Gone are the days of relying on next day delivery and a sudden burst of present inspiration for your nearest and dearest for Christmas.
Instead, this year we’re hunting down the gifts that keep on giving and a membership to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is exactly that. It includes access to some of the world’s rarest whiskies, expert knowledge, entry into four Society Members’ Rooms and entry into exclusive tasting events.
And so if you’re looking to impress a whisky-loving friend or family member, consider buying them a membership. They’ll be able to order a constant supply of one-off single cask, single malt whiskies, drawn straight from the barrel and bottled at natural strength – and you won’t be able to find any of them in the shops. Basically, it’s an excellent way to look like you know your stuff when it comes to malts.
A membership for the year costs £65. But, if you really want to treat the whisky lover in your life (and what better time of year than Christmas?), the SMWS also offers a range of other options for new members, including the Pioneer Welcome Pack at £130. It’s a perfect Christmas gift for whisky connoisseurs and beginners alike, and includes a year’s membership, three 10cl sample bottles of Society whisky to get started, a £15 e-voucher and more.
And if that wasn’t convincing enough, there’s also a special Secret London readers discount. Visit the Society’s newest venue, 78 Northcote Road, and quote the code “SECRET10” to receive a complimentary drink* any time before the end of December. You’ll also then receive £10 off on any Scotch Malt Whisky Society membership taken out during the visit. A free drink and a discounted present? *Cough* Two birds, one stone *cough*.
Here, you’ll get a taste of some of the delicious whiskies that could be coming your way very soon. Because if you thought you’d just be signing up for whiskies that you’d find in the supermarkets, you’d be wrong. One of the biggest highlights of joining The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is the uniqueness of each of their whiskies. Every individual cask of whisky matures in its own way, and if the name on the Society’s label seems unusual, it’s because the whisky is too. The SMWS bottles from a single cask when its Tasting Panel decides the whisky is ready, and each cask provides a finite number of bottles for members to buy. So when you’re sipping on your latest deliveries, make sure to enjoy them, because most are available for a limited period of time only.
Not sure exactly what your whisky-loving pal is going to be receiving? There are different membership options available depending on your budget and preferences.
The full membership packages are:
Pioneer Welcome Pack – £130
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society say this is the most popular option. It includes a core annual membership plus a beautiful welcome pack containing three 10cl sample bottles, a £15 e-voucher, SMWS journal and club lapel badge.
Membership & Tasting Tickets – £125
This package allows your friend to bring you along, too (or someone else, of course), to enjoy the good company of fellow members at a regular whisky tasting event, up to the value of £64.
Membership & Bottle Of The Moment – £110
Along with a core annual membership, you’ll also receive a specially selected bottle of the moment.
Membership & 35th Anniversary Tasting Box – £89
Get to know SMWS whisky and discover your favourite flavour by enjoying five 25ml single cask Society samples. And, if you were looking for more insight into exactly what you’re drinking, there’ll also be an accompanying tasting hosted by master ambassador available online to help you get the most out of these specially selected drams.
Membership & Three Dram Serve – £80
Looking for more whisky-loving friends? With this package, you’ll be able to visit UK Members’ Rooms for a chat and an informal three-dram tasting.
To buy membership to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society as a gift this Christmas click here. 18+ only. Please drink responsibly.
*Terms and conditions apply: One drink per person in group per visit. One visit per day applies. Not valid on Champagne. Offer not valid Friday and Saturday after 6pm.