GLOBAL GATHERING
Gathered together
For Society members, few events evoke the same sense of anticipation as the Gathering. Held all over the world during September with special events at all of our Members’ Rooms, the occasion draws members far and wide. Olga Varvarova caught up with some of those lucky enough to win our competition to travel to our HQ in Edinburgh to find out what the Society means to them
WORDS: OLGA VARVAROVA PHOTOS: MIKE WILKINSON
ABOVE: Competition-winning members gathered together at The Vaults from around the world
The Gathering is not merely a whisky tasting. It is a symposium of sorts, where Society single malt faithfuls convene to engage in spirited conversation.
Yet what sets this affair apart is its palpable sense of fellowship. This year a select few members were afforded an enviable opportunity: an all-expenses-paid pilgrimage to Edinburgh, where they joined their fellow members in the heart of whisky’s homeland.
Didier Le Hech from France, a Society member for five years, said: “The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is the spirit of whisky” that allows him to “discover new flavours and aromas” every month.
What does winning the competition mean to the members who have traveled across the globe? “As a whisky enthusiast, it’s kind of everything. It’s coming to the home of Scotch,” said Dave Swift from New Zealand.
“Not overselling it, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” For these winners, the Gathering becomes more than just an event – it’s a homecoming, a moment of communion with the very soul of Scotch.
ABOVE: Kindred spirits enjoying some of the offerings on display at The Vaults
ABOVE: The Courtyard at The Vaults was buzzing during our Gathering festival events
ABOVE: The art of coopering demonstrated at The Vaults
Winning such a special prize comes with more perks than just a trip. The international guests were treated to dinner at 28 Queen Street and a very special tasting designed just for them.
Pia Kjærulff Jacobsen from Denmark added that the most exciting thing she would bring home from the experience was new friendships.
“We are already making new friendships right now, mingling and sharing the experience,” she said. “We are inspiring each other already!”
For those fortunate enough to attend, the Gathering is not just another whisky event – it’s a moment suspended in amber, a chance to savour both the spirit and the stories that accompany it.
ABOVE: SMWS members from around the world travelled to The Vaults as part of our amazing competition to visit our spiritual home