Join us for a very special and exclusive SMWS x Ardbeg celebration: an intimate evening with Dr Bill Lumsden, the Director of Whisky Creation at Ardbeg.
Ardbeg Day is a special day in the malt whisky calendar when whisky lovers from across the world gather to celebrate Islay’s most iconic distillery. Though Ardbeg Day falls on May 30th this year, some belated celebrations are taking place in Sydney on Saturday June 6th. Notwithstanding the official celebration earlier in the day, we have something EXCEPTIONALLY SPECIAL in store for our members later that evening…
We’ll be joined by none other than Dr Bill Lumsden himself, direct from Islay for this intimate, members-only evening. No other evening worldwide will showcase this level of detail to the story and spirit of this incredible Islay distillery, with a lineup to be truly in awe of. Our friends at Ardbeg are bringing an inimitable selection to the table (nothing younger than 18 years old!), while we’ll be pulling out some legendary selections from Distillery 33 that we locked away in the archive vault many years ago for just an occasion like this.
Expect old and remarkable whisky to be shared with stories direct from Scotland, brought to you for one night only in Sydney. Do not miss this moment to connect with your fellow members and one of the rarer Society distillery codes in play.
It’s an intimate audience with one of the truly great whisky personalities, experts, entertainers, and whisky makers of our time, presented by the world’s leading whisky club, in the surrounds of the Royal Automobile Club of Australia. It’s a match made in heaven!
Due to the strictly limited nature of the spirit being poured, and the ethos of this experience, this is strictly an SMWS members-only event on a first-come, first-served basis.
When? Saturday the 6th of June 2026, 7:00pm arrival.
Where? The Royal Automobile Club of Australia; 89 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000.
What? A cocktail on arrival, 6x Ardbeg whiskies (including historical Code 33 Society releases), and a light supper.
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RACA Dress Code:
Members and guests must wear business or smart casual attire.
What clothing is not acceptable?
Shorts, T-shirts, flip-flops, and informal headwear are not permitted.
Are jeans allowed?
Yes, jeans are allowed as long as they are clean, unstained, and not torn.
What is the minimum dress requirement for gentlemen?
Gentlemen must wear a collared dress shirt, long trousers, and covered footwear.
What is the dress expectation for ladies?
Ladies should wear attire appropriate to the occasion, such as slacks with a suitable top or a conservative dress.
