SMWS targets strong growth in US market

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has confirmed a long-term partnership with ABCK Corp, a New York-based marketing agency, as it plans for strong growth in the US.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has stepped up efforts to drive growth in the US market.

ABCK Corp was founded by Arnaud Brachet in the city in 2010. Working alongside long-running SMWS partners Alan Shayne, Spirits Import Inc. CEO, and Gabrielle Shayne, Spirit Assets LLC managing partner, ABCK will focus on driving expansion opportunities for the independent bottler and international members’ club.

Paul Skipworth, SMWS chairman, commented: “Single malt whisky continues as an exciting and dynamic growing category within spirits. As consumers become more discerning, single cask releases, which are the specialty of SMWS, represent the apex of the whisky journey.

“We have a loyal membership base within the USA and now believe it is the right time to further capitalise on our presence to expand the Society more widely throughout the US market. This will be focused on delivering an ever-increasing range of intriguing single casks in order to delight and inspire whisky drinkers across America.

“We are very excited to be announcing this long-term partnership with ABCK Corp., who is the perfect partner to assist us on this journey of growth in the United States.”

Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, SMWS offers its members what’s thought to be the world’s widest collection of single cask whiskies. Each whisky produced by SMWS is bottled from a single cask at natural strength.

Back in the UK, SMWS is currently refurbishing its 28 Queen Street venue, where it will  launch of a new whisky bar later this summer.