SMWS PARTNER BAR
The Last Word
Scotch Malt Whisky Society partner bar The Last Word is an essential destination for members and whisky lovers in the historic New Regent Street Precinct in Christchurch. Michael Fraser Milne, who heads up the SMWS NZ branch as well as being ‘director of spiritual matters’ at Whisky Galore, explains why
PHOTOS: CHARLIE JACKSON
Alex Ricketts, host and owner of the Last Word Whisky Bar in Christchurch, has established New Zealand’s only speciality whisky bar and in addition has been a very active partner in promoting all things related to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society in New Zealand since 2019.
Along with his very experienced team headed up by Cory and Charles, Alex keeps a very well-curated SMWS list for the patrons at the Last Word. Apart from having a dedicated menu for the SMWS, the team also provide that all-important personal touch after listening to both members and those interested in the SMWS as to their tastes and wants.
Alex and the team change the menu on a regular basis, with updated and new drams being added with the appropriate notes, which of course provide a great ‘aide memoire’ to those browsing its pages. In addition, all of the team at the Last Word have taken training from the SMWS NZ branch to extend their knowledge and also to keep abreast of every evolving offering and happenings with the SMWS, both locally and internationally.
The Last Word’s offering of SMWS bottlings is very well displayed with an extensive range and, more importantly, whether it be a fantastic summer’s day where you can sit outside in the bustling historic New Regent precinct or less temperate weather, there are many cosy neuks upstairs or down to share a drop of the SMWS nectar with friends.
As a group you may be sorting out the world over a dram of Cask No. 48.161: Relax and have a cuppa or Cask No. 53.434: Tarred and Pickled among many SMWS drams while playing a game of Ludo or cards, this is simply the best place to be for great service, superb drams, knowledge and camaraderie.
Lang may the lum reek* at Christchurch’s Last Word!
*Long may your chimney smoke
ABOVE: The Last Word offers an extensive range of SMWS bottlings, including this XO cognac, A Trifle Delightful
PICTURED: Alex Ricketts, host and owner of the Last Word whisky bar in Christchurch
ABOVE: SMWS bottles take pride of place on the gantry at the Last Word
ABOVE: Michael and Stella Fraser Milne
The Last Word is one of four SMWS partner bars in New Zealand, along with Wonder Horse in Hamilton, Poquito in Wellington and Kismet in Nelson. Ask nicely and you can expect a wee sample from a Society promo bottle!
ABOUT SMWS NEW ZEALAND
At Whisky Galore, we took on the mantle of running the SMWS branch in New Zealand in 2017, establishing its own identity with a dedicated website and growing the membership to around 220. Members largely become involved via tastings, through our partner bars or by visiting the Whisky Galore retail outlet in Christchurch, where there is a dedicated range of SMWS whiskies available for those who have signed up.
Members receive a monthly newsletter featuring Unfiltered, details of our Outturn and information about a number of tastings in the main centres around New Zealand throughout the year, as well as more casual ‘Drop in for a Dram’ events at various bars and venues.
We always have an SMWS stand at our bi-annual Whisky Festival, which attracts people to sign up after sampling some dream drams. Quite a few of our members make the pilgrimage to the Society’s spiritual home at The Vaults in Edinburgh, as well as to our other Members’ Rooms in the UK.
Find out more about SMWS New Zealand at https://smws.co.nz/
PICTURED: the Last Word is proud to display its official status as an SMWS partner bar