Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar – New SMWS Bar

Two weeks ago the SMWS opened its new Whisky Bar “Kaleidoscope” within  the popular members rooms on Queen Street Edinburgh. Numerous changes have been to the members room but the biggest of all is the new “open to all” Whisky bar on the ground floor.  Below is the official press release from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and a few images of the new surroundings at Queen Street.

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NEW EDINBURGH BAR OFFERS EVER-CHANGING SPECTRUM OF whisky FLAVOURS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society unveils Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar at its 28 Queen Street venue following massive makeover

Whisky fans in Edinburgh and visiting single malt lovers from all over the world are in for a treat this August with the news that The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has launched Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar, as part of a major refurbishment of its 28 Queen Street venue.Kaleidescope Bar (1)

Kaleidoscope, which opened its doors on 1st August, will be Edinburgh’s ultimate whisky destination, welcoming everyone from novices to connoisseurs, and locals and international visitors, to explore its ever-changing spectrum of whisky flavours. More than 200 rare single malt whiskies and other spirits are available at the bar each month, with the selection changing regularly throughout the year.

The £300,000 project saw the whole venue, which was first opened in 2004, transformed with a striking new look combining classic features with contemporary design created by Surface ID, the Glasgow designers behind renowned venues such as Stravaigan, Left Bank and Grosvenor Café.

The Society uniquely releases a new selection of its rare single cask single malt whiskies every month, providing Kaleidoscope with a constantly changing menu of choices to explore. A limited range of extremely rare proprietary whiskies carefully selected for the SMWS by a special guest curator will also be available at the bar.SMWS Queen Street exterior

In addition to the whiskies, the bar offers classic whisky cocktails with a Society twist, beers partners Paolozzi Edinburgh Beer Factory and Alechemy, and a range of bar food including sharing platters, a grill section and pairings with whisky.

As part of the refurbishment project, Kaleidoscope takes pride of place on the ground floor of the Georgian townhouse venue at 28 Queen Street, visible and accessible from street level.

The Dining Room restaurant, previously on the ground floor, moves upstairs to the first floor. It has been expanded and features a bespoke Charles Heidsieck champagne table, a unique experience in Edinburgh, which offers diners a 5-course meal matched with Charles Heidsieck champagnes.Tasting room - first floor

A large unique piece of artwork representing the Society’s single cask ethos adorns the main wall in the Dining Room – the 1.5m work which is made from whisky barrels and holds around 220 Society bottles, was designed by Scott Associates.

In addition to the new bar, the Society has also unveiled a number of other changes including a shop selling over 100 bottles of its whisky, and, on the top floor, two new private lounges exclusively for its members.

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.”

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