London whisky enthusiasts have an opportunity to compete in the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s inaugural Caskmaster 2026 championship. A London heat for the national blind tasting final is set for Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 19 Greville Street.
Competitors will have 30 minutes to evaluate eight Society drams and match them against nine potential identities. The top five participants from the London heat will progress to the Grand Final, which is scheduled for November 12, 2026, in Edinburgh. Society officials have confirmed that travel and accommodation expenses for these five London qualifiers will be fully covered.
This competition marks the Society's first UK blind tasting championship, following an earlier trial in Australia. The ultimate champion will be awarded lifetime membership to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, along with a four-day retreat in Speyside during March 2027.
Calum Lawson, Member Experience Manager at Scotch Malt Whisky Society, stated, “At the Society, we have always believed that flavour should do the talking. Caskmaster puts that to the ultimate test.” He added that it is a "rare opportunity to test your palate against like-minded people and, for one person, to walk away with a prize that will last a lifetime.”