New SMWS venue opened in London

Yesterday, on June 1, I attended the official opening of the new Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) venue in London, the Kaleidoscope Bar on Devonshire Square.  The venue is located downstairs at the Mac & Wild restaurant. Finding your way is very easy. Just take the tube to the Liverpool Street Underground Station and walk for a couple of minutes. 

On Devonshire Square you'll see the Mac & Wild restaurant. 

Once inside, follow the signs and head downstairs.

The bar is well stocked, and larger than the one at the the old London venue at Greville Street. There seems to be fewer bottles for sale here though, but that might just be for now. 

Upon entering I was given the 66.101 Flirting with flavour as a welcome dram. This was a woodsy, peaty youngster at 9 years old. Distinctly peppery on the palate. I rated it 87/100.

They served lovely, tasty snacks from Mac & Wild throughout the evening. 

I finished off with two Laphroaig whiskies. The 20 YO 29.216  Moonlight night at the beach, and the 18 YO 29.218 Charred fruit on an open fire. The first one was a clear favourite; 89 vs 85 points in my book. The nose, in particular really impressed over time with the older dram. 

All in all a very pleasant evening. I recommend you check out the new Kaleidoscope bar in London. Personally I think l will try to drop by both the London venues on subsequent visits to the city. 

Sláinte! Thomas