September Outturn 2024 Ambassador’s Address
Long-term members might already know this one, but those who are a bit newer to the SMWS might not know what the Gathering is, so allow me to explain.
Every year, we find there are a few things that resonate really well with members, which we’re always keen to keep running on a yearly basis, and the Gathering is no exception. Each year you’ll spot things like our chocolate month, our music month, our Fèis Ìle ‘festival’ casks month, our big Xmas gifting double Outturn in November, BUT also the Gathering in September.
So, what is it? A global Gathering is that perfect time of year when the weather gets better, the social get-togethers get stronger, and we get to work with our team and members around the world in picking out some phenomenal casks to share around. It’s a gathering of like-minded members who love to nose, taste, drink, and enjoy whisky. It really is quite simple when you break it down, but we really do think September is just that magical time of year around the world to host it. Here in Australia, we can start to feel the weather warming up, and in Scotland, they can enjoy the tail of any semblance of good weather they had in their “summer”.
So, what is this year’s cask? Well, I can proudly say this is one I picked out personally. The winner of the competition was all locked in, ready to announce, ready to fly over, then had a family emergency which meant they had to decline the flights. We had very little time to rearrange, so, instead, I opted for a box of samples to select from, and I was blown away by the selection. The casks picked for the Gathering are a labour of love for Euan Campbell on our spirits team: he really does send the absolute cream of the crop for selection. Something that our 2023 selector Alex Moores with his 94.43 can attest to here.
I picked out this 59 as it had that lovely immediate whiff of spice, maple, beeswax, French furniture polish, and this lovely burnished copper, honey, and earthy notes of potted plants. That delicate moment of old-school whisky production that I yearn for. It’s also nicely aged out to 13 years in oak, and just absolutely sings for these nicer weather moments. Don’t miss out on this year’s Gathering cask. I’m super excited to bring this to life for you and hope to share a dram with you all soon.
Cheers, Matt
This article is featured in September 2024 Outturn — bottles will be available to purchase on Friday the 6th of September at midday AEST exclusively to members of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Not a member? Click here to learn more about the world’s most colourful whisky club.
