GLOBAL GATHERING
Gather together
Gathering month is upon us here at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, meaning it’s a time to come together and embrace the wonderful community spirit within our whisky world. Society writer Duncan Gorman reveals some of the highlights to watch out for in this jam-packed month of festive fun
ABOVE: SMWS members and friends gather at The Vaults in Leith for last year’s festival
As many of you will know, September is a very special month for us here at the Society. As the summer draws to an end it can only mean one thing – it’s time for our annual Gathering celebrations to kick off.
It’s a month filled with exciting festivities all across the world, but most importantly it’s when we appreciate and embrace being part of the Society’s global community of whisky lovers. So, whether your new to whisky or a seasoned single cask veteran, be sure to make the most of what the Society has to offer this month and get together with like-minded aficionados.
MEMBERS’ ROOMS
If you’re lucky enough to be near one of our esteemed UK Members’ Rooms then there are of course plenty of activities to get involved with. We’re kicking things off in fashion with a cracking few days at The Vaults, our spiritual home in Leith. Indulge in an in-depth tasting covering drams from this year’s Gathering exclusive releases on Thursday, 5 September. Or, come along to our courtyard barbecue to enjoy some live music alongside other whisky enthusiasts the following day on Friday.
Arguably the most exciting date to remember is Saturday 7 where we will see The Vaults transformed into a dynamic festival, creating an engaging atmosphere with offerings from exhibitors like East Coast Cured Charcuterie, Wasted Degrees Brewery, Alba Cooperage and Single Cask Nation. Soak up some live music or embark on the Exclusive Maturation Masterclass with this fantastic celebration of the Society’s community spirit.
ABOVE: SMWS ambassador Miguel Treleani keeping members happy at one of the Gathering events at The Vaults
ABOVE: Whisky and oysters can make a fantastic combination...
There are also a couple of big anniversary celebrations coming up in this year’s Gathering events. Our Members’ Room at 28 Queen Street will be toasting its 20th anniversary in style on Saturday, 21 September, with a night filled with cocktail-paired tastings, live music, and a Pilot Beer brewery buffet.
Meanwhile down in London, our Greville Street Members’ Room finds itself celebrating its 25th year on Wednesday, 25 September, with an intimate gathering perfect for reminiscing and creating new memories with fellow members.
Our Glasgow festivities take to the National Piping Centre on Saturday 28, where they’ll embrace a grand celebration of tradition and craftsmanship. Enjoy a three-course meal paired with a five-dram tasting, which of course will be accompanied by a talented piper.
WHEREVER YOU ARE
It’s not just the UK that’s having all the fun, there’s an action-packed month of tastings and events across Europe and the rest of the world too. There’s no shortage of choice across Europe, with 21 events running throughout the month with a great range of ways to get chatting with fellow whisky lovers.
Choose from walking, music, festivals or even whisky-paired cooking classes to strike up new friendships with kindred spirits. You can find special Gathering celebrations all over Europe from Berlin to Bastia, so hopefully there’s something on offer wherever you are.
In the US, our Gathering celebration will begin in earnest on Monday 16, September with The Gathering 2024 Event in New York City. Artisanal Spirits Company CEO Andrew Dane will be the guest of honour as we host approximately 100 guests, including Society member Mike Epstein, who chose this year's Gathering casks.
The Gathering casks will be released on September 17 for the US team’s mid-month Outturn, and they’ll be livestreaming all week long.
ABOVE: Andrew Dane, chief executive of the Artisanal Spirits Co.
ABOVE: SMWS master brand ambassador John McCheyne joins the SMWS China team at one of their Gathering events