Festive Outturn: Will Edwards

Will Edwards has been a member of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society since 2016. He also happens to be the founder and owner of Archie Rose Distilling Co in Sydney, a proud Partner Bar of the SMWS. We asked him what his experience highlight of 2019 was as a member…

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“My experience highlight with the Society this year is definitely the Vaults 1682 dinner! Not only were there some incredible spirits on offer, but hearing more about the history of the society, the Vaults building/site itself as well as the founding members of the society was fascinating.

What I love about whisky is essentially everything, but if I had to single something out it would be the diversity. Across categories you obviously have an endless variety of malts and grains to play with before you then get into yeast selection, distillation methodology, cask types, maturation processes and breakdown ABV, not to mention how you actually undertake each of the production steps in between. I love seeing and tasting the variety of whiskies that are produced globally from old and new producers alike.  

My favourite flavour profile is a super SUPER tough one as I like to drink around, but I am quite partial to something briny, slightly medicinal with a little peat (or other smoke) – that said, usually, but not always, I’m looking for balance. What I look for in an Outturn is just something interesting. The great thing about SMWS is that the prerequisite is quality, so you don’t have to worry about going for something more unusual because you know it has been assessed and selected on its merits.

There wasn’t one single cask that got me into the Society, but two that immediately come to mind (excluding  those on offer at The Vaults tasting) are 127.44 ‘Cantina mexicana’ and what I believe was R6.1 Spice at the races.”