The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has unveiled the latest release in its Heresy range. Skooshy Stroopwafel is an 11-year-old single malt matured first in bourbon hogsheads then in European oak sherry butts.
Launched in 2017 with Exotic Cargo, the Heresy range was conceived to push the boundaries of what whisky can be, with innovative blends and intriguing cask combinations.
Skooshy Stroopwafel, the 30th release in the line, represents a rare departure from such hallmark blending. This single malt whisky, crafted at a Speyside distillery, is a showcase for SMWS’s secondary maturation expertise.
The SMWS Heresy range was conceived to push the boundaries of what whisky can be, with innovative blends and cask combinations…
Distilled on April 8, 2013, the journey of Skooshy Stroopwafel began in bourbon hogsheads, where the whisky developed a delicate fruitiness with cereal notes and hints of stone fruit. After eight years, Head of Whisky Creation Euan Campbell sought to deepen the flavour profile with a move to European oak sherry butts seasoned with Pedro Ximénez sherry for 13 months, in Spain’s renowned Sherry Triangle.
Unlike the intense maturation often associated with smaller sherry hogsheads, the larger sherry butts allowed for a more subtle wood influence, creating a balanced interplay between spirit and cask. After 32 months of additional maturation, all four butts showed remarkably similar profiles, leading to their combination into this single bottling.
Bottled at 50% ABV, the marriage of bourbon and sherry cask influences has led to a robust yet approachable tasting experience. The SMWS Tasting Panel likens the flavour profile to a Belgian fairground, with notes of lotus biscuits, muscovado sugar, and squirty whipped cream (known as Skooshy cream in Scotland) on a warm stroopwafel, accented by hints of pumpkin spice frappuccino.
“This release perfectly demonstrates our commitment to exploring the interplay between spirit and wood,” said Julien Willems, Whisky Quality Manager at SMWS. “While our Heresy range is celebrated for its blends, Skooshy Stroopwafel is a single malt that embodies the experimental spirit of the series. By using sherry butts instead of hogsheads, we’ve enhanced the distillery’s fruity character rather than overwhelming it.”
Skooshy Stroopwafel is a limited release, priced at £55, with only 2,382 bottles available.
SMWS members can secure their bottle at smws.com. There are several more Heresy releases to come this year with the next bottling launching in March for St Patrick’s Day.
Actor Karen Gillan has been unveiled as The Muse for Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box, gracing the label art for the company’s upcoming 2026 Hedonism release. A fan favourite in blockbuster franchises such as Doctor Who (Amy Pond), Guardians of the Galaxy (Nebula) and Jumanji (Ruby Roundhouse), Gillan has become one of Scotland’s most recognisable international…
Brother’s Bond Bourbon has launched in the UK, bringing its premium four-grain American whiskey portfolio to British shelves for the first time. Founded in 2020, the celebrity-fuelled brand has been making waves Stateside with accessible yet layered bourbon and rye, distinguished by hands-on blending, careful barrel selection, and a commitment to regenerative agriculture. Co-founders Ian…
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Hackstons of Knightsbridge is offering a curated selection of last-minute luxury drinks gifts certain to elevate the most romantic night of the year. In-house expert Guillaume Ragot has selected five outstanding bottles that tick all the right boxes, from celebratory sparkling wines, to memorable sippers, and luxury after-dinner…
The Luxe Review 
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has unveiled the latest release in its Heresy range. Skooshy Stroopwafel is an 11-year-old single malt matured first in bourbon hogsheads then in European oak sherry butts.
Launched in 2017 with Exotic Cargo, the Heresy range was conceived to push the boundaries of what whisky can be, with innovative blends and intriguing cask combinations.
Skooshy Stroopwafel, the 30th release in the line, represents a rare departure from such hallmark blending. This single malt whisky, crafted at a Speyside distillery, is a showcase for SMWS’s secondary maturation expertise.
Distilled on April 8, 2013, the journey of Skooshy Stroopwafel began in bourbon hogsheads, where the whisky developed a delicate fruitiness with cereal notes and hints of stone fruit. After eight years, Head of Whisky Creation Euan Campbell sought to deepen the flavour profile with a move to European oak sherry butts seasoned with Pedro Ximénez sherry for 13 months, in Spain’s renowned Sherry Triangle.
Unlike the intense maturation often associated with smaller sherry hogsheads, the larger sherry butts allowed for a more subtle wood influence, creating a balanced interplay between spirit and cask. After 32 months of additional maturation, all four butts showed remarkably similar profiles, leading to their combination into this single bottling.
Bottled at 50% ABV, the marriage of bourbon and sherry cask influences has led to a robust yet approachable tasting experience. The SMWS Tasting Panel likens the flavour profile to a Belgian fairground, with notes of lotus biscuits, muscovado sugar, and squirty whipped cream (known as Skooshy cream in Scotland) on a warm stroopwafel, accented by hints of pumpkin spice frappuccino.
“This release perfectly demonstrates our commitment to exploring the interplay between spirit and wood,” said Julien Willems, Whisky Quality Manager at SMWS. “While our Heresy range is celebrated for its blends, Skooshy Stroopwafel is a single malt that embodies the experimental spirit of the series. By using sherry butts instead of hogsheads, we’ve enhanced the distillery’s fruity character rather than overwhelming it.”
Skooshy Stroopwafel is a limited release, priced at £55, with only 2,382 bottles available.
SMWS members can secure their bottle at smws.com. There are several more Heresy releases to come this year with the next bottling launching in March for St Patrick’s Day.
Karen Gillan fronts Compass Box Hedonism 2026 limited edition Scotch whisky
Actor Karen Gillan has been unveiled as The Muse for Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box, gracing the label art for the company’s upcoming 2026 Hedonism release. A fan favourite in blockbuster franchises such as Doctor Who (Amy Pond), Guardians of the Galaxy (Nebula) and Jumanji (Ruby Roundhouse), Gillan has become one of Scotland’s most recognisable international…
Celebrity-founded Brother’s Bond Bourbon makes UK debut with starry four-grain whiskey range
Brother’s Bond Bourbon has launched in the UK, bringing its premium four-grain American whiskey portfolio to British shelves for the first time. Founded in 2020, the celebrity-fuelled brand has been making waves Stateside with accessible yet layered bourbon and rye, distinguished by hands-on blending, careful barrel selection, and a commitment to regenerative agriculture. Co-founders Ian…
Valentine’s Day drinks gift guide: fine wine, champagne and rare spirits they’ll love
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Hackstons of Knightsbridge is offering a curated selection of last-minute luxury drinks gifts certain to elevate the most romantic night of the year. In-house expert Guillaume Ragot has selected five outstanding bottles that tick all the right boxes, from celebratory sparkling wines, to memorable sippers, and luxury after-dinner…
Share this: