The new facilities will enable the society to further invest in whisky and other spirits stock as well as new cask wood, enhancing the group’s vast and unique stock holding and providing members access to an even wider range of exceptional spirits.

Headquartered at The Vaults in Leith, Edinburgh, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is the leading curator and provider of premium single cask Scotch malt whisky and other spirits for sale to a discerning global membership of around 28,000 whisky fans.

Founded in 1983, the Society’s main aim is to share the world’s best curated whiskies, bringing them to life through tasting events, content and other member activities. Each month it offers members exclusive access to a range of limited-edition, single cask bottlings; and hosts members in its four venues in the UK and around the world in over 100 partner bars.

Even though it faced challenges from the coronavirus pandemic and US tariffs on single malt Scotch whisky in 2020, ASC posted a 3% growth in revenue to £15m following a 30% increase in e-commerce globally. Although venues were closed throughout most of the pandemic, membership of SMWS increased 4% in the year, owing to an increase in the number of sign-ups made through online channels.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has been a customer of the Royal Bank of Scotland since 2015, after it was acquired from LVMH’s Glenmorangie company. With a combination of investor support and the bank’s facilities, the company has been able to invest in long term stock holdings, a wide variety of cask inventory, the creation of subsidiaries in China, Japan and Australia, further development of its US sales and the purchase of property, including flats for members’ use near The Vaults.

The Artisanal Spirits Company recently announced beer industry stalwart and former Molson Coors President and CEO Mark Hunter as chair of the board as it explores a possible initial public offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market as one option for facilitating the next phase of its future.

David Ridley, managing director of The Artisanal Spirits Company, said: “While we had a number of challenges throughout the past 12 months, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has continued to thrive thanks to its valued members and our enhanced on-line offering with virtual tastings and our Unfiltered magazine moving to a monthly on-line format.

“This support from Royal Bank of Scotland will help us deliver on our exciting future plans and bring an increased range of superior whisky and other spirits to our members. The team at the bank have been great, demonstrating an excellent understanding of our business needs – it was a very smooth, collaborative experience throughout.”

Andy Barraclough, head of regional asset based lending at RBS, added: “The Artisanal Spirits Company boasts a quality management team, a clear strategic view, and a record-breaking trading performance during the pandemic. Their plans are sure to build on this great work and, by increasing their previous facility, Royal Bank of Scotland is reinforcing its commitment to one of Scotland’s oldest and most important sectors, and its promotion on the international stage.”