HOLIDAY TIPS FROM THE SOCIETY
Get into the festive swing
Whether it’s celebrations and cocktails ahead or cosying in next to the fire at home with a dram in hand, there are dozens of ways for members near and far to get involved with the Society this month, as Mads Schmoll reports
Let’s rewind to last year. November was all about the concept of ‘coorie’, embracing the (possibly enforced) time at home, treating yourself and carving out moments of quiet contentment.
This year, there’s still plenty of scope to make yourself cosy and coorie in, with the bonus of being able to welcome in family and friends. We’re planning on seizing those moments as a chance to rest up and recharge for all that’s ahead in a month packed with tasting events, festivals and visits to the Members’ Rooms.
To get into the spirit, we’ll be kicking things off with a cocktail.
They’re magical year-round, whether you’re starting off the evening at one of our events, or dusting off the cocktail shaker for a Friday night aperitif with friends. From a classic Old Fashioned to a Highball, we’re embracing all things sparkle, fizz and shine this season. Depending on your mood, we have a Spotify playlist for you covering everything from Coorie through to Christmas. Pick your favourite, get it on the sound system and you’re good to go.
Now that we’re back to in-person events, we’re also back at festivals. If you were lucky enough to nab tickets to our sold-out Spirit of Speyside event at the Dowan’s Hotel, we’ll see you there very shortly.
For those of you hoping to catch us before 2022, we’ll be at the Whisky Lounge in York on 27 November as well as putting in our first-ever appearance at the Kendal Whisky Festival on the 4 December. We’re back to Edinburgh on 11 December for the National Whisky Festival. As ever, there’s a special members-only dram, so make sure you bring your membership card.
If you’ve been burning the candle at both ends and are in need of a quieter evening with a whisky angle, pour yourself a dram and take in our new podcast and video series, Whisky Talk: Malts & Music hosted by BBC Scotland DJ and writer, Vic Galloway.
Expect the likes of Norman Blake from Teenage Fanclub, writer Val McDermid, Justin Currie from Del Amitri and Stina Tweeddale of Honeyblood, not to mention the very first episode with Ian Rankin. Each episode explores the creative lives of our guest, their passion for whisky and – most importantly – how each of the five Society drams they taste has inspired a favourite piece of music.
Equally for those looking to share whisky with other whisky lovers, our November virtual tasting presents the perfect opportunity to take the next step on your whisky journey.
Take in five special drams with your Society hosts and fellow members. It’s a great opportunity to try different whiskies and ask questions – all from the comfort of your couch.
Finally, even if you’re not quite ready for Christmas, our Advent Calendar will serve up a treat every day from the December 1st through to the 25th. The mix of whiskies, special releases and as ever, a surprise or two, is an excellent way to see out the last month of the year.
As we head towards the end of November however, it’s all about the glitz as we take over 28 Queen Street from top to bottom for a party to rival literary legend Jay Gatsby. Get your glad rags on for music, dancing, cocktails and canapes on Friday, 26 November as we kick off the new Roaring Twenties – and celebrate the long-anticipated chance to party in person again.