The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Australia

Let The Festivals Begin, Tassie!
2024-06-29 18:30 - 21:30 (Australia/Hobart) | New Sydney Hotel, 87 Bathurst St, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
The Scotch Whisky Festivals are here, and Tassie, you’re in for a real treat!
Every year, the Scotch Whisky calendar has several dates to look forward to, but none are so coveted or anticipated as the Scotch Whisky Festivals — from Fèis Ìle on Islay to the Spirit of Speyside! As always, the SMWS is bringing you several Scotch Whisky Festival releases available to try at the same time as those in the UK — an absolute treat!
Your local SMWS Ambassador Mr Tom Rofe has organised a classic festivals dinner at our Partner Bar the New Sydney Hotel in Hobart for members and friends where you will enjoy 6x of the 2024 Rare Release festival bottlings, a welcome drink, and two-course dinner. Soak up the fèis spirit amongst passionate friends and fellow members whilst you enjoy some tasty drams and a hearty meal.

When? Saturday, 29th of June 2024 — 6:30pm arrival for a 6:45pm start.
Where? New Sydney Hotel, 87 Bathurst St, Hobart TAS 7000.

Members are welcome to bring guests at member prices. Non-members are also welcome to attend.

The Festival Casks (At Long Last) Land in Lonnie!
2024-07-20 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Hobart) | Alida at Penny Royal, 1 Bridge Rd, Launceston, Tasmania, 7250, Australia
Don’t think we forgot about you, Launceston! Are you ready to experience the 2024 Rare Release festival bottlings?
Every year, the Scotch Whisky calendar has several dates to look forward to, but none are so coveted or anticipated as the Scotch Whisky Festivals — from Fèis Ìle on Islay to the Spirit of Speyside! As always, the SMWS is bringing you several Scotch Whisky Festival releases available to try not that long after those in the UK get to try them — an absolute treat!
Your local SMWS Ambassador Mr Tom Rofe has organised a stylish and tasty festivals dinner at Alida in Penny Royal for members and friends where you will enjoy 6x of the 2024 Rare Release festival bottlings, a welcome drink, and a two-course dinner (main and dessert). Plus, there’ll be bonus takeaway dram prizes to be won on the night! Soak up the fèis spirit amongst passionate friends and fellow members whilst you enjoy some tasty drams and a hearty meal.

When? Saturday, 20th of July 2024 — 6:30pm arrival for a 6:45pm start.

Where? Alida Restaurant at Penny Royal, 1 Bridge Rd, Launceston TAS 7250.

Members are welcome to bring guests at member prices. Non-members are also welcome to attend.

Sydney Winter Whisky Dinner— SMWS x Franz Scheurer x Izy.Aki
2024-07-29 18:30 - 21:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Izy.Aki, Cadmans Cottage Stairs 106B George Street, The Rocks, NSW, 2000, Australia
As Society Sydney Winter Whisky Dinners go — and we’ve had over a dozen now! — this is surely one of the most enticing ever.
The undisputed master of matching food to whisky, Franz Scheurer, returns once more for us, and this time he’s teaming up with the incredible Darren Templeman at Izy.Aki.
Come and experience what “1+1=3” is all about! Darren’s culinary CV has few peers, and his fresh take on Japanese Kappo Omakase dining has made Izy.Aki one of Sydney’s tastiest destinations. There are precious few restaurants where one of the best chefs in the country personally serves and explains the dishes to you, and the opportunity to pair his stunning creativity and hospitality with Society whiskies, together with Franz’s magical touch, is a mouthwatering prospect.
Being a true izakaya-style venue, this will be an intimate dinner with room for just 24 diners as we take over the restaurant for the night. 5x Society whiskies paired with 5x carefully paired dishes, curated to match (plus a welcome drink). If you’ve never been to a Franz Scheurer whisky dinner and you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, book your seat quickly!

When? Monday, 29th of June 2024 — 6:30pm arrival and start.
Where? Izy.Aki, Cadmans Cottage Stairs 106B George Street, The Rocks NSW 2000.

Members are welcome to bring guests at member prices. Non-members are also welcome to attend.

Please advise of any dietary requirements when booking. While substitutions and adjustments can happily be accommodated, please note that as a whisky-matching dinner, the menu and the dishes have been specifically prepared to combine with the whiskies for a “1+1=3” experience. Substituted dishes may not achieve quite the same match.

TICKETS ON SALE THURSDAY 13th, MIDDAY AEST.

The Grand Tour of Speyside Heads North!
2024-08-08 18:00 - 20:30 (Australia/Brisbane) | Malt Dining, 28 Market St, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia
The Grand Tour of Speyside continues around Australia, next stop — Brisbane!
Join Keeper of The Quaich and SMWS Australia Chairman Andrew Derbidge for what will easily be one of the most focused, detailed, and informative whisky masterclasses ever presented in Australia as we embark on a grand tour of Speyside and the River Spey.
We’ll explore the region in depth, looking not just at distilleries, but at the region’s geography, history, people, science, and place in the whisky industry. We’ll also present a wee Speyside travel guide (where to stay, wine, and dine!), and, of course, we’ll be exploring and tasting six diverse whiskies from six very unique Speyside distilleries encompassing different flavour profiles, cask types, and age statements.
On the night, we will be hosted in Malt Dining’s Attic, where guests will enjoy canapés and 6x incredible Speyside malts, entertainment, education, giveaways, and a presentation like no other from Andrew Derbidge.

When? Thursday, 8th of August 2024 — 6:00pm arrival and 6:30pm start.
Where? Malt Dining (Attic), 28 Market St, 4000 Brisbane.

This is an exclusive tasting experience and thus tickets are very limited. If you’re interested, we advise you book in quick to avoid disappointment.
Members are welcome bring guests at member prices; non-members are also welcome to attend.

Bottle Launch: Maple-Mustard Pulled Pork with Whisky & Alement
2024-08-13 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Fancy Hanks, 1/79 Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
We’re extremely stoked to announce that everyone’s favourite Partner Bar, Whisky & Alement have chosen a third Society cask to be bottled for the bar!
That’s right, introducing Cask 39.289 Maple-mustard pulled pork! This tasty 17-year-old bottling was chosen by Whisky & Alement’s Brooke and Jules and is the third Society cask they’ve chosen for bottling through the SMWS. To celebrate the launch of this exclusive cask, we’re teaming up with the smoke masters at Fancy Hanks for a whisky and American BBQ launch party!
Guests will have the opportunity to try Cask 39.289 before it’s released, as well as enjoy a full American BBQ dinner, a specially prepared cocktail from the Whisky & Alement team, and some other tasty drams from the archive. This is an exclusive opportunity to taste the unreleased bottling and learn from the W&A team themselves about why they selected this cask and how it differs from their first two choices.
We’ll also be offering a special ticket option for those wishing to pre-order the bottle at an exclusive pre-release price; these ticket holders will be able to take home their bottle on the night.

When? Tuesday, 13th of August 2024 — 6:30pm arrival and 7pm start.
Where? Fancy Hank’s, 1/79 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000.

This event is strictly limited to members of SMWS Australia; members are welcome to bring a guest at member pricing.

Please note that tickets will go on sale Monday 15th, midday AEST.

The Grand Tour of Speyside in Canberra!
2024-08-22 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Table Canberra, 5/146 Scollay Street, Greenway, ACT, 2900, Australia
The Grand Tour of Speyside continues around Australia, next stop — Canberra!
Join Keeper of The Quaich and SMWS Australia Chairman Andrew Derbidge for what will easily be one of the most focused, detailed, and informative whisky masterclasses ever presented in Australia as we embark on a grand tour of Speyside and the River Spey.
We’ll explore the region in depth, looking not just at distilleries, but at the region’s geography, history, people, science, and place in the whisky industry. We’ll also present a wee Speyside travel guide (where to stay, wine, and dine!), and, of course, we’ll be exploring and tasting six diverse whiskies from six very unique Speyside distilleries encompassing different flavour profiles, cask types, and age statements.
On the night we’ll enjoy the gorgeous hospitality of Chef Thomas at the two-hatted Table Canberra restaurant and a series of canapés and degustation small plates, in addition to 6x incredible Speyside malts, entertainment, education, giveaways, and a presentation like no other.
A classic evening at the incredible Table Canberra with our NSW State Ambassador at large, Andrew Derbidge, and local ACT Ambassador Drew McKinnie.

When? Thursday the 22nd of August, 6:30pm arrival and start.
Where? Table By Canberra Gourmet, 5/146 Scollay Street, Greenway ACT 2900.

Members are welcome to bring guests along at member prices. Non-members are also welcome to attend.

The Grand Tour of Speyside: Hobart Edition
2024-08-29 18:30 - 20:30 (Australia/Hobart) | New Sydney Hotel, 87 Bathurst St, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
The Grand Tour of Speyside continues around Australia, next stop — Hobart, Tassie!
Join Keeper of The Quaich and SMWS Australia Chairman Andrew Derbidge for what will easily be one of the most focused, detailed, and informative whisky masterclasses ever presented in Australia as we embark on a grand tour of Speyside and the River Spey.
We’ll explore the region in depth, looking not just at distilleries, but at the region’s geography, history, people, science, and place in the whisky industry. We’ll also present a wee Speyside travel guide (where to stay, wine, and dine!), and, of course, we’ll be exploring and tasting six diverse whiskies from six very unique Speyside distilleries encompassing different flavour profiles, cask types, and age statements.
The experience includes a two-course dinner at the beloved SMWS Partner Bar — the New Sydney Hotel — 6x incredible single-cask, cask-strength Speyside malts hand-selected by Andrew, entertainment, education, giveaways, and a presentation like no other from our very own SMWS Australia Chairman, Andrew Derbidge.

When? Thursday, 29th of August 2024 — 6:30pm arrival and 6:45pm start.
Where? New Sydney Hotel, 87 Bathurst St, Hobart 7000.

This is an exclusive tasting experience and thus tickets are very limited. If you’re interested, we advise you book in ASAP to avoid disappointment.
Members are welcome bring guests at member prices; non-members are also welcome to attend.

The Grand Tour of Speyside: Launceston Edition
2024-08-30 18:30 - 21:30 (Australia/Hobart) | Alida at Penny Royal, 1 Bridge Rd, Launceston, Tasmania, 7250, Australia
The Grand Tour of Speyside continues around Australia, next stop — Launceston, Tassie!
Hot on the heels of our Hobart Speyside stop, Keeper of The Quaich and SMWS Australia Chairman Andrew Derbidge brings his Grand Tour of Speyside to Launceston! This will easily be one of the most focused, detailed, and informative whisky masterclasses ever presented in Australia as we embark on a grand tour of Speyside and the River Spey.
We’ll explore the region in depth, looking not just at distilleries, but at the region’s geography, history, people, science, and place in the whisky industry. We’ll also present a wee Speyside travel guide (where to stay, wine, and dine!), and, of course, we’ll be exploring and tasting six diverse whiskies from six very unique Speyside distilleries encompassing different flavour profiles, cask types, and age statements.
The experience includes a two-course dinner at scenic Allida Restaurant at Penny Royal, 6x incredible single-cask, cask-strength Speyside malts hand-selected by Andrew, entertainment, education, giveaways, and a presentation like no other from our very own SMWS Australia Chairman, Andrew Derbidge.

When? Friday, 30th of August 2024 — 6:30pm arrival and 6:45pm start.
Where? Alida Restaurant at Penny Royal, 1 Bridge Rd, Launceston 7250.

This is an exclusive tasting experience and thus tickets are very limited. If you’re interested, we advise you book in ASAP to avoid disappointment.
Members are welcome bring guests at member prices; non-members are also welcome to attend.

Global Gathering 2024: Melbourne Dinner
2024-09-12 18:30 - 21:30 (Australia/Sydney) | The Kelvin Club, 14-30 Melbourne Pl, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
The Melbourne 2024 Global Gathering is coming!
Global Gathering is an SMWS initiative started several years ago where we dedicate the entire month of September to emphasise the ethos that whisky should be shared, not just with your friends and neighbours, but with fellow Society members from all over the world! Each branch has an entire cask bottled exclusively for its local members; and whilst it’s still too soon to unveil the details of our Australian-exclusive Gathering cask, we have organised a tasty and inviting whisky dinner for our Victorian members!
For 2024, we will be returning to the Kelvin Club in the Melbourne CBD for a classic whisky dinner — a welcome drink, two courses and 5x Society drams (including the Gathering cask, of course) will be included in your ticket with your local VIC Ambassador Alex Moores guiding you through each cask whilst sharing the Gathering spirit.

When? Thursday, 12 September 2024 — 6:30pm arrival for a 7:00pm start.
Where? The Kelvin Club — 14-30 Melbourne Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000.

Members are welcome to bring guests at member prices. Non-members are welcome and encouraged to attend. We’re also offering a special ticket + membership option for non-members looking to join at an exclusive Gathering price.

ON SALE NOW!

RLF Partner Bar Launch in Adelaide
2024-11-14 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Adelaide) | Ralph Louis Frederick, Level 1/21 Gilbert Pl, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
Join us for the launch of Adelaide’s latest SMWS Partner Bar — Ralph Louis Frederick — with a luxurious canapé-matched whisky tasting.
This November, we’re celebrating the launch of Ralph Louis Frederick as an SMWS Partner Bar. This opulent and exclusive bar sits above Hains & Co and offers a lavish environment to enjoy a good dram from their carefully curated backbar. For this special whisky tasting, guests will be tasting through an exquisite selection of drams from the Society portfolio.
What’s on pour?

SMWS 96.39 ‘Summer Holidays’ 12 YO Juicy, Oak & Vanilla
SMWS 19.57 ‘A Maverick Martini on Martinique’ 18YO Sweet, Fruity & Mellow
SMWS 44.155 ‘Well Worth Chasing Down’ 19YO Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits
SMWS 66.214 ‘Discover The South’ 14YO Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits
SMWS 4.307 ‘ A Siren in the Harr’ 11YO, Lightly Peated
SMWS RR29 ‘Sm’oak!’ 25YO Heavily Peated

Our newest National Ambassador Lachlan Watt will be hosting this tasting alongside SA Ambassador Cody Banks; the evening includes a welcome drink, 6x 20ml drams, and canapés to match.
Please note that SMWS members can use the code ‘SMWS2024‘ for a discounted ticket.
This event is ticketed by RLF — you can purchase tickets from their website. Strictly limited to 20 spots — get in quick to avoid disappointment.

PURCHASE TICKETS

Wollongong's Society Christmas Dinner
2024-12-13 18:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Sydney) | M2 Kitchen, 1/354 Keira St, Wollongong, NSW, 2500, Australia
Dust off your finest summer wear and come down to the M2 kitchen for a Society dinner to bring in the end of the year!
Join your local Illawarra State Ambassador Fred Apolloni for a great evening feast at the local M2 kitchen where you’ll be guided through a series of Society drams to complement the multi-course dinner. Each ticket inlcudes four courses prepared by the local kitchen, 5x drams, a welcome drink, and of course the great company of fellow Wollongong Society members and friends.
This will be the final SMWS experience in Wollongong for the year, so be sure to secure your tickets ASAP (guests of members are always welcome to come) to avoid missing out — limited spots available!

When? Friday, 13th of December 2024 — 6:00pm arrival and 6:30pm start.
Where? M2 Kitchen, Unit 1/354 Keira St, Wollongong NSW 2500.

Members are encourage to bring guests at member prices; non-members are also welcome to attend.

Japanese Distillery Launch: Private Omakase Experience Night 1
2025-03-19 17:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Bar Besuto, 3 Underwood St, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
Join us for an intimate omakase dinner as we introduce Distillery 159 and 160 from Japan!
In 2008, Japanese whisky exploded onto the global market (after many years of limited success), despite having only 80 years of production behind it. Since then, we have seen an exponential growth in both distilleries and consumption of Japanese whisky. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society got on the lift early doors, with the first single cask released in 2002, cask 116.1 Coconut peapods and tropical hothouses. Since then, the Society’s releases have expanded to include highly sought-after casks from distilleries 119, 120, 124, 130, 131 and 132.
With the rise of new distilleries since 2008, the chance to share these exciting new whiskies with the Society has grown. We are delighted to invite you to an intimate dinner at Besuto Omakase, where we will explore two of the newest Japanese distilleries to join the Scotch Malt Whisky Society — Cask 159.1 and Cask 160.1 — along with a special surprise from the past! Our very own Lachlan Watt, and Joel Best from Besuto Omakase will take you on a journey through a series of 8x courses, 4x Japanese whiskies, and a custom highball on arrival.
This event will take place over two sessions (one session per person limit). This will also be an opportunity to order Cask 159.1 and Cask 160.1 before they’re released to the public (limited bottlings available for pre-order).

When? Wednesday 19th March 2025
Session 1: 5pm
Session 2: 8:15pm
Guests are welcome to arrive early and enjoy drams at the bar prior to or after their booked session.
Where? Bar Besuto, 3 Underwood St, Sydney NSW 2000.

This is a members-only event. Due to the extremely limited availability of seats, unfortunately it will not be possible to bring guests to these events. One session per member. Due to the nature of the event, one week cancellation notice is required.
Please note that this is for the first evening of sessions — Wednesday, 19th of March.
For the Thursday 20th sessions, please click here.

Japanese Distillery Launch: Private Omakase Experience Night 2
2025-03-20 17:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Bar Besuto, 3 Underwood St, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
Join us for an intimate omakase dinner as we introduce Distillery 159 and 160 from Japan!
In 2008, Japanese whisky exploded onto the global market (after many years of limited success), despite having only 80 years of production behind it. Since then, we have seen an exponential growth in both distilleries and consumption of Japanese whisky. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society got on the lift early doors, with the first single cask released in 2002, cask 116.1 Coconut peapods and tropical hothouses. Since then, the Society’s releases have expanded to include highly sought-after casks from distilleries 119, 120, 124, 130, 131 and 132.
With the rise of new distilleries since 2008, the chance to share these exciting new whiskies with the Society has grown. We are delighted to invite you to an intimate dinner at Besuto Omakase, where we will explore two of the newest Japanese distilleries to join the Scotch Malt Whisky Society — Cask 159.1 and Cask 160.1 — along with a special surprise from the past! Our very own Lachlan Watt, and Joel Best from Besuto Omakase will take you on a journey through a series of 8x courses, 4x Japanese whiskies, and a custom highball on arrival.
This event will take place over two sessions (one session per person limit). This will also be an opportunity to order Cask 159.1 and Cask 160.1 before they’re released to the public (limited bottlings available for pre-order).

When? Thursday 20th March 2025
Session 1: 5pm
Session 2: 8:15pm
Guests are welcome to arrive early and enjoy drams at the bar prior to or after their booked session.
Where? Bar Besuto, 3 Underwood St, Sydney NSW 2000.

This is a members-only event. Due to the extremely limited availability of seats, unfortunately it will not be possible to bring guests to these events. One session per member. Due to the nature of the event, one week cancellation notice is required.
Please note that this is for the second evening of sessions — Thursday, 20th of March.
For the Wednesday 19th sessions, please click here.

Passion and Artistry: Paired Whisky Dinner in Canberra
2025-03-26 18:30 - 21:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Vincent, 48 Macquarie St, Barton, ACT, 2600, Australia
An elegant evening of paired drams and fine food as we return to Vincent Restaurant.

CBR SMWS Ambassador Drew McKinnie has prepared quite the evening for guests this coming March as the Society returns to the stylish and upbeat modern wine bar that is Vincent for an evening of charming tasting plates inspired by the delightful Society whiskies they’re paired with. Featuring a stunning array of Society bottlings from across our extensive range, guests will enjoy a multi-course paired arrangement that will leave you satisfied and content, all whilst surrounded by the incredible Society members and friends that make this club so fantastic.
Plus, our National Brand Ambassador Lachlan Watt will be flying over to CBR to co-host with Drew — an evening not to be missed!
Your ticket includes 5x Society drams paired with 6x custom-made dishes served in the private dining space of Vincent, plus a welcome drink on arrival.

When? Wednesday 26th of March 2025 — 6:30pm arrival for a 6:45pm start.
Where? Vincent Restaurant, 3/48 Macquarie St, Barton ACT 2600.

Members are welcome to bring guests at member prices. Non-members are encouraged to attend.
Please note that due to the nature of this event, ticket sales will be closing on the 20th of March.

Autumnal Society Dinner in the 'Gong
2025-03-28 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Sydney) | The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke St, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia
It’s back to the Frat Club for a Society feast with Mr Fred Apolloni!

Join your fellow Society members and comrades at the Fraternity club this coming March for an Autumnal dinner with some new and remarkable whiskies from the Society’s catalogue! Your local Ambassador Fred Apolloni will be leading the charge on another memorable tasting! Guests will enjoy five SMWS malts (including a 32-year-old Vaults Collection), a two-course dinner, and a welcome drink all in the familiar surrounds of the cosy Frat Club.
Don’t miss this golden opportunity to share some new and exciting Society drams with your fellow Illawarra Society members at Wollongong’s inaugural tasting of 2025.

When? Friday the 28th of March, 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start.
Where? Upstairs at The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke St, Fairy Meadow, 2519.

Members are welcome to bring guests at member pricing. Non-members are also welcome to attend.

Some Eirinn Heresy in Melbourne
2025-04-10 18:30 - 21:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | P.J. O’Brien’s Irish Pub, 12-16/3 Southgate Ave, Southbank, Victoria, 3006, Australia
It’s time to don a touch of green as we celebrate a belated St Patrick’s Day — and what better way to do so than with the release of our Irish Heresy bottling, a pint of Guinness, and a feast at P.J. O’Brien’s!
Long-time Society members will remember the regular casual feasts we enjoyed at P.J. O’Brien’s Irish Pub. Well, we’re returning to the famed venue this April to celebrate a belated St Paddy’s Day with a stellar line-up of Heresy releases! Guests can expect a fun and festive evening kicking off with a dram of Shimmering silk — our newly-released and first-ever Irish Heresy bottling produced in collaboration with Dunville’s Whisk — and a pint of Guinness on arrival, before sitting down to enjoy a curated line-up of 5x SMWS small-batch Heresy releases, both classic and new, with a hearty, two-course meal from the P.J’s kitchen.
Your local VIC Society Ambassador Alex Moores will be taking guests through the history of Irish whisky with the SMWS as well as the purpose of our clear-bottle ‘Heresy’ range of whiskies. Guests can expect a casual evening of great whisky, tasty food and fantastic company as we return to P.J. O’Brien’s in Southbank.

When? Thursday 10th of April 2025 — 6:30pm arrival for a 7:00pm start.
Where? P.J. O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Shop G12-16, Southgate Restaurant & Shopping Precinct, Southbank VIC 3006.

Members are welcome to bring guests at member prices. Non-members are encouraged to attend and see what the Society is all about.

Launceston's Wondrous Festivals Experience
2025-06-26 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Hobart) | Nomy Bar & Kitchen, 91 George St, Launceston, TAS, 7250, Australia
The fèis spirit returns to Tassie shores this June as we celebrate the wondrous 2025 SMWS Scotch Whisky festivals casks.

Join us at Nomy Bar & Kitchen in Launceston for an evening of drams and food to celebrate the 2025 Scotch Whisky festivals! 2025 marks the year the Society returns to single-cask releases across the board for the festivals for a full fèis flavour experience. We’ll be indulging in 5x of the single-cask whisky releases spanning the Scotch Whisky regions + a welcome drink and two-course dinner covering Nomy’s finest dishes, all led by your local Tassie Society ambassador Mr Tom Rofe.
This will be an exclusive opportunity to sample some of the official 2025 Scottish Whisky Festivals bottlings in Tasmania at similar times as they’re being enjoyed in the UK — a real treat!

When? Thursday 26th of June 2025 — 6:15pm arrival for a 6:30pm start.
Where? Nomy Bar and Kitchen, 91 George St, Launceston TAS 7250.

Members are welcome to bring guests at member prices. Non-members are encouraged to attend and see what the Society is all about.

Canberra's Whisky Wanderers Dinner (with a Canadian Twist)
2025-07-10 18:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Caribou Kingston, Green Square, 44 Jardine St, Kingston, ACT, 2604, Australia
The Whisky Wanderers Festival has arrived on our shores, making it the perfect time to celebrate together in Canberra through the medium of full-flavoured Society whisky!
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has long celebrated the regions, provenance, casks, and flavours of whisky, and this year, we invite you to embark on a journey through flavour with our own take on the classic festivals — The Whisky Wanderers. Building on the Rare Releases of previous years, the Society has unveiled a series of specially selected and carefully matured casks globally to mark the inaugural Whisky Wanderers Festival. We’re lucky enough to be receiving 14 of them in Australia (including the highly anticipated five-region blended malt Wandering Alchemy).
Where better to return on a cold winter’s night in our nation’s capital than Caribou at Kingston — our favourite Canadian Sports Bar known as the friendliest waterhole in the lakeside precinct? Our Canadian friends are offering a convivial night, tasty warming foods, maple-flavoured fun, accompanied by a selection of 6x Winter Wanderers Festival malts and a cocktail on arrival. Escape from the mad pressures of life and instead enjoy friendship, hospitality and fantastic flavours.

When? Thursday 10th of July 2025 — 6:00pm arrival for a 6:30pm start.
Where? Caribou — 44 Jardine St, Kingston ACT 2604 (Green Square).

Members are welcome to bring guests at member prices. Non-members are also welcome to attend. The public bar will also be open for those wishing to purchase additional beverages.

A Frosty Dram-fair in the 'Gong
2025-08-01 18:00 - 22:00 (Australia/Sydney) | The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke St, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia
Warm your soul at the Frat with a Society dinner amongst good company and fine food.
Join your fellow Society members and comrades at the Fraternity club this coming August for a warming winter dinner with some new and remarkable whiskies from the Society’s catalogue! Your local Ambassador Fred Apolloni will be leading the charge on another memorable tasting! Guests will enjoy five SMWS malts, a multi-course dinner, and a welcome drink all in the familiar surrounds of the cosy Frat Club.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy another memorable experience and share some new and exciting Society drams with your fellow Illawarra Society members at the Frat!

When? Friday the 1st of August, 6:00pm for a 6:30pm start.
Where? Upstairs at The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke St, Fairy Meadow, 2519.

Members are welcome to bring guests at member pricing. Non-members are also welcome to attend.

Whispers of Spring Creators Collection Launch — Melbourne
2025-09-13 18:30 - 23:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | The Australian Club, 110 William St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Join us at The Australian Club in Melbourne for an exclusive whisky dinner launching our latest Creators Collection series — The Whispers of Spring.
Two private rooms and a balcony overlooking William St will be the setting for the launch of our next Creators Collection — The Whispers of Spring; which captures the subtle, yet powerful, energy of the season where life stirs from its slumber. Each bottle is a chapter in a story of renewal, awakening the senses and offering a fresh perspective on timeless traditions. These whiskies invite members to rediscover the depth and diversity of Scotch, with each distillery contributing a unique expression of rebirth and transformation.
On the night, you can expect:

A three-course meal + sides;
5x 30ml drams: one of each of the four Whispers of Spring Creators Collection whiskies, plus a dram of Cask 53.495 Peat bloom to finish;
Free flowing basic beer/wine/soft drinks; and
A chance to mingle and relax post-dinner in the Library room and Domino room balcony.

All of this in the private surroundings of the prestigious Australian Club.
This will be a chance to try the new bottlings before they’re released to the wider membership, and learn about their provenance from our Ambassador Alex Moores and Country Director Matt Bailey.
Please note: all males will be required to wear a blazer and tie (compulsory for entry to the Australian Club), female members will be required to wear similar formal dinner attire.

When? Saturday the 13th of September, 6:30pm arrival.
Where? The Australian Club, Domino room and Library; 110 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000.

This is strictly a members-only event (members may purchase a ticket for 1x guest). Very limited tickets available.

SMWS x OCD x Bar 26: Smokey & Salty Degustation Dinner
2025-09-16 18:00 - 21:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Bar 26, Unit 2, 26 Halloran St, Lilyfield, NSW, 2040, Australia
Hosted by our wonderful friends and NSW Partner Bar 26 of Otter Craft Distilling — indulge in an exquisite SMWS-paired seafood degustation dinner…
Join us at Bar 26 (the speakeasy style tasting bar for OCD) for a bold & beautifully curated night of SMWS whisky, seafood, and sensory storytelling!
The night will begin with an SMWS whisky highball welcome cocktail, and a delicate amuse-bouche, before diving into a six-course seafood degustation created by Chef Flynn McLennan — where Japanese-inspired flavours meet native Australian ingredients in a truly unforgettable menu!
Each course will be perfectly paired with hand-picked SMWS whiskies, including exclusive new outturn casks, with tasting insights led by Andrew Derbidge — Chairman, Director & NSW Manager of SMWS Australia.

When? Tuesday the 16th of September, 6:00pm arrival and start, 9:30pm finish.
Where? Bar 26; 26-30 Halloran St, Lilyfield NSW 2040.

$280 per person
Only 20 seats available
No menu substitutions available

Secure your tickets here

Hosted by Andrew Derbridge (SMWS Australia)
Co-hosted by Eduard Otter (Co-owner & Head Distiller, OCD + Bar 26)

Please note that this event is hosted and ticketed by Otter Craft Distilling — tickets can be purchased by getting in touch with them via their website and reserving your spot.

Whispers of Spring Creators Collection Launch — Sydney
2025-09-19 18:30 - 22:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Grana Privato at Hinchcliff House, 5-7 Young St, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
Join us at Grana Privato at Hinchcliff House in Sydney’s Circular Quay for an exclusive whisky dinner launching our upcoming Creators Collection series — The Whispers of Spring.
Introducing The Whispers of Spring, our upcoming Creators Collection which captures the subtle, yet powerful energy of the season where life stirs from its slumber. Each bottle is a chapter in a story of renewal, awakening the senses and offering a fresh perspective on timeless traditions. These whiskies invite members to rediscover the depth and diversity of Scotch, with each distillery contributing a unique expression of rebirth and transformation.
Sydney members will have an exclusive opportunity to taste these exquisite whiskies alongside an array of expertly-prepared dishes amongst the company of fellow flavour enthusiasts. Your ticket includes a shared four-course dinner (with sides) expertly prepared by the Grana Privato kitchen, and 5x SMWS drams: one of each of the four Whispers of Spring Creators Collection whiskies, plus a welcome dram.

All of this in the opulence of a private dining room at Grana Privato…
This will be a chance to try these new bottlings (the youngest of which is 27-years-old) bottlings and learn about their provenance from our Branch Chairman and NSW Ambassador Andrew Derbidge.

When? Friday the 19th of September, 6:30pm arrival for a 7pm start.
Where? Grana Privato at Hinchcliff House; 5-7 Young St, Sydney NSW 2000.

Tickets to this event are strictly limited, and available to members only.

On sale Now!

Brisbane Single-Cask Whisky Dinner with Chef Myles Hartley
2025-09-20 18:30 - 21:30 (Australia/Brisbane) | The Mailman, 2 Bluebell Street, Alexandra Hills, QLD, 4161, Australia
Brisbane — prepare yourself for an evening of exceptional food and fine single-cask spirit pairings with this SMWS x Chef Myles Hartley collaboration!
This coming September, we’re teaming up with Chef Myles Hartley (formerly of The Euro/Urbane & Head Chef at Ocean View Estate Winery) to deliver an exceptional evening of flavour indulgence.
Join us at The Mailman in Alexandra Hills for a carefully prepared three-course meal, paired with 5x SMWS spirits — including TWO unreleased bottlings (one of which is a beautiful 9-year-old Jamaican rum) and a 28-year-old Cognac — plus a welcome dram. All of this hosted by your local SMWS Ambassador Scott Mansfield and Chef Myles Hartley, who will be walking you through each dish as it’s presented.
This event is strictly limited in capacity and is a fantastic opportunity to get together with fellow Society friends in a sit-down (yet still relaxed) setting and enjoy the versatility of our exceptional spirits.

When? Saturday the 20th of September, 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start.
Where? The Mailman, 2 Bluebell Street, Alexandra Hills, QLD 4161.

Members are welcome to bring guests at member pricing. Non-members are also welcome to attend.
Please note that due to the nature of the event, some dietary requirements may not be able to be catered for, please send us an email if you have any concerns.

Gathering '25 — Melbourne's Gathering Dinner
2025-10-18 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | The Kelvin Club, 14-30 Melbourne Pl, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
The time has come, Melbourne — join us at the Kelvin Club for a classic Gathering dinner this October!
The SMWS Gathering has always been a time of coming together, a time to embrace the shared love and passion for good whisky amongst friends new and old. This year, we’re celebrating Gathering month in October across the country and Cask 95.105 Into the carpenter’s kitchen — our Australian Gathering bottle selected specially by our branch’s Marketing Manager Adam Ioannidis exclusively for our members across the country.
To complement our incredible HTMC-matured whisky, we’re returning to the Kelvin Club for a two-course dinner on Saturday the 18th of October! Guests will enjoy 6x SMWS drams (including the Gathering cask and a Vaults Collection bottling), and a two-course dinner whilst revelling in the unparalleled storytelling and entertaining of SMWS Victoria Ambassador Alex Moores. This will be a classic-format Society whisky dinner with round tables taking up the entirety of the club’s upstairs area.
When? Saturday the 18th of October, 6:30pm arrival for a 7:00pm start.
Where? Kelvin Club; 4-30 Melbourne Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000.

This event is open to members and non-members alike — non-member tickets will include an SMWS membership at a special rate. Members are welcome to purchase tickets for guests at member rates.

On sale now!

Gathering ’25 — Stories at Common Vice in Brisbane
2025-10-25 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Common Vice, 2/75 Welsby St, New Farm, Queensland, 4005, Australia
Meet us at Common Vice for an evening of storytelling and Gathering of good company and drams!
The SMWS Gathering has always been a time of coming together, a time to embrace the shared love and passion for good whisky amongst friends new and old. It’s a celebration of everything that makes the SMWS truly unique: the whisky, stories, experiences, and most importantly, the members!
Join your local Queensland Ambassador, Scott Mansfield, at Common Vice for a private evening of drams and storytelling as you dive into the flavours of October outturn and beyond — including this year’s Gathering bottle: Cask 95.105 Into the carpenter’s kitchen, a HTMC cask-matured 14-year-old whisky handpicked by our own Marketing Manager, Adam Ioannidis.
Each ticket includes 5x SMWS drams (including a 31-year-old sherried Vaults Collection bottling), a beer on arrival, and a two-course dinner (plus sides) from the Common Vice kitchen! Come and be jovial this Gathering season and indulge in drams new and old amongst friends!
When? Saturday the 25th of October, 6:30pm arrival for a 7pm start.
Where? Common Vice; 2/75 Welsby St, New Farm QLD 4005.

This event is open to members and non-members alike — non-member tickets will include an SMWS membership at a special rate. Members are welcome to purchase tickets for guests at member rates.

A Wollongong Summer Delight
2025-11-07 18:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Sydney) | The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke St, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia
Dear Wollongong members, we invite you back to the Frat Club for our summer whisky dinner gathering!

Join State Ambassador Fred Apolloni and SMWS Brand Advocate Manager (and Wollongong local) Lachlan Watt for a whisky seafood dinner on Friday, the 7th of November! Guests will enjoy a multi-course, lavish seafood dinner carefully curated by the Fraternity Club’s chef in the upstairs dining area, alongside six SMWS drams encompassing both recently and upcoming released bottlings.
This is an opportunity to meet and mingle with Lachlan Watt from SMWS HQ, hear about his plentiful whisky stories, and gain insight into the club and the newly released bottlings. Join us for our final Wollongong event of 2025 before the Christmas break.

When? Friday the 7th of November, 6:00pm arrival for a 6:30pm start.
Where? Upstairs at the Frat Club; 11 Bourke St, Fairy Meadow NSW 2519.

Tickets are available for both members and non-members. Members may purchase member tickets on behalf of guests.

ROBBIE BURNS SUPPER: A Celebration of His Life
2026-01-23 18:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Royal Automobile Club, 89 Macquarie Street, SYDNEY, NSW, 2000, Australia
By popular demand, the Society’s formal Burns Supper is back, celebrating the life and times of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns.

Following multiple requests from last year’s attendees, we’ll be incorporating some more traditional elements of a Burns Supper this year, including live music, a full Toast to the Lassies, and the Lassie’s response. And, of course, we’ll be piping in the Haggis, and hearing the Ode by our local Scot, Anthony Cowie. Plus, other humorous poetry from Burns and beyond, all hosted by our Branch Director Matt Bailey.

The event is a formal sit-down dinner affair, featuring a four-course meal alongside 5x matched SMWS malts, and a welcome drink.

When? Friday 23rd January 2026 — 6:00pm arrival for a 6:30pm start.
Where? The Royal Automobile Club of Australia (ISC Room); 89 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000.

Members are welcome to bring guests at member rates. Non-members are also welcome to attend.

On sale now!

Burns Night at the New Syd!
2026-01-25 17:30 - 20:30 (Australia/Hobart) | New Sydney Hotel, 87 Bathurst St, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
Time to bust out the kilt (or some tartan) and join us at the New Sydney Hotel to kick-off 2026 with an evening celebrating the great Scottish Poet, Robbie Burns.

January 25th, 2026, come on down to the New Sydney Hotel for a traditional Robbie Burns Supper hosted by Tom Rofe, who has presented quite the immersive evening for you all! Expect a Whisky highball on arrival at 5:45 before a 6pm start where a traditional Scottish three-course meal will be served: Cullen Skink for entree, Haggis with neeps & tatties and whisky sauce for main, and Cranachan for dessert. The haggis will be addressed, and there will be a piper to welcome the haggis into the room. All of this, alongside 5x full-flavoured, panel-approved SMWS drams.
If you’ve never experienced a traditional Robbie Burns Supper, this is certainly one not to miss! If you have, then you’ll be glad to see its return at the New Sydney Hotel this coming January.

When? Sunday the 25th of January, 5:45pm arrival for a 6pm start.
Where? New Sydney Hotel; 87 Bathurst St, Hobart TAS 7000.

Members are welcome to purchase member tickets for guests. Non-members are also welcome.

*you don’t actually have to wear tartan or a kilt, but you’re of course welcome to!

Burns Supper at the Mailman
2026-01-25 19:00 - 21:30 (Australia/Brisbane) | The Mailman, 2 Bluebell Street, Alexandra Hills, QLD, 4161, Australia
Haggis, neeps & tatties await at The Mailman for a traditional Scottish Burns Supper this January — with a summer twist!

Join your local SMWS Ambassador and personality Scott Mansfield at the Mailman Café once more for a uniquely Queensland take on the classic Burns Supper — a whisky dinner with a summer twist. We’ll honour the Bard Robbie Burns himself with readings of some of the bard’s most-loved poems, including a traditional Address to the Haggis.

We’ll be teaming up once again with Chef Myles Hartley, who will be creating modern interpretations of Scottish favourites, reimagined for warm-weather indulgence, and paired with 5x curated SMWS malts (including a black-label bottling). Expect great flavours, vibrant flavours, good company, and a lively celebration of Rabbie Burns — this is Scottish tradition served sunny-side up! Kilts and tartan welcome but not required.

When? Sunday the 25th of January, 7:00pm arrival and start.

Where? The Mailman; 2-6 Bluebell Street, Alexandra Hills QLD 4161.

Tickets are available for both members and non-members. Members may purchase member tickets on behalf of guests.

A Very Sherried Adelaide Dinner
2026-02-03 18:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Adelaide) | Seven Stars Hotel, 187 Angas St, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
We’re back, Adelaide! Join us in discovering the rich, indulgent world of sherried whisky at this curated and exclusive Adelaide dinner.

Following an injury, your State Ambassador Lily Arnott has been working tirelessly to present to you a proper welcome back to Society events — and what better way to welcome you all back than with much-loved sherried Society drams!

Join fellow whisky enthusiasts for an evening exploring drams shaped by the depths of legendary sherry casks in the gorgeous Seven Stars Hotel courtyard (some older Adelaide members will remember this venue from several years back), where you will enjoy 5x SMWS drams matured in sherry casks, a welcome dram, and a three-course meal.

From velvety dried-fruit sweetness to bold, spiced finishes, you’ll journey through a curated line-up of exceptional Society casks celebrating the influence of sherry on single malt whisky. Set in the heart of Adelaide, this intimate experience is perfect for both seasoned aficionados and the sherry-curious.

Raise a glass, savour every sip, and immerse yourself in the stories behind these unforgettable casks.

When? Tuesday the 3rd of February, 6:00pm arrival for a 6:30pm start.

Where? Seven Stars Hotel (Courtyard); 186/187 Angas St, Adelaide SA 5000.

Members are welcome to purchase member tickets for guests. Non-members are also welcome.
