The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) was founded in 1983 in Edinburgh by a group of friends led by tax accountant Phillip 'Pip' Hills. What began as a private members club has grown into one of the most respected whisky institutions in the world, with over 37,000 members across the globe. The Society played a pioneering role in popularising cask strength whisky, helping to establish it as a celebrated sub-category within the world of Scotch malt whisky. The SMWS is renowned for its unique approach to bottling: releasing single casks at cask strength, unfiltered and unadulterated, sourced from distilleries across Scotland and beyond. Rather than revealing distillery names on the label, each release is given a distinctive code number and an inventive, often whimsical name — a hallmark that has become synonymous with the Society's identity. This approach keeps the focus firmly on the liquid itself, offering members rare and often unrepeatable expressions. Owned by The Artisanal Spirits Company, the SMWS has expanded its reach internationally while maintaining its club-like ethos and commitment to rare, high-quality cask releases. Its reputation for exclusivity, creativity, and connoisseurship has made it a beloved institution among whisky enthusiasts worldwide.