SMWSA for Bourbon?

[flintlock]

I wonder, has anyone ever considered creating something like the Scotch Malt Whisky Society for bourbons? Unfiltered, barrel strength whiskies, in limited bottlings, from semi-anonymous distilleries, for society members? Would there not be enough demand for it, or would it be more of a supply issue, or both?

I think the SMWS has been a huge success. Everyone likes joining a club and getting access to special secret stuff... :cool:

[DeanSheen]

Not a blind club but D&M has an American Whiskey Club.

http://www.dandm.com/clubs_american_whiskey.php?cat=clubs&subcat=American+Whiskey+Club

[bcrossan]

I would guess some of the issue would be the goofy liquor laws in parts of the US. I know in TX it is a pain to join SMWS because you have to line up a local liquor store to receive the bottles for you. Just my $.02

I often thought it would be cool to start an auction site such as whiskyauction.com or a sample site such as masterofmalt.com but I fear the liquor laws would make that a real headache

[TomH]

One of the major stumbling blocks is the difference in the relationships between independent bottlers and distilleries for bourbon and scotch. We've seen the lack of transparency in what is being bottled by many independents. While SMWSA does not identify the distillery by name they do identify it by number. I really cannot see a strong market of those willing to pay premium prices (and IMHO SMWSA does charge of premium price for their bottles based upon comparable year/distillery official bottlings) if there is no identification of the providence of the spirit.

[flintlock]

Yeah, I'm sure you're right. It all gets bottled anyway - just keep your ear to the ground and buy what you like. And shipping would be a carnival of delights. :smiley_acbt:

[squire]

I can see how the Scottish organization was formed to fill a niche that we don't have here. With all the different styles of Bourbon available we can also create our own preference by mingling.

[cowdery]

There are plenty of opportunities, including among members of this board who pool their resources to do special bottlings. That's about as close to the SMWS as you're going to get in the American system.