SMWS GATHERING
Kindred spirits
As the Society’s Gathering events get ready to kick off, we heard from members in the UK and further afield about what inspired them to join the SMWS, and what they appreciate about belonging to the world’s leading whisky club. Here’s what some of them had to say:
ABOVE: Ray Hodgson (l) and his friend Frank Simpson get together at The Vaults each month to sample every Outturn of new whiskies
SURYAKIRAN BONTA
The Society has been an integral part of my whisky journey. The flavour of the whisky comes first and the Society has never been shy of pushing the boundaries. They have been extremely innovative in terms of exploring cask finishes and doing things where the end result are tongue-tingling drams.
FRANK SIMPSON & RAY HODGSON
Frank: My friend Ray introduced me to this crazy whisky Society that had so-called ‘Outturns’, releasing several new single cask, cask strength expressions every month. We decided to make a joint effort to taste as much of the Outturn as we could on the first Friday of each month. I now live in Dundee but the journey to The Vaults is certainly worth it and I fully intend to continue to try the Outturn on the first Friday as often as I can!
Ray: My SMWS journey began back in 2014 with a birthday present from my wife. After a few different ways of sampling each Outturn, Frank and I settled on the first Friday in The Vaults as the focus of our ‘research’ efforts.
We have been doing this virtually every first Friday for more years now than I care to remember.
CHRISTIAN SICKL
From the very first moment, I was thrilled by the extraordinary taste experience but above all by the stories associated with each individual bottling. These stories about distilleries, Scottish culture and people associated with it are what make up the flair of the SMWS for me.
ALLEN, BILL, COLIN & KAREN
We’ve all been members for more than 25 years and there are three simple things we love about the SMWS: the uniqueness of the whisky, the people and the Members’ Rooms. Having somewhere to relax that is specifically catered to the enjoyment of unique whisky is a haven for us. We are proud to be members of the world’s best whisky club!
BECCA & GUÐMUNDUR
We’ve been regular members for some time and agreed The Vaults would make the perfect location for our wedding.
A place like The Vaults is not about the mortar and stone, but the love and attention of the people who work there.
BEN & CAT LOVE
When we first joined the Society in January 2022, it felt like we found our second home and the perfect place to celebrate our wedding. Celebrating this milestone in a Society that feels like home was truly special. The Vaults will always hold a special place in our hearts. It’s our society, and it’s a part of our story.
TEIMEI HORIUCHI
In 1992, I came across a book titled Tombo no Hon (Scotch Malt Whisky), which introduced me to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Intrigued, I promptly sent a membership request and the SMWS accepted my membership under the condition of being a mail-only member. Later, when the SMWS Japan branch was established, founder Pip Hills invited me to transfer my membership and become a founder member of the Japan branch. I gladly accepted, and thus began my journey in promoting the Society in Japan through various events and activities.
DAVID SWIFT
Living in New Zealand, the SMWS has introduced me to a community of like-minded souls. They say the journey is the reward, but for me my SMWS is more.
It’s exploration, education and the pure joy of belonging.
FLORIAN KRENN
When I hear the word “Gathering” I think of the “gatherings” during our tastings in Linz. Aside from the excellent whiskies, it’s the company that made them so special. For me, exchanging ideas with like-minded yet different people and sharing experiences and stories about whisky is what makes a “Scotch Malt Whisky Society”.
WOLFGANG GRILLICH
At each tasting you learn more about whisky, distilleries and production. There are also always taste surprises from some bottlings.
We always enjoy talking to other members and exchanging experiences and news.