SMWS unveils Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has opened the doors to new Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar at its 28 Queen Street venue in Edinburgh as a £300,000 refurbishment reaches completion.

A limited range of “extremely rare proprietary whiskies” chosen by a special guest curator will be available at the bar

Kaleidoscope, which opened on 1 August, will boast more than 200 “rare” single malt whiskies and other spirits with the selection changing regularly throughout the year.

As part of the refurbishment project, Kaleidoscope was installed the ground floor of the Georgian townhouse venue, visible and accessible from street level.

While The Society uniquely releases a new selection of its rare single cask single malt whiskies every month, a limited range of “extremely rare proprietary whiskies” chosen by a special guest curator will also be available at the bar.

Kaleidoscope also offers classic whisky cocktails with a “Society twist”, along with beer from partners Paolozzi Edinburgh Beer Factory and Alechemy, and a range of bar food such as sharing platters and a grill selection. Pairings with whisky will also be made available.

The £300,000 project saw the whole venue, which first opened in 2004, transformed by Glasgow designers Surface ID, combining classic features with contemporary design.

Jan Damen, operations director for the Society, said: “Transforming our venue with this top-to-toe makeover and opening our new Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar is a hugely exciting step in the history of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

“Kaleidoscope is open to all types of visitors, from local whisky fans to international visitors who are just starting out on their whisky journey. The Society is all about exploring the spectrum of flavours within the whisky category and we’ll have one of the biggest selections of rare single malt whisky in the country.

“More importantly, our selection will change constantly as we release new whiskies each month, providing guests with new flavours of whisky to discover each time they visit.”

Previously on the ground flow, The Dining Room restaurant has relocated to the first floor, where it has been expanded and equipped with a bespoke Charles Heidsieck Champagne table – offering diners a five course meal matched with Charles Heidsieck Champagnes.

A new piece of artwork to “represent the Society’s single cask ethos” now hangs on the main wall in the Dining Room – a £1.5 million work made from whisky barrels holding around 220 Society bottles.

In addition the Society has introduced a whisky shop selling more than 100 bottles, and, on the top floor, two new exclusive members-only lounges.