few questions about the SMWS

[Tom W]

Hi guys,

I've been thinking for a while now about joining and buying from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) having heard about it from some work colleagues in scotland and also from reading this forum.

I am a fan of independent bottlings (Cadenheads, Signatory, Adelphi) and SMWS do seem to be more expensive, especially when you add the subscription (£100 / bottles bought in year) - is it worth it?

I'm not sure whether I like the names of the whisky they sell but i'm sure it could grow on me.

Basically, any good or bad reviews would be much appreciated from anyone who is/has or wants to be a member! to what extent is my quest to conquer single malt whisky incomplete without ever being part of this society ?

cheers,

Tom
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In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king

[Alastair]

I have never been a member but i have had a few bottles through a mate in the past who was a member. The bottles i had were also through his recommendation and they were excellent. Having said that i know he had a few which he considered poor.

Personally i dont think i am missing out not being a member. Plenty of good independent bottlings available to try without paying a £100 subscription

[Crane]

I have looked at SMWS membership but have never taken the plunge, you do hear of some excellent SMWS bottlings. I suppose it depends whether you will be buying enough bottles throughout the year to justify the £100 membership.

[Blackadder]

If you are in or around Edinburgh or London and were able to visit the SMWS venues then you would be getting more for your membership fee.

[Bookie]

[Fergie]

I have never had a membership partly because i wouldnt be able to take advantage of the smws bars in Edinburgh as i am too far away. I was very tempted this year at whisky live Glasgow, i was very impressed with quite a few whiskies i tried at the smws stall.

[Tom W]

thanks for the comments guys, It seems not being able to fully appreciate the whole of membership is a setback for some.

When im back in edinburgh next year I would have access to them I guess, not sure how often I would go to them though! Apparently the subscription fee is £50 per year, the 100 is just the first year.

still up in the air for me, got a few bottles of cadenheads in for xmas anyway
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In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king

[Genuine Risk]

Offer through the edinbugh whisky blog that you might as well use if you are going to sign up.
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Putting the func in dysfunctional.

[Tom W]

[Mark]

Yes not a bad offer when they throw in a full sized bottle with the membership, i have often seen them offer this at whisky tasting events if you take out membership on the day at the event. 7.66 will be a bottle of Longmorn i think

[Tom W]