Party on

The last month of the year – can you believe it? But at least we’re heading into 2022 in considerably better shape than we were this time last year. As of the time of writing, Christmas is going ahead again this year and we’re going to be able to do a lot more physical catching up than we could at the end of 2021. I hope you all have sufficient stocks of Society whisky to see you through the festive season, or you’ve got your orders ready.

We’re celebrating a return to something approaching normality with a look at how to party like it’s the decadent ‘Roaring Twenties’, with our Mads providing the tips not only on what to drink, what to listen to, but also how to dress to impress for this month’s party season.

As I found out from our expanded and recently rebranded ‘DRAM-Cierge’ team, Helen and the gang are primed and ready for the festive rush and prepared to help out members with any advice or guidance when it comes to picking the perfect whisky, for yourself or as a gift.

And we have the pleasure of hearing from the one and only Charlie MacLean, long-time friend and Tasting Panel chair at the Society, who has been awarded an MBE for his services to whisky and charity. If you’re in the Kaleidoscope Bar on the ground floor of 28 Queen Street, check out the plaque that announces ‘Charlie’s Chair’ in his honour.

Elsewhere, SMWS founder Pip Hills describes his fascination for a quirky engine – which can run on cask strength whisky – and how it inspired his new book, The Star Drive. Ian Buxton catches up with the rye developments at Arbikie and InchDairnie distilleries. And Gavin D Smith explores how the Temperance movement took hold in Scotland, while Prohibition actually came to pass in Caithness.

There’s no chance of Temperance across the SMWS this season. Let’s welcome back the good times, and look ahead to a brighter, better 2022 together.

Happy Christmas when it comes and a happy, healthy New Year.

Cheers,