The Scotch Malt Whisky Society journeys back in time with new worm tub collection

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s just dropped something pretty special with their fourth Creators Collection release – “Tales Of The Worm Tub: Celebrating The Bold, The Rich And The Robust.” This one’s all about celebrating those old-school worm tub condensers, and they’ve curated three Speyside expressions that really showcase what these traditional beasts can do.

For those who might need a refresher, worm tubs are those snake-like copper condensers that were the workhorses of whisky production before shell and tube condensers largely took over from the 1960s onwards. The beauty of worm tubs lies in their inefficiency – they condense spirit vapour faster with less copper contact, which translates to heavier, meatier new-make that develops into those bold, intense whiskies we’re seeing here.

Euan Campbell, SMWS’s Head of Whisky Creation, hits the nail on the head when he describes these as providing “a deep and robust bass line” for the complex flavours to build upon. It’s exactly this kind of technical exploration that makes the Society’s approach so compelling.

The lineup’s got some serious age statements and interesting maturation stories. There’s the 21-year-old “Unleash the Serpent” (Cask 44.190, £165) – spent 18 years in ex-bourbon before finishing in first-fill hogshead. The tasting notes read like a dessert menu: Bramley apples and plum jam through to black forest gateaux and mint chocolate.

“Behold the Beast” (Cask 76.157, £155) is an 18-year-old from what sounds like an experimental distillery, matured in first-fill ex-oloroso. The funky rum notes alongside bruised apples and treacle suggest some interesting interactions between the worm tub character and that sherry influence.

The crown jewel is “The Snaking Coil” (Cask 36.228, £220) – a 28-year-old from American oak PX hogshead. Those tasting notes of marzipan, dark chocolate, and apple shisha tobacco moving through to quince and hibiscus sound absolutely divine.

The collection launches August 15th, with a three-dram flight available in SMWS Members’ rooms for £53 – perfect for really understanding how different distilleries interpret worm tub character. This follows their previous Creators Collection releases covering everything from peat terroir to spring seasonality, showing the Society’s commitment to liquid storytelling through carefully curated flights.