Batch 39: The Five Regions – A Distinctive Blended Malt

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society introduces Batch 39: The Five Regions, an 11-year-old blended malt Scotch whisky that celebrates all five Scottish whisky regions in one bottle. This 'Heresy' release builds on the success of 2025's Batch 31: Wandering Alchemy. According to whisky quality manager Julien Willems, an extra-large batch was produced, with half bottled as Batch 31 and the remainder returned to original casks to mature for an additional year before recombining.

Maturation and Composition

Matured in bourbon, oloroso, PX, and HTMC (heavy toast, medium char) hogsheads, this blended malt draws from diverse cask influences to create complexity and balance. The multi-regional composition showcases the breadth of Scottish whisky-making traditions. The tasting panel described the nose as 'mouthwatering', signalling the whisky's immediate sensory appeal.

Tasting Profile

The nose presents caramel, honey, smoky notes, and red berries. On the palate, caramel, toffee, and smoky characters emerge alongside red berries, while the finish delivers toffee, oak, and lingering smoke. This layered profile makes Batch 39 an intriguing choice for blended malt enthusiasts seeking regional diversity in a single dram.