SMWS Tasting Panel Experience: 2026 Selection Tour - Chicago

SMWS America welcomes special guest Julien Willems of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Edinburgh to lead members through a behind-the-scenes look at our Tasting Panel. Julien is the Whisky Quality Director for SMWS globally and Manager of the Society’s Tasting Panel responsible for approving, naming and describing all Society whisky. Julien’s unique insight on whisky and cask management as well as the Panel process will allow members a special peek behind the curtain of our beloved club like never before.

Julien will lead attendees through the evaluation of six authentic samples of the Society’s stocks. These casks have not been bottled yet and it will be up to our members participating in the tastings to decide the fate of each cask. Those casks with exemplary scores will become exclusive casks for the USA…. join us and help decide which exclusive casks our US Chapter will receive!

Considering the exceptional nature of these tastings, please note that they are open only to Society members. Promptly upon completion of each experience, we will make our way to the bar for further discussion and more drams!

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Tom Smith | Director at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society