the nose, building into deep
layers of dark fruit – blackcurrants and
blackberries – accented by cloves,
ginger and star anise. A splash of water
brings notes of toasted stollen with
butterscotch sauce, spiced sultana
griddle scones, and a finish reminiscent
of damson and sloe gin jam with maple
syrup over thick American pancakes.
The SMWS Cask No. 96.42: The ‘American’
which is said to offer a beautifully
composed profile where sherry influence
is seamlessly woven in. The SMWS tells
me that the flavour journey evokes a day
in the life – beginning with mango
slices and cinnamon buns, moving into
countryside strolls with earthy nuances
and faint wood smoke, and culminating in
a lavish finale of chocolate cake, pear
frangipane tart, calvados and tobacco.
Euan Campbell, Head of Whisky Creation
at the SMWS, said: "Diptych is a
celebration of how different oak types
can transform whisky in fascinating
ways. These two casks share the same DNA
– same distillery, same year, same
initial maturation – but their final
chapter in American versus Spanish oak
PX casks has created two distinct
personalities. It's a rare opportunity
to explore the profound influence of
wood on whisky, presented as a work of
liquid art."
The collection goes on sale today 3
December, priced at £900 for the pair or
£450 per bottle.
The Creators Collection captures the art
of storytelling through some of the
rarest SMWS whiskies, each release
designed to create remarkable whisky
flights. Drawing inspiration from the
vision of whisky makers and creative
partners, the series celebrates
distinctive flavour narratives,
presenting each whisky as a creative
masterpiece housed in uniquely crafted
bottles.
If you you want to get your hands on any
of the two whiskies or any of the
whiskies the Society offers and for SMWS
membership visit
www.smws.com
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