Whisky Festivals Dinner Extravaganza in Hobart
2025-06-28 18:30 - 21:30 (Australia/Hobart) | Ball & Chain Grill, 87 Salamanca Pl, Battery Point, TAS, 7004, Australia
The fèis spirit returns to Tassie shores this June as we celebrate the wondrous 2025 SMWS Scotch Whisky festivals casks.

Join us at Ball & Chain in Hobart for an extravagant evening of drams and a multi-course dinner 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 a carefully prepared three-course dinner, 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? Saturday 28th of June 2025 — 6:15pm arrival for a 6:30pm start.
Where? Ball & Chain, 87 Salamanca Pl, Battery Point TAS 7004.

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

Brisbane's (Mini) Whisky Wanderers Festival
2025-07-05 14:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Savile Row, 667 Ann St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
The Whisky Wanderers Festival has arrived on our shores, making it the perfect time to celebrate together in Brisbane 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).
Join SMWS Australia Marketing Manager Adam Ioannidis and local Ambassador Scott Mansfield for a special afternoon tasting through 8x of these incredible Whisky Wanderers casks, accompanied by snacks and small plates at the dashing and cosy Partner Bar Savile Row. This is a casual free-roam event (think of it like a mini-festival) where guests will have the opportunity to taste through the whiskies at their own pace in their own order; it will also be a unique opportunity to try a brand new Society distillery code — Distillery 162!

When? Saturday 5th of July 2025 — 2:00pm – 5:00pm.
Where? Savile Row, (Behind the orange door) 667 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006.

Members are welcome to bring guests at member prices. Non-members are also welcome to attend. Please note that the bar will open to the public at 5pm, guests are encouraged to stay on and enjoy further drinks from the bar.

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.

The Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship 2025
2025-07-19 18:30 - 23:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | The Grandy Hyatt, Melbourne, 123 Collins St, Melbourne, Vic, 3000, Australia
That’s right, for the first time in AMWTC’s 36-year history, the Whisky Champs will be held in Melbourne City. We’ve teamed up with the Grand Hyatt and will be taking over two distinct spaces for the competition portion and afterparty, ensuring the 19th of July to be an unforgettable evening for all involved.
The Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship (AMWTC) is Australia’s longest-running whisky championship, starting in 1989, and running to today. It’s a huge night with a tasting competition that will see someone crowned the champ. Huge prizes, huge night, and all drinks and food included with every ticket.
On the night, you sit down in front of eight core-range malt whiskies, we give you the answers plus one red herring, and then you pick out which one is which within 30 minutes. Easy enough! Then we party into the night with the SMWS single cask bar, cocktail bar, and more…
Can you tell the difference between a Bruichladdich and a Balvenie? How about between a Springbank and a Starward? If so, test, tempt, and delight your senses at the biggest whisky competition in Australia as the Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship is back for a huge, fun night in 2025.
Unlike any other competition on earth, this momentous event will see someone crowned the Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Champion based on their sensory prowess. Will you be Australia’s next whisky champ?
We’ll once again be partnering with Humanitix for the ticketing as 100% of their booking fee profits are donated to charities. In 2023, we were pleased to have reached $1,565,13 in donations towards various charities. You can read more about Humanitix’s partner charities here.

Tickets will go on sale Monday, April 7, at midday AEDT via Humanitix.com.

An Evening with Tamdhu
2025-07-31 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Royal Automobile Club, 89 Macquarie Street, SYDNEY, NSW, 2000, Australia
Join us for a small and intimate tasting with the acclaimed international ambassador for Ian Macleod Distillers, Gordon Dundas, as we enjoy an evening with Tamdhu.
Tamdhu Distillery is one of the quiet achievers on Speyside but lays claim to being the only distillery in Scotland to fill 100% into sherry casks for its production. Fans of sherried whiskies will not want to miss this!
Recently elevated to the rank of Master by the Keepers of the Quaich, Ian has had a storied career in the industry and has long been a friend of the Society. (Members may recall he presented a tasting for us in Sydney back in 2014 when he looked after a different brand.) Currently holidaying in Australia, Andrew Derbidge has convinced him to take a night out of his leave to give us his wisdom, insights, and humour into all things Tamdhu.
We’ll be tasting a combined line-up of Tamdhu whiskies from their official stable, plus several SMWS single cask releases from Distillery 8 that we’ve had express-flown to Sydney just for this event.
Bottled just in the last few months, these Society casks have not even been released in Europe yet, so this will be quite the sneak peek!
Please note this event is a Members-only exclusive with room for just 20 people. A light supper will be served during the night.

When? Thursday the 31st of July, 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start.
Where? Royal Automobile Club of Australia, 89 Macquarie Street, Sydney.

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.

Spicy & Sweet: Flavour Deep Dive
2025-09-23 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Whisky & Alement, 270 Russell St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Spicy & Sweet — it’s a flavour profile we come across often in the SMWS range, but how well do we really understand it?
Known for its warmth, boldness, and complexity, this profile offers far more than first meets the nose. While it’s common to see ex-Bourbon cask bottling, the real interest comes from the wide variety of different cask types, distilleries, and styles they represent. Join State Ambassador Alex Moores this September for a bespoke tasting, guiding you through a selection of Spicy & Sweet bottlings (current and unreleased) that shows just how diverse and surprising this popular profile can be — a reminder of why flavour is always at the heart of what the Society does.
5x Spicy & Sweet drams + a welcome drink, and grazing plates included in your ticket — discover the Society’s most popular flavour profile amongst good friends this coming September.

When? Tuesday the 23rd of September, 6:30pm arrival for a 7pm start.
Where? Whisky & Alement; 270 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000.

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

This is one of two flavour masterclasses we’ll be running at the end of September; be sure to check our Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits masterclass for further flavour discovery.

Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits: Flavour Deep Dive
2025-09-30 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Whisky & Alement, 270 Russell St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits is one of the most beloved profiles in the SMWS flavour spectrum, and for good reason.
Big, bold, and full of character, these whiskies often come from sherry casks, but not exclusively…but what makes a DRDF bottling? In part two of our flavour deep dive tastings, Alex Moores will take you through a selection of bottlings that show just how much depth and complexity this profile offers — from dark fruits and spice to rich oak and beyond, enjoy releases new, upcoming, and last drops from the archive…
Each ticket includes 5x Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits SMWS drams + a welcome drink, and grazing plates hosted upstairs at Whisky & Alement; a perfect session for anyone who enjoys their whisky with serious presence.

When? Tuesday the 30th of September, 6:30pm arrival for a 7pm start.
Where? Whisky & Alement (upstairs); 270 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000.

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

This is one of two flavour masterclasses we’ll be running at the end of September; be sure to check our Spicy & Sweet masterclass for further flavour discovery.

An Evening with Jack Chambers, SMWS Japan Branch Director
2025-10-09 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Whisky & Alement, 270 Russell St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Join us for an intimate evening of drams and storytelling as we welcome Jack Chambers, the Branch Director of SMWS Japan, to Australia for one night only.
From Bruichladdich to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, discover the journey of Jack Chambers, Branch Director of SMWS Japan, who has been kind enough to let us steal him away from his holiday for one night only. Jack will be sharing his story with members, whilst we taste through some special Bruichladdich releases and SMWS drams that have meaning to him, including some Japan-branch exclusive bottlings that Jack will be bringing over just for us!
Please note that this event is strictly limited to members only. Tickets include 6x drams, a small supper, and a chance to learn about Jack’s story directly from him, all in the relaxed environment of Whisky & Alement’s upstairs whisky room.

When? Thursday the 9th of October, 6:30pm arrival for a 7pm start.
Where? Whisky & Alement (upstairs); 270 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000.

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to try some fantastic whisky (including Japanese-exclusive SMWS bottlings) and engage in an evening of whisky storytelling.

ON SALE NOW!

Gathering '25 — Guess the Dram in Sydney
2025-10-16 18:30 - 21:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Royal Automobile Club, 89 Macquarie Street, SYDNEY, NSW, 2000, Australia
Yes, it’s back! Our favourite and most popular tasting event is back for 2025. And, this year, we’re combining it with our annual Gathering!
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!
So, how does our “Guess the Whisky” night work, and what’s on offer? We’ll be presenting and showcasing five of our latest whiskies — some of the latest Outturn, and some that have never before been seen or released in Australia! As the whiskies are presented, each table forms a team and — with the benefit of multiple choice, answer sheets, and the tasting notes to help you — your team attempts to guess each whisky’s key features and characteristics.
For example, its age, its ABV (both within ranges — don’t worry, we’re not that precise!), its Flavour Profile, its region, and — for bonus points — the actual cask code! Each whisky is a new round, and we’ll unveil whiskies and scores as we go until we reach the end of the night and the winning table (with the highest aggregate score) takes home the prizes and the glory.
It’s a bit like your local pub trivia night, only tastier!
It’s surprisingly easy, it’s fun, it’s informal, and — best of all — you’ll enjoy some incredible whiskies along the way. And it will also be your best chance to try our Australian-exclusive Gathering cask, which this year was handpicked by our Marketing Manager, Adam Ioannidis, before it’s released online on the 17th. So, come on down, and feel free to rope in a friend or two….

When? Thursday the 16th of October, 6:30pm arrival for a 7pm start.
Where? The ISC Room at The Royal Automobile Club of Australia; 89 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000.

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.

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 — Launceston Boilermakers at Saint John
2025-10-25 12:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Hobart) | Saint John Craft Beer Bar, 133 St John St, Launceston, Tasmania, 7250, Australia
Launceston, are you ready for an afternoon of boilermakers, chicken AND chips at Saint John Craft Beer Bar?!
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 exclusive whisky, your local Ambassador Tom Rofe has organised an afternoon of flavour at Saint John Craft Beer Bar — 5x SMWS whiskies (including the Gathering bottle 95.105), 4x beers (paired with 4x of the whiskies), a welcome dram, and a feast in the form of charcuterie boards and chicken & chips! An ideal Saturday afternoon enjoyed with Society friends — don’t miss out on this exceptional gathering of flavour!

When? Saturday the 25th of October, 12:00pm arrival and start.
Where? Saint John Craft Beer Bar; 133 St John St, Launceston TAS 7250.

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. Please note that the formal proceedings will end at 2pm, at which point guests are invited to stay and enjoy the hospitality of the venue.

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.

Gathering '25 — Hobart Boilermakers on the Bus!
2025-10-26 12:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Hobart) | Preachers, 5 Knopwood St, Hobart, Tasmania, TAS, Australia
Hobart, we’re coming in strong this October with an afternoon of boilermakers and burgers at Battery Point’s iconic Preachers!
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 exclusive whisky, your local Ambassador Tom Rofe has organised an afternoon of flavour at Preachers — 5x SMWS whiskies (including the Gathering bottle 95.105), 4x beers (paired with 4x of the whiskies), a welcome dram, and the classic Preachers burger and fries combo all enjoyed on the bus. The perfect Sunday afternoon enjoyed with Society friends — don’t miss out on this exceptional gathering of flavour!

When? Sunday the 26th of October, 12:00pm arrival and start.
Where? Preachers; 5 Knopwood St, Hobart TAS 7000.

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. Please note that the formal proceedings will end at 2pm, at which point guests are invited to stay and enjoy the hospitality of the venue.

Gathering '25 — Sundowner Boilermakers at Malt‘n Gold
2025-10-26 15:30 - 19:00 (Australia/Perth) | Malt’n Gold, 20 Wray Ave, Fremantle, Western Australia, 6160, Australia
Flock on down to our Freo Partner Bar Malt’n Gold for a boilermaker Gathering just oozing with flavour!
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, and the other tasty casks on offer, your local Ambassador David Stucken has organised a series of delicious boilermakers to tantalise your senses at our Fremantle Partner Bar Malt’n Gold! Guests will enjoy 5x SMWS drams (including the Gathering cask and a Premium-livery bottling) paired with curated cold beers, a welcome drink, and small plates. A fun and jovial afternoon of boilermakers ’til sundown down in Freo!

When? Sunday the 26th of October, 3:30pm arrival for a 4:00pm start.
Where? Malt’n Gold, 20 Wray Ave, Fremantle WA 6160.

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.

Gathering ’25 — Adelaide Society Gathers!
2025-10-28 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Adelaide) | Ralph Louis Frederick, Level 1/21 Gilbert Pl, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
Stories from the whisky trail await as we welcome you to Partner Bar Ralph Louis Frederick for the 2025 Gathering, and to welcome our newest Adelaide Ambassador to the role — Lily Arnott!
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!
This year we’re gathering at RLF (Ralph Louis Frederick) for an evening of drams, storytelling, and flavour with our newest South Australian Ambassador Lily Arnott, who will be hosting the five-dram tasting. Your ticket includes a welcome beer, generous canapés, and 5x SMWS drams including a Vaults Collection bottling, and 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.

When? Tuesday the 28th of October, 6:30pm arrival for a 7pm start.
Where? Ralph Louis Frederick; Level 1/21 Gilbert Pl, Adelaide SA 5000.

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.

Please note that RLF employs a smart casual dress code, we encourage members to dress up a bit if they feel comfortably doing so for this event.

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.

Sydney End of Year Whisky Bash 2025!
2025-11-22 14:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Bar 26, Unit 2, 26 Halloran St, Lilyfield, NSW, 2040, Australia
Sydney — what a festive end-of-year Christmas party Andrew Derbidge has prepared for you all!

Join us on Saturday, 22 of November at Bar 26 for a seriously incredible afternoon of whisky, food, tours, and fun! Our passionate friends at NSW Partner Bar Bar 26 (the cellar door of Otter Craft Distilling) have been kind enough to lend us their venue for the afternoon so we can host you all with incredible whisky, food, and even tours of the distillery! Each ticket holder will receive six tokens which can be redeemed for SMWS drams and OCD whisky flights.

The full offering of the afternoon includes:

A welcome OCD Whisky Highball
5x SMWS to taste at your leisure (redeemable with your tokens)
Flowing food including homemade pizzas & charcuterie boards
The opportunity to embark on a flight of 3x10ml Otter Craft Distilling drams (redeemable with your tokens)
Distillery tours with Eduard Otter

When? Saturday the 22nd of November, 2:00pm arrival and start for a 5pm finish.
Where? Bar 26; unit 2/26 – 30 Halloran St, Lilyfield NSW 2040.

Please note that the official event will end at 5pm, the bar will then be open to the public. Guests are welcome to stay for as long as they wish and purchase further drinks from the bar.
Members may purchase non-member tickets for guests, non-members may also attend.

A Summer Whisky BBQ Gathering
2025-11-29 12:30 - 16:00 (Australia/Sydney) | John Knight Memorial Park, Townsend Place, Belconnen, ACT, 2617, Australia
Hey Canberra — it’s been a while, hey? But we’re back to close off 2025 with a perfect afternoon of summer drams and tasty BBQ hosted by none other than Drew McKinnie himself!
Join the ACT Society cadre by the Belconnen Lakeside for a mouthwatering afternoon affair. Let us set the scene, shining sun glistening off the water, green grass, the wafts of gourmet BBQ meat flavours make their way to you, cooked by Society member Don Burningham. Of course, there’ll be six SMWS drams present for you to taste at your leisure throughout the afternoon, including this year’s Gathering Cask — 95.105 Into the carpenter’s kitchen — selected by our branch’s Marketing Manager Adam Ioannidis. Plus, a slew of refreshing mixers for you to mix with your whisky should you wish, or simply just to have as a cooling alternative between drams.

Delightful drams, cool breezes, refreshing company and festivities — a Saturday afternoon in a glorious setting! Join us as we farewell 2025 with good flavour and even better friends.

When? Saturday the 29th of November, 12:30pm arrival and start, 4pm finish.
Where? John Knight Memorial Park; Townsend Place, Belconnen ACT.

This event is open to members and non-members alike. Members are welcome to purchase tickets for guests at member rates.

Lonnie's End of Year Festive Bash!
2025-11-30 13:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Hobart) | Martini’s Cocktail Lounge, 33 Kingsway, Launceston, TAS, 7250, Australia
Launceston — are you ready for some festive drams at the (very) newly opened Martini’s Cocktail Lounge!
Join Tom Rofe and a line-up of tasty Society drams on Sunday, November 30; an afternoon of fun and camaraderie amongst friends new and old at Martini’s Cocktail Lounge — the newly opened (well, at least, newly opened by the time the event takes place) cocktail lounge in Lonnie! This is a casual dramming get together with charcuterie, whiskies (including an absolutely delightful 25-year-old from the demolished Distillery 38!), and a house-made Old Fashioned on arrival!
Grab your mates and book in today to avoid missing out on the fun as we farewell 2025, who knows, there might even be some prizes to be won and some 2026 Society whiskies making a surprise appearance…. Formalities end at 3pm, at which guests are welcome to hang around and purchase drinks from the bar.

When? Sunday the 30th of November, 1:00pm arrival and start.
Where? Martini’s Cocktail Lounge; 33 Kingsway, Launceston, TAS 7250.

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

Melbourne's Society Christmas Party!
2025-12-06 13:00 - 16:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Cosentino, 460 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
Join us for a casual afternoon in the heart of the CBD to see out 2025 with drams, snacks, and great mates!

Another year of cask-strength flavour comes to a close, and what a year it’s been; whether you attended one of our fantastic Melbourne tastings this year or just joined us for our online virtual, we invite you to join us at Cosentino’s Melbourne showroom on December 6 to enjoy 8x different Society drams at your leisure with a generous array of charcuterie and canapés curated by none other than your SMWS State Ambassador, Mr Alex Moores himself!
Come on down and join Alex and the SMWS Australia team for an afternoon of fun and casual relaxation; the perfect opportunity to bring some friends along and see off the year. Please note the event will conclude at 4:30pm, giving you the opportunity to extend your evening to a local restaurant or bar in the Melbourne CBD (like Whisky & Alement!).

When? Saturday the 6th of December, 1:00pm arrival and start, 4:30pm conclusion.
Where? Cosentino Melbourne; 460 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.

Dress code is smart casual, though members are encourage to dress festively should they wish to.

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

STEP Into the Festive Season!
2025-12-06 14:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Savile Row, 667 Ann St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
A classic ‘STEPS’ tasting format at beloved Brisbane Partner Bar Savile Row to farewell 2025!
Brissie, what a year it’s been! We’ve had some spectacular events, and can you believe that they’re only going to get better in 2026? But for now, join us for our farewell tasting at Savile Row with a classic ‘STEPS’ whisky tasting event. What is STEPS? Essentially, it’s just a free-roam tasting event where you’ll be able to taste 7x different Society whiskies at your own pace with plenty of Snacks in-between. A social and flavour-driven afternoon with new November/December Outturn releases on pour!
7x drams, a welcome beer, and tasty snacks from Bird’s Nest — this is going to be one fantastic afternoon! Plus, the Savile Row bar will be open all afternoon for any extra drinks anyone is interested in purchasing. Once the event ends, guests are encouraged to hang around and enjoy the hospitality of Brisbane’s favourite Society Partner Bar.

When? Saturday the 6th of December, 2:00pm arrival and start.
Where? Savile Row; 667 Ann Street, Brisbane Queensland 4006.

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

Festive Drams on the Lawn in Hobart
2025-12-20 16:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Hobart) | Battery Point Distillery, 20 Runnymede St, Battery Point, Tasmania, 7004, Australia
Drams on the lawn plus a Battery Point Distillery tour?! Grab your tickets now, Hobart!
It’s been a while since we’ve enjoyed drams in the park, and this year we’re teaming up with the lovely folks at Battery Point Distillery to bring you an afternoon of flavour and camaraderie! Guests will meet at Battery Point Distillery at 4pm for a guided tour and tasting flight, before strolling over to Princes Park nearby to enjoy five SMWS drams (including a 25-year-old Premium bottling from a demolished distillery) and charcuterie on the lawn with local Ambassador and personality Mr Tom Rofe!
Grab your mates and book in today to avoid missing out on the fun as we farewell 2025, who knows, there might even be some prizes to be won…

When? Saturday the 20th of December, 4:00pm arrival and start.
Where? Battery Point Distillery; 20 Runnymede St, Battery Point TAS 7004.

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

Festive Perth Whisky Sundowner
2025-12-21 15:00 - 18:00 (Australia/Perth) | Terrarium, 99 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
It’s a full-venue takeover of Terrarium for our end of year WA Christmas party!
Get on down to Perth Partner Bar Terrarium for an afternoon of social delights and flavoursome reveries. Local Ambassador Xander Stucken has crafted a fabulous line-up of 6x Society drams + a J.G Thomson Highball on arrival alongside charcuterie and cheeses.
This is a casual, free-roam event spanning the entire top floor of Terrarium (including that gorgeous balcony!), taste through the whiskies at your own pace, catch up with friends new and old, and learn about some of the recent releases coming out of our massive November/December bumper Outturn!
Fancy something a bit extra? The Terrarium cash bar will be open for any extra delights you might be craving. Bring your friends, family, neighbours, and revel in our final Society tasting for 2025 — we can’t wait to welcome you into 2026!

When? Sunday the 21st of December, 3:00pm arrival for 3:20pm start; 6pm conclusion.
Where? Terrarium Bar; 99 St Georges Terrace (Howards St Entrance), Perth WA 6000.

Members are welcome to purchase tickets for non-members and member rates. Non-members are also welcome to attend.

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!
