The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is feeling festive this month and they’d like to invite you to take part in their Whisky with Character celebrations. Throughout May, SMWS is celebrating the wonderful diversity of its whisky along with the colourful characters of its members. If you can’t attend in person, the Society is hosting its second virtual tasting, which will be streamed live from Ardshiel Hotel at the Campbeltown Malts festival on the evening of 22nd May 2019. You can simply join the festival from the comfort of your own home!
How does it work?
Virtual tasting is a great way to gather together the Society members across Europe to sample some incredible whiskies. The tasting is streamed live on the SMWS Facebook page on Wednesday 22nd May between 7 and 9pm. You can tune in at home to enjoy and learn more about these unique drams. The SMWS master brand ambassador John McCheyne will be joined by Matt Bailey, all the way from the Australian branch, to host this virtual tasting of no fewer than five exclusive festival bottlings.
You can order the special tasting pack (£35.00) from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society website until stock last. Use code INKA10 for a discount at the check out!
The pack includes five 25ml bottles:
9.161 Cream tea at the patisserie
Flavour profile: Sweet, Fruity & Mellow
Region: Speyside; Age: 11 years
10.168 Cuquillo black olives
Flavour profile: Oily & Coastal
Region: Islay; Age: 13 years
29.260 A visceral, elemental experience
Flavour profile: Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits
Region: Islay; Age: 19 years
30.106 Succulent, scintillating and substantial
Flavour profile: Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits
Region: Speyside; Age: 21 years
93.108 Earthy and masculine
Flavour profile: Lightly Peated
Region: Campbeltown; Age: 10 years
Why not join in with a friend? Each member can order up to two tasting packs. If you miss the live stream, you can catch up later as the event will also be posted online after the live session. If you are at Campbeltown Malts festival, it is also possible to join the tasting session at the Ardshiel Hotel on the night. You should, however, secure your place fast as spaces are limited.
Heading to Islay?
Should you miss out on the Campbeltown festivities, you can take part in the open day at Islay House, Bridgend during Feis Ile. Matt Bailey will be hosting a series of Islay masterclasses on Friday 24th May. During the open day the SMWS will also offer local produce, a seafood barbecue and live music into the night!
On the 25th May members can take a spin around the island by bike (BYO) and visit all nine distilleries. They will provide you with a map, a distillery stamp card and a Society jersey for the first few. I really wish I was going!! You can find more info on the Tour de Islay and how to sign up on their website or email unfiltered@smws.com.
Which whisky character are you?
Which whisky character matches your favourite flavour profile? Please leave a comment below.
Interested in a membership? See my previous article for more. Use code INKA10 for a little discount at the check out! Valid until 30th June 2019.
Disclaimer: This post has been created in collaboration with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and includes affiliate links.