INSPIRED ADVENTURES
12 ways to fire the senses
We love high-octane outdoor adventures, but sometimes you’re looking to take things at a slower pace and there’s no reason why one excludes the other! Mads Schmoll has 12 ideas for the season ahead to help you get off the beaten track, albeit in a more leisurely fashion
Flavour adventures
Our global Whisky Wanderers release Wandering alchemy showcases all five of Scotland’s whisky regions in one small-batch release. And as if that wasn’t adventurous enough, we’ve released 35 specially selected casks globally for festival season that highlight whiskies you wouldn’t normally expect from certain distilleries or regions. Flavour profile: Lightly Peated
Adventures in learning
In January we suggested trying an indoor flavour profile picnic, but the time is here to take the adventure outdoors. If you weren’t lucky enough to attend our foraging event in Speyside at the start of May, why not book a foraging trip of your own with an expert forager near you? Team up with fellow whisky lovers and see what pairings await. If you’d rather indulge in more leisurely pursuits, why not engage in some sensory work in the great outdoors? Pick some common scents (candles, flowers, fresh herbs) and take notes as you compare them to your whisky. Flavour profile: Light & Delicate – to explore floral and green nature notes
Let someone else take you on an adventure
We’re getting off the beaten track this season, but whisky adventures come in all shapes and sizes. Heading to the UK for Scotland’s whisky festivals is one great adventure, but what about heading to an event in Europe or beyond? We’re hosting off the beaten track adventures around the world over the next few months, and as a member you can attend any one of them. Don’t forget our Members’ Rooms – they have a full programme of events ready and waiting for you. Flavour profile: Juicy, Oak & Vanilla – to explore the humble bourbon cask we all love
Digital and analogue adventures
While we love the digital world, there’s nothing quite like a print magazine. The new issue of Unfiltered lands in July and it’s magic for uncovering the latest in whisky storytelling. But if digital is more your thing and you’re looking to make a night of it, why not set up a projector, invite over some friends and check out our YouTube channel, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society UK? Enjoy whisky and small bites with longer-form videos around whisky making. There’s our first-ever documentary Scotch & Sherry, and our newest video Nose, palate, Finish: Unlocking the Secrets to Scotch Whisky’s Flavour. Last but certainly not least is our podcast Whisky Talk, which you can download in advance so that you can listen regardless of where your adventures take you. Flavour profile: Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits – to sip while you learn about sherry!
Adventures with an old pal
Father’s Day lands in June – so why not plan ahead and take the man in your life to enjoy his favourite outdoor pastime, followed by a dram or two of his favourite whisky? Dog dads and cat dads count (if you need an excuse)! Flavour profile: Sweet, Fruity & Mellow – because everyone loves an easy-sipper
Take the adventure outside
Wild swimming, saunas and cold plunges and surfing are all incredible experiences to heighten the senses and enjoy with the company of good friends. Why not toast with a hip flask dram around the bonfire when the activities are over. Mind the midges if you’re in Scotland! Flavour profile: Oily & Coastal – sea adventures deserve seaworthy drams
Host a culinary adventure
Whisky dinner party anyone? Pick your people and send out the invite. You could grab a takeaway with whisky flavours you want to embrace (eg smoked meats with peated drams) or just go for a full-on seasonal home cooking. This kind of outdoor adventure works whether you’re grilling in the back garden, heading away camping for a bank holiday weekend or living it up on a rooftop balcony on holiday. Flavour profile: Heavily Peated – to match the barbecue
Choose an adventure in the stars
There’s nothing quite like a dram and a bit of stargazing. The Perseid meteor shower kicks off between 17 July and 24 August, peaking on 12 August with a stunning show across the sky. They’re best viewed in a clear dark sky – making it the ideal time to plan a camping trip somewhere off the beaten track. The Northern Lights may continue to show off this year as they did last May, but you’ll have to keep an eye out for these alerts via the MetOffice app as they’re a bit less predictable than other astronomical adventures. Flavour profile: Old & Dignified – like the heavens!
Adventures in sport
There are some of us who can get a little competitive when challenges are set. Why not host an outdoor sports day with top drams for the winners after the scores are tallied? Rounders, bowling, or croquet – the choice is yours. Flavour profile: Young & Spritely – because you’re never too old for rounders
Snack-sized adventures
Although we went wild with snacks in April, there’s no reason why you can’t venture off the path less trodden throughout this season as well. With it being the season for ‘picky bits’ in the park why not try something different from your usual prepared pick? Sushi, crisp flights, unusual cheeses, or even a sandwich-based potluck offer flavour adventures for everyone. Flavour profile: Spicy & Dry – a favourite for cheese
Try something different from your ‘usual’ adventure
You might have tried a hauf ‘n’ hauf – but it’s one flavour experience that can change over and over simply by changing the beers you pair with your whiskies. This one is best enjoyed in a beer garden that offers beer (and whisky)! Flavour profile: Peated
Suggest your own adventure
This is your Society – if we aren’t doing something you think we should be doing, tell us! We’re always on the lookout for new partner bars, tasting locations and event ideas. Drop our team an email and we’ll make sure it gets in the right person’s hands. Flavour profile: Spicy & Sweet