The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Australia

THE GATHERING: Bellarine Distillery Partner Bar
2023-09-01 18:00 - 20:30 (Australia/Sydney) | bellarine distillery, 2 Scotchmans Rd, Drysdale, VIC, 3222, Australia
THE GATHERING IS BACK THIS SEPTEMBER!
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After a huge outing in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, we’re super excited to bring back The Gathering for 2023 with special Gathering casks, incredible experiences, and moments we get to share together around a great dram and company. Join us on this Gathering for 2023 and see how far down the flavour rabbit hole we go!

The Gathering is a celebration of what makes The Scotch Malt Whisky Society unique. This festival is for all our members, no matter where they are in the world. Along with access to limited-edition single cask whisky, they can take part in events in person at SMWS Members’ Rooms, Partner Bars, venues and online.​​
The origins of The Gathering date back to September 2013 when we celebrated our 30th anniversary with a party. Now 10 years on, as we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we’re inviting our members around the world to come together for our BIGGEST party yet.
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The Whiskery at Bellarine Distillery proudly joined The SMWS as a Partner Bar in 2023 and are super keen to launch the Gathering offerings for a limited number of guests this September.

When? Friday the 1st of September, 6:00pm.
Where? The Whiskery at Bellarine Distillery, 2 Scotchmans Rd, Drysdale VIC 3222

Please note that tickets for this event are being sold through Bellarine Distillery:

Purchase tickets

The Chairman's Grand Tour of Speyside: Adelaide
2023-08-25 18:30 - 21:30 (Australia/Adelaide) | Hotel Richmond, 128 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
The Grand Tour of Speyside continues around Australia, next stop — Adelaide!
Join Keeper of The Quaich and NSW Ambassador 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 a light supper, whisky, entertainment, education, giveaways, and a presentation like no other.
A classic evening at the gorgeous Hotel Richmond with our NSW State Ambassador at large, Andrew Derbidge.

When? Friday the 25th of August, 6:30pm arrival for a 7:00pm start
Where? Hotel Richmond, 128 Rundle Mall, Adelaide SA 5000

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

BASIK LIVE: Chocolate & Whisky Perfect Pairings in Melbourne
2023-08-19 14:00 - 16:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Hawthorn Arts Centre, 360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
The mad chocolatier from the north returns this August to tantalise your senses and challenge your flavour conventions!

Some of you know Krsna Raj from BASIK, but for those who have joined recently, BASIK Chocolates is the final frontier in chocolate flavour exploration. For the past three years we’ve teamed up with Krsna, who hand-makes chocolate bon bons exclusively to match the flavours of specific casks we send over. This year, Krsna has outdone himself by incorporating his flavours into a new chocolate “snack bar” format for the upcoming SMWS tasting.
Krsna will return to Melbourne alongside your local State Ambassador Alex Moores to host the Perfect Pairings tasting at the Hawthorn Arts Centre. Five unique Society single-cask drams (three whiskies, an Armagnac, and a Cognac) paired with five handmade chocolate “snack bars” from Krsna himself; this is it, the ultimate chocolate and whisky pairing — the perfect pairings. Each ticket includes the five drams and five chocolate snack bars, as well as canapés on arrival with a welcome dram — all enjoyed in the beautiful surrounds of the Hawthorn Arts Centre.

When? Saturday the 19th of August, 2:00pm start.
Where? Hawthorn Arts Centre, 360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122.

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

We have members join The Society explicitly for the unparalleled chocolate and whisky pairing collaboration we do with Krsna of BASIK each year — this is an experience you do not want to miss!

Please note that whilst dietary requirements will be taken into account for the lunch meal, no substitutes can be made for the chocolate pairings.

Maverick Launch Party — Melbourne
2023-08-04 18:30 - 21:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | No Vacancy, 34-40 Jane Bell Ln, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
MAVERICK, YOU ARE CLEARED FOR LAUNCH!
2023 marks the 40th anniversary of our beloved club, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society — 40 years of doing things differently, sharing the unparalleled flavours of single-cask, cask-strength whisky with folks from all over the world. We have lots of exciting releases and experiences planned around our 40th-anniversary, but next month in Melbourne we’re going to be launching the Maverick bottling — our 12-year-old single malt ‘Heresy’ cask that was bottled to celebrate our 40th anniversary.
Join us on Friday, the 4th of August, at No Vacancy Café and Gallery for an evening of charcuterie and Maverick malt as we launch this historic bottling. Each guest will receive a 30ml dram of the Maverick malt, as well as 2x of a specially crafted cocktail prepared by Whisky & Alement Bar Manager Lachlan Watt featuring the Maverick malt. We will also have a cash bar available with select Society casks on pour for $10 a dram.
Additionally, every ticket will include a $30 voucher to use towards the purchase of the Maverick bottling when it is released in August Outturn.

When? Friday the 4th of August, 6:30pm start.
Where? No Vacancy Gallery, 34-40 Jane Bell Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000.

Please note this is a cocktail-style evening, there will be limited seating available.

Tickets are on sale now!

The Chairman's Grand Tour of Speyside: Wollongong
2023-08-04 18:30 - 20:30 (Australia/Sydney) | The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke St, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia
The Grand Tour of Speyside continues around Australia — and Wollongong is next!
Join Keeper of The Quaich and NSW Ambassador 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 five diverse whiskies from five very unique Speyside distilleries encompassing different flavour profiles, cask types, and age statements.
On the night we’ll enjoy a light supper, whisky, entertainment, education, giveaways, and a presentation like no other.
A classic evening in the lovely surrounds of the Fraternity Club’s private bistro with our NSW State Ambassador at large, Andrew Derbidge.

When? Friday the 4th of August, 6:30pm arrival for a 7:00pm start
Where? Fraternity Club (Private Function Room — Bistro), 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow NSW 2519

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

Fire & Smoke — A Journey Through Islay
2023-07-28 19:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Adelaide) | Shobosho, 17 Leigh St, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
Indulge in an unforgettable sensory experience as The Scotch Malt Whisky Society takes you on an extraordinary journey to the mystical shores of Islay.
Join us for an exclusive event that marries the smoky allure of Islay whiskies with the tantalising flavours of Yakitori from the renowned Shobosho restaurant. Prepare to be mesmerised and immersed as an expert private chef skillfully fans charcoal grilled skewers, infusing them with flavours that perfectly complement the bold profiles of Islay whiskies.
Let the deep, rich flavours transport you to windswept beaches and rugged landscapes, where the sea spray mingles with bonfire smoke, and the essence of the island is captured in every sip. From tender chicken thigh to melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef, each bite will create an exquisite symphony of taste, harmonising with the complex nuances of the whiskies.
Each ticket includes a spot at the private Yakitori bar Shobosho with a private chef, 5x SMWS Islay drams expertly paired with complementing yakitori pieces, and a welcome drink.
Join us at this extraordinary event where Islay’s diversity of peat will be showcased alongside the culinary artistry of Shobosho, igniting your senses and taking you on an unforgettable journey of flavour. Secure your place now, and be part of an evening that promises to be an unforgettable fusion of fire & smoke.

When? Friday the 28th of July, 7pm arrival and start
Where? Shobosho — 17 Leigh St, Adelaide 5000

Please note that tickets to this experience are limited to just 9 seats, so be sure to book in quick to avoid missing out!
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the event dietary requirements cannot be accommodated. Please note the restaurant does not have any wheelchair access.

The Art of Canapés
2023-07-27 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Estelle, 243-245 High St, Northcote, Victoria, 3070, Australia
VIC State Ambassador Alex Moores’ wondrous food and whisky pairings return in 2023 for The Art of Canapes!

Join Alex Moores at Scott Pickett’s Estelle in Northcote for a tasting menu of expertly curated, and carefully crafted canapés paired with a series of flavoursome SMWS malts. Anyone who has attended one of Alex’s food and whisky pairing experiences knows that these are not to be missed if you’re a fan of mouth-watering flavour pairings — and this one is no different. In keeping with July’s theme of celebrating artistry, the primary focus of the evening will be on the delicate way the canapés are created, whilst still maintaining their delicious allure.
Each ticket includes a seven-course canapé tasting experience, six SMWS single-cask malts, and a welcome drink on arrival.

When? Thursday the 27th of July, 6:30pm arrival for a 7:00pm start (food will be served at 7pm).
Where? Estelle (upstairs private dining room), 243-245 High St, Northcote VIC 3070.

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

Please note that regrettably, given the beautiful old building, the tasting area is not an ‘accessible space‘ and is accessed by a steep staircase. We apologise for any inconvenience.

AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE!
2023-07-13 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Whisky & Alement, 270 Russell St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Yeehaw! The SMWS has been busy beavering away on some new American releases, and we’re here to share them around.
There’s a lot happening in the US of A. You only have to open the news to know that, but what you might not know is that American whiskey is changing. The diversity of flavour coming out from the land of the free has been evolving, and growing, and The Society has been at the forefront of working with American distilleries in selecting and bottling some of these amazing single casks.
This will be the first Australian appearance of some of the newest codes to join The SMWS, including a new prefix CW for ‘Corn whiskey’. Way more than just Bourbon now, we’ll be exploring the diversity of style across American whiskey for one night only at W&A with Bourbons, ryes, corn whiskies, and American single malts bottled by The SMWS! Each ticket includes five drams, a welcome drink, and American BBQ on the night. Hosted by SMWS branch director Matt Bailey. Seats are strictly limited and will sell out fast!

When? Thursday 13th of July 2023 — 6:30pm arrival for a 7:00pm start.
Where? Upstairs at Whisky & Alement, 270 Russell St, Melbourne, VIC 3000.

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

Mid-Winter Drams: Best of 2023
2023-07-12 18:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Perth) | Terrarium, 99 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
Experience the best SMWS drams of the year (so far) with the radiant personality of your local State Ambassador, David Stucken.

Join us in July for a delightful Wednesday evening at local Partner Bar, Terrarium, as we indulge in five hearty and full-flavoured Society drams celebrating some of the best releases of 2023 so far. Hosted in Terrarium’s newly completed private tasting hall downstairs, come along and experience the finest of what The SMWS has to offer, from the explosive fruit bombs to the subtle salty, coastal drams.
Our WA State Ambassador & Partner Bar extraordinaire, David Stucken, has had the unique opportunity to taste through a LOT of 2023 releases so far, and has personally picked out some gems and goodies that have flown under the radar to share with you. Never-before-seen on the bar, this ‘best of’ promises to showcase some marvellous casks, wild tales, and fun flavours you’ve never before experienced.
Tickets include five SMWS drams, a light dinner, and a refreshing highball on arrival. Discover new flavours and new friends. Guests are welcome to enjoy a drink upstairs at the bar if they arrive early.

When? Wednesday 12th July 2023 — 6:00pm arrival for a 6:30pm start.
Where? Terrarium — 99 St Georges Terrace (Howards St Entrance), Perth WA 6000.

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

Whiskey and Food Pairing — 101
2023-07-08 18:30 - 20:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Apollo Cafe, 109-111 Hawke Street, West Melbourne, VIC, 3003, Australia
Join us for an evening of indulgence as we explore the rich and complex flavours of whiskey from around the world.

Our expert sommeliers will guide you through a tasting of carefully selected single malts, blends, and bourbons, each with its own distinct character and history. As you sample each whiskey, you’ll learn about the unique distilling and aging processes that contribute to its flavour and aroma, and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry that goes into crafting this beloved spirit.
But that’s not all — we’ll also have delicious food pairings specially chosen to complement the flavours of each whiskey, and live music to set the mood and enhance your experience. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey aficionado or a curious novice, this event is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for one of the world’s most beloved spirits.

When? Saturday 8th July 2023 — 6:30pm start.
Where? Apollo Café — 109-111 Hawke Street, West Melbourne, VIC 3003

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening of whiskey, food, and entertainment — get your tickets now.

Please note that this event is hosted by Apollo Cafe — tickets can be purchased from their EVENTBRITE event page here.

The Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship 2023
2023-06-24 18:30 - 23:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
UPDATE: AMWTC 2023 has officially SOLD OUT
Taste whisky, win huge prizes!
Can you tell the difference between a Bruichladdich and a Balvenie? How about between a Starward and a Springbank? 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 2023. Unlike any other competition on earth, this momentous event will see someone crowned the Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Champion based on their sensory prowess.
On the night, you sit down in front of eight whiskies, we give you the answers, 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 and more…
On the night:

Major prizes to be won by the three top tasters on the night
The opportunity to be crowned the Whisky Champion of Australia
A special SMWS single cask bar with new single cask releases on taste
A cocktail bar and stories range selection from The Balvenie
Prizes from the Society, BenRiach, and The Oak Barrel
All food and drinks provided

Will you take home the trophy? The glory? Who will be crowned the Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Champion? The perfect mix of skill and luck – the Whisky Champs are back for 2023!
SATURDAY 24 JUNE 2023
The Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney, NSW Australia

We’re also proud to announce we’ve partnered with Humanitix for this year’s Whisky Champs, with 100% of booking fees going to children’s charities.
PLEASE NOTE THAT TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FROM HUMANITIX HERE.

A Night on Islay: A Deep Dive into Distillery 53
2023-06-15 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Whisky & Alement, 270 Russell St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Mr Consistent. The big 53. The most versatile peated malt on earth. Welcome to a proper distillery deep-dive on Islay.
As we recently passed the 400+ cask milestone for Distillery 53 at The SMWS, we thought it was high time we properly explore the versatility and brilliance of this incredible code and plunge into a distillery ‘deep dive’ to showcase what we’re bottling. From a never-before-seen richly sherried 8yo, some Festival rarities, and a Vaults Collection bottling, the incredible output of this peated spirit is always surprising, and consistently good.
Join your VIC state manager Alex Moores for a fragrant, floral, peated and smoky walk through the most bottled code in The Society’s livery, the marvellous Distillery 53!

When? Thursday 15th of June 2023 — 6:30pm arrival for a 7:00pm start.
Where? Upstairs at Whisky & Alement, 270 Russell St, Melbourne, VIC 3000.

Take note these smaller-format events sell out very quickly, so act fast. Members are welcome to bring guests at member prices, non-members are also welcome to attend.

A Night on Islay: A Deep Dive into Distillery 53 SECOND NIGHT
2023-06-13 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Whisky & Alement, 270 Russell St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Due to high demand — we’ll be hosting a second Distillery 53 evening on Tuesday, June 13.
Mr Consistent. The big 53. The most versatile peated malt on earth. Welcome to a proper distillery deep-dive on Islay.
As we recently passed the 400+ cask milestone for Distillery 53 at The SMWS, we thought it was high time we properly explore the versatility and brilliance of this incredible code and plunge into a distillery ‘deep dive’ to showcase what we’re bottling. From a never-before-seen richly sherried 8yo, some Festival rarities, and a Vaults Collection bottling, the incredible output of this peated spirit is always surprising, and consistently good.
Join your National Ambassador Matt Bailey for a fragrant, floral, peated and smoky walk through the most bottled code in The Society’s livery, the marvellous Distillery 53!

When? Tuesday 13th of June 2023 — 6:30pm arrival for a 7:00pm start.
Where? Upstairs at Whisky & Alement, 270 Russell St, Melbourne, VIC 3000.

Take note these smaller-format events sell out very quickly, so act fast. Members are welcome to bring guests at member prices, non-members are also welcome to attend.

Tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, May 30, at midday AEST.

Queensland Festivals Indulgence
2023-06-11 14:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | The Tailors, 16 Logan Road, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
The festival casks touch down in the North!

The Scotch Whisky festivals are some of the most anticipated Scotch events in the world — taking place every May with each of the five unique Scotch whisky regions celebrating in their own way, and multiple distilleries releasing special bottlings in commemoration. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is proud to be releasing its own festival bottlings once again for 2023, and you’ll be able to drink them at the same time as they will be in Scotland!
Join your local State Ambassador Scott Mansfield as he guides you through six of our exclusive and rare 2023 festival casks. Accompanied by a scrumptious cheese and charcuterie board, and welcome beer, sit back and be regaled, entertained, and taken on a flavour journey through the five Scotch whisky regions as we celebrate the whisky festivals.

When? Sunday 11th June 2023 — 2:00pm arrival for a 2:30pm start.
Where? The Tailors, 16A Logan Rd, Woolloongabba QLD 4102.

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

Festival Malts for Wintery Nights
2023-05-31 18:00 - 20:30 (Australia/Sydney) | National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton, ACT, 2600, Australia
Prepare yourself for a wintery festivals tasting at the National Press Club!
The Scotch Whisky festivals are some of the most anticipated Scotch events in the world — taking place every May with each of the five unique Scotch whisky regions celebrating in their own way, and multiple distilleries releasing special bottlings in commemoration. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is proud to be releasing its own festival bottlings once again for 2023, and you’ll be able to drink them at the same time as they will be in Scotland!
Whilst our Scottish cousins dash outdoors during the Fèis Ìle festival, grasping every skerrick of sunshine from windswept beaches and celebrating madly in tiny noisy convivial bars reeking of peat smoke — we Canberrans are bracing for the onslaught of winter! What better place to take refuge from icy winds and sleeting cloudscapes than the National Press Club in Barton, where we will warm you all with brilliant Festival malts.
Delicious charcuterie and light dessert accompaniments will complement your palate as you enjoy five of the ten hand-selected festival malts (a mixture of single casks and Rare Release small batch single malts). Your local State Ambassador Drew McKinnie will be present to guide you through the delicious festival bottlings, with a cheerful crowd of friends to share the enjoyment.

When? Wednesday 31st May 2023 — 6:00pm arrival for a 6:30pm start.
Where? The National Press Club, 16 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600.

Members and non-members are welcome at one amazing price.

Adelaide Fèis Fling
2023-05-27 12:30 - 15:30 (Australia/Adelaide) | NOLA, NOLA - 28 Vardon Ave, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
Join the Scotch Malt Whisky Society as we celebrate the annual Scotch Whisky Festivals in Scotland with a Fèis Ìle Fling!
The Scotch Whisky festivals are some of the most anticipated Scotch events in the world — taking place every May with each of the five unique Scotch Whisky regions celebrating in their own way and multiple distilleries putting out special releases in commemoration. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is proud to be bottling their own festival bottlings once again for 2023, and you’ll be able to drink them at the same time as Scotland will!
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Scotland with a selection of exceptional SMWS single-cask whiskies, each one embodying the distinct flavours of the regions they’re from. We will guide you through a curated selection of five rare and unique festival drams that are exclusive to The Society. To complement the whiskies, we’ve arranged a great lunch at local whisky haunt, NOLA. Indulge in delicious local cuisine while mingling with fellow whisky enthusiasts and sharing in the joy of Scotland’s most celebrated whisky festival. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the best of Fèis Ìle with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

When? Saturday 27th May 2023 — 12:30pm arrival for a 1:00pm start.
Where? NOLA — 28 Vardon Ave, Adelaide 5000.

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

Hobart Fèis Extravaganza
2023-05-20 18:00 - 21:30 (Australia/Hobart) | New Sydney Hotel, 87 Bathurst St, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
It’s the most fabulous time of the year — Scotch Whisky Festivals season!
The Scotch Whisky festivals are some of the most anticipated Scotch events in the world — taking place every May with each of the five unique Scotch whisky regions celebrating in their own way, and multiple distilleries releasing out special bottlings in commemoration. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is proud to be releasing their own festival bottlings once again for 2023, and you’ll be able to drink them at the same time as they will be in Scotland!
Join us at Tassie Partner Bar the New Sydney Hotel for a two-course dinner accompanied by six stunning SMWS festival drams, one from each region of Scotland, spanning different flavour profiles. Hosted by your State Ambassador Tom Rofe, you’ll be guided through each delicious festival cask and be regaled with tales of the Whisky Festivals.

When? Saturday 20th May 2023 — 6:00pm arrival for a 6:30pm start.
Where? New Sydney Hotel — 87 Bathurst Street, Hobart TAS 7000.

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

Perth Festival Drams
2023-05-20 18:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Perth) | Terrarium, 99 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
The SMWS festival casks touch down on the West Coast!
The Scotch Whisky festivals are some of the most anticipated Scotch events in the world — taking place every May with each of the five unique Scotch Whisky regions celebrating in their own way and multiple distilleries putting out special releases in commemoration. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is proud to be bottling their own festival bottlings once again for 2023, and you’ll be able to drink them at the same time as Scotland will!
Join your local State Ambassador Xander Stucken in Terrarium’s newly opened downstairs tasting room for an incredible evening of exquisite festival malts and Fèis spirit. Each ticket includes five SMWS festival drams, a welcome drink and sharing plates.

When? Saturday 20th May 2023 — 6:00pm arrival for a 6:30pm start.
Where? Terrarium — 99 St Georges Terrace (Howards St Entrance), Perth WA 6000.

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

Fèis Ìle at the Kelvin Club
2023-05-20 18:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | The Kelvin Club, 14-30 Melbourne Pl, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
Melbourne — Fèis is upon us!
The Scotch Whisky festivals are some of the most anticipated Scotch events in the world — taking place every May with each of the five unique Scotch Whisky regions celebrating in their own way and multiple distilleries putting out special releases in commemoration (Fèis Ìle on Islay being the largest and most anticipated). The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is proud to be bottling their own festival bottlings once again for 2023, and you’ll be able to drink them at the same time as Scotland will!
Join us at the Kelvin Club in the CBD for a wondrous festive bash as we indulge in five of the unique SMWS festival drams with State Ambassador Alex Moores guiding each guest through the explosive flavours within each rare release. Each ticket includes five SMWS festival drams, a welcome dram and a light supper prepared by the Kelvin Club kitchen.

When? Saturday 20th May 2023 — 6:00pm arrival for a 6:30pm start.
Where? The Kelvin Club — 14-30 Melbourne Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000.

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

The Whisky Champs Preview ‘Blind Tasting’ at The Captain's Balcony
2023-05-19 19:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Sydney) | The Captain’s Balcony, 46 Erskine Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
It is the Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship season and as an official Scotch Malt Whisky Society Partner Bar, The Captain’s Balcony in Sydney is putting on an extra special AMWTC Preview ‘Blind Tasting’.
Hosted by National Director and Brand Ambassador Matt Bailey, and local Sydney Ambassador, Matt Wooler, here is your chance to trial your skills and practice for the 2023 AMWTC. One individual will be crowned the winner and will take home a ticket valued at $249 to the coming AMWTC event on the 24th of June 2023 at the Art Gallery of NSW.
What’s on taste? Well, that can only be a secret, but rest assured there will be previously unseen SMWS whiskies in the mix.
What if I already have purchased a ticket to the 2023 Champs? If you’re lucky enough to win on the night, then you can gift your free ticket to a friend or partner and share the love*.
Seating is limited and open to members and non-members. All whiskies and spirits are served with a selection of canapés from the kitchen. Arriving early? The full kitchen menu is open for service prior to and after the event.
Note: If you are purchasing tickets to be part of a group please ensure these details are made available 24hrs prior to the event as seating is allocated.
This is strictly an 18+ event.
*One person on the evening will win a ticket valued at $249 to the coming Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championships 2023 by just guessing the right whiskies on the night. The winning ticket cannot be exchanged for cash or credit.
Find out more about the AMWTC at https://www.amwtc-smws.com

Please note that this event is hosted by The Captain’s Balcony; tickets are available via Eventbrite here.

Festive Soirée In Lonnie
2023-05-13 18:00 - 21:30 (Australia/Hobart) | Brisbane Street Bistro, 24 Brisbane St, Launceston, TAS, 7250, Australia
It’s the most fabulous time of the year — Scotch Whisky Festivals season!
The Scotch Whisky festivals are some of the most anticipated Scotch events in the world — taking place every May with each of the five unique Scotch Whisky regions celebrating in their own way and multiple distilleries putting out special releases in commemoration. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is proud to be bottling their own festival bottlings once again for 2023, and you’ll be able to drink them at the same time as Scotland will! And, for the first time ever, Launceston will play host to the first Festival tasting of the year in Tassie.
Join us at the Brisbane Street Bistro for a two-course dinner accompanied by five stunning SMWS festival drams, one from each region of Scotland, spanning different flavour profiles.

When? Saturday 13th May 2023 — 6:00pm arrival for a 6:30pm start.
Where? Brisbane Street Bistro — 24 Brisbane St, Launceston TAS 7250.

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

Sydney Festival Tasting
2023-05-12 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Royal Automobile Club, 89 Macquarie Street, SYDNEY, NSW, 2000, Australia
A grand Whisky festivals tasting experience not to be missed!
The Scotch Whisky festivals are some of the most anticipated Scotch events in the world — taking place every May with each of the five unique Scotch whisky regions celebrating in their own way, and multiple distilleries releasing out special bottlings in commemoration. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is proud to be releasing their own festival bottlings once again for 2023, and you’ll be able to drink them at the same time as they will be in Scotland!

Join State Ambassador and National Chairman Andrew Derbidge for our annual festivals tasting where we’ll unveil and taste the Society’s very special festival bottlings. Speyside, Highlands, Lowlands, Campbelltown, Islay…we’ll make our way around Scotland and try all the diverse and delicious flavours held within the Rare Releases. Tickets include five of the exclusive SMWS festival drams, a welcome drink, and a light supper.

When? Friday 12th May 2023 — 6:30pm arrival for a 7:00pm start.
Where? The Royal Automobile Club of Australia ISC Room, 89 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000.

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

Whisky Blues
2023-04-29 12:30 - 16:00 (Australia/Adelaide) | Shotgun Willie’s, 22 Gilbert Pl, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
Join The Scotch Malt Whisky Society for an unforgettable afternoon of music & whisky at our whisky blues tasting experience!

In celebration of April’s Music & Malts theme, we’re hosting an afternoon of whisky and musical enjoyment! Sip on some fine single-cask, cask-strength whisky while enjoying the soulful sounds of live blues guitarist, Cal Williams Jnr. Our expert SA Ambassador Cody Banks will guide you through a curated selection of rare and unique drams, each with its own distinctive character and flavour profile. And what’s a whisky event without some delicious food?
Indulge in a hearty lunch of soulful-inspired blues cooking, perfectly paired with our exquisite whiskies. Don’t miss this opportunity to indulge your senses and experience the perfect pairing of whisky and blues in one unforgettable event.

When? Saturday 29th April 2023 — 12:30pm arrival for a 1:00pm start.
Where? Shotgun Willie’s. 22 Gilbert Pl, Adelaide SA 5000

Members and non-members are welcome. Guests of members are welcome to attend at member prices.

Sydney Whisky Dinner — Franz Scheurer x Jose Silva
2023-04-26 19:00 - 21:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Bibo, 7 Bay Street, Double Bay, NSW, 2028, Australia
The Maestro is back once more!
Australia’s undisputed king of matching food to whisky, Franz Scheurer, will once again weave his magic with Society malts, this time collaborating with acclaimed chef, Jose Silva, at Bibo in Double Bay.
Jose was Head Chef at the iconic 3-hatted Guillaume at Bennelong for 12 years before opening Bibo in 2016. Bibo mixes traditional Portuguese cuisine with classic French cooking techniques, making for stunning flavours, textures, and visuals. Guests will receive a cocktail on arrival (created by Franz) before embarking on an incredible five-course menu, with Franz and Jose matching each dish to a different Society malt.
Please note this is a curated whisky dinner with specific dishes prepared and matched to each Society whisky. Whilst the kitchen will endeavour to accommodate dietary requirements/requests, please appreciate that the substituted dish may not achieve the same “1+1=3” effect that Franz creates.
Seats will be limited in the restaurant’s private dining room; book quickly to avoid disappointment.

When? Wednesday 26th April 2023 — 7:00pm arrival for a 7:30pm start.
Where? Bibo, 7 Bay St, Double Bay NSW 2028.

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

Tickets are on sale now

Addicted to Audio & Malts
2023-04-19 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Addicted To Audio, 453 Church St, Richmond, VIC, 3121, Australia
In a first-ever Society experience, we’re proudly partnering up with high-end audio specialists, Addicted to Audio, to present a pairing of Music & Malts like no other.

What whisky pairs with which LP? Which digital soundscape works with which flavour profile? Which host sipiphany will create an auditory experience with their personal story as to how they chose that album with that whisky? More importantly, what does a Society dram sound like when paired with a one-million-dollar hi-fi system?

Sounds and tastes like you’ve never experienced before, in a welcoming showroom to discover and learn about whisky pairings in ways you’ve never tasted before. Join SMWS hosts Matt, Alex & Adam on an auditory journey into the unknown, the beautiful, and the wild. Each ticket includes 6x drams, light charcuterie & cheese, and access to all three listening spaces on rotation with each host.

When? Wednesday 19th April 2023 — 6:30pm arrival for a 7:00pm start.
Where? Addicted to Audio, 453 Church St, Richmond 3121.

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

MMMM: Magnificent Malts & Music Masterclass
2023-04-06 18:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Royal Automobile Club, 89 Macquarie Street, SYDNEY, NSW, 2000, Australia
Join us for a very special evening with some very special malts as we explore some of The Society’s oldest whiskies and match them with music!
This small, intimate event will be an opportunity to try some of the Society’s older and more expensive whiskies by the dram. In fact, we’ve picked out a 23yo, a 29yo, two 30yo, a 31yo, and a 33yo from our Premium and Vaults Collection ranges to be savoured and enjoyed — three of which are yet to be released in Australia!
We’ll be joined on the night by the fabulous Casey Golden trio, who’ll be playing live music sporadically throughout the evening and matching a specific piece of music to each featured malt. A light supper will round out the evening. This will be a smaller event and seats are limited. Get in fast!

When? Thursday 6th April 2023 — 6:30pm arrival for a 7pm start.
Where? The Royal Automobile Club of Australia, 89 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000.

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

A Masterclass in Cask with Matt Bailey, National Ambassador
2023-04-02 15:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Adelaide) | Prohibition Liquor Co., 22 Gilbert St, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
Adelaide, let’s get back into the swing of things!
For our first proper members’ outing of the year, we’re proudly hosting a special afternoon of spirits, flavour exploration, and learnings and entertainment from our National Ambassador, Matt Bailey.
Come on a journey into new spirits, incredible malts, great food and local discovery as we delve into a proper masterclass of whisky and explore what’s happening across the world with casks hand-picked by Mr Bailey himself. Five single-cask, cask-strength Society drams, a welcome drink and a light supper will be included in your ticket.

When? Sunday, 2nd of April 2023 — 3:00pm arrival and start.
Where? Prohibition Liquor Co, 22 Gilbert St, Adelaide, SA 5000.

Members welcome to bring friends at member rates, non-members are also welcome. Tickets are strictly limited, so act fast.

Love Is In The Air — A Society Masterclass With Matt Bailey
2023-03-29 18:30 - 21:30 (Australia/Sydney) | National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton, ACT, 2600, Australia
Some folks say “absence makes the heart grow fonder”
The tides have turned and the winds are changing — The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is celebrating its 40th anniversary and Canberra will be home to the first sit-down masterclass of the year with our National Director Matt Bailey. Join us at The National Press Club as Matt and your local Ambassador Drew McKinnie guide you through a formal seated whisky-tasting experience as some rare, new and delicious drams are explored. Here we celebrate our reunion with old friends, and the discovery of new friends, our wonderful partners, our love of exceptional drams and good times.
Guests can expect six unique single-cask, cask-strength Society drams along with grazing platters and canapés, all presented by National Branch Director Matt Bailey. This event will be replacing the initial ‘STEPS’ format for a more intimate and tailored tasting experience.

When? Wednesday 29th March 2023 — 6:15pm arrival for a 6:30pm start.
Where? National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600.

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

Drop the Sherry Bomb
2023-03-26 16:30 - 20:00 (Australia/Perth) | Terrarium, 99 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
It’s time to share the sherry!
Join us at Partner Bar Terrarium in Perth for a sherry-fuelled Society night! Take a trip to Jerez, Spain, the home of some of the best sherry bodega’s in the world (and the place where The Society sources their Sherry casks from) with Perth State Ambassador Alexander Stucken. Your senses will be awakened to the sweet nectar that is single cask, cask strength sherry-matured malt — a decadent eruption of flavours.

Five pours of sherry-matured SMWS whisky, a light dinner and a lovely glass of Pedro Ximénez to finish the night off.

When? Sunday 26th of March 2023 — 4:30pm arrival for a 5:00pm start.
Where? Terrarium, 99 St Georges Tce, Via Howard St, Perth.

Members are welcome to bring guests and member prices, non-members are also welcome to attend.

April Outturn Preview
2023-03-24 19:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Sydney) | The Captain’s Balcony, 46 Erskine Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
Sail on down to Sydney Partner Bar The Captain’s Balcony for the April Outturn preview tasting. Join Ambassador Matt Wooler for an exploration of full-flavoured whisky as he guides you through five delicious drams from the upcoming April Outturn. This is an exclusive opportunity for members to try some of the upcoming casks before they’re released, as well as a great chance for newcomers to see what The SMWS is all about.
What’s on offer? Five delicious single-cask, cask-strength SMWS drams, light refreshments, and a welcome drink, all presented upstairs at The Captain’s Balcony. Members will also be able to pre-order certain bottles before they’re released (limited quantities available). As an SMWS Parter Bar, there will also be more casks to try from April Outturn (as well as many prior releases) on the bar after the event.

When? Friday the 24th of March, 7:00pm arrival for a 7:00pm sharp start
Where? The Captain’s Balcony, 46 Erskine St, Sydney NSW 2000

This event is ticketed by The Captain’s Balcony — grab yours via Eventbrite here.

PURCHASE TICKETS
