Scotch Malt Whisky Society ready for birthday party

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is getting read to throw open the gates to the normally private Queen Street Gardens.

It will be hosting a party celebrating its 35th anniversary. The festivities start at noon on Saturday, September 8, and include food, drink and music with prices from £20 for members and £25 for non-members.

Each guest will receive a Society tasting glass on entry, which can be used to sample a wide selection of SMWS single cask whiskies, as well as whiskies from the many other distilleries that will be on hand to showcase their own malts throughout the day.

Guests will also receive a token for a dram from the SMWS Historic Stock Bar, featuring some very special Old & Rare bottlings.

If guests would like to add a little whisky education into the mix, the SMWS will be holding masterclasses all afternoon across the road in the Members’ Rooms at 28 Queen Street.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has a fully stocked bar

There will also be a Chapel Down bar serving English sparkling wine, the Edinburgh Beer Factory will be bringing along their Beer Van and live music will take place throughout the afternoon, along with a barbecue.

Jan Damen, UK operations Director said: ‘We’re delighted to be hosting this party in the beautiful Queen Street Gardens to celebrate our 35th anniversary. The Society has risen from strength to strength over the years as our fantastic group of members continues to grow.

‘We’re looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and welcoming some new guests to sample our wonderful range of single cask whiskies. For non-members, there will be the chance to purchase membership to the Society at the event.’