This week-long festival will celebrate the Scotch Malt Whisky Society's Leith origins, from the 2nd till 8th September at The Vaults and other iconic venues.
The Gathering encapsulates what it means to be a member of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, with a jam-packed week of fun-filled whisky-themed events.
Festivities include a fascinating walking tour of Leith’s illustrious whisky history, an exclusive whisky and Leith food pairing, tasting and film screenings at renowned Leith venues, as well as member events in the courtyard of the spiritual home of the Society, The Vaults.
The SMWS is now a truly global membership organisation, with members and partner bars across the world.
For those who can’t make the journey to Leith, SMWS will share the spirit of The Vaults through an integrated online tasting experience.
The Virtual Tasting, hosted by SMWS Master Ambassador John McCheyne, will be screened live from The Vaults to the world via Facebook on Saturday 7 September.
Branches across Europe including Munich, Paris and Stockholm will also be holding The Gathering events at their venues for local members from August 20 to September 21.
The SMWS will celebrate the arts and film that support its unconventional nature with festivities going beyond The Vaults to other iconic Leith venues, with exclusive screenings at the Leith Theatre as well as The Biscuit Factory.
The whisky experts have partnered with local producers, including a colourful food pairing with the much-loved Kilted Donuts.
Diners can look forward to a pairing five of their sweet and savoury donuts with delicious SMWS whiskies.
Throughout the week, SMWS member and history enthusiast Justine Hazlehurst will be hosting regular walking tours of Leith, which promise guests a chance to get close to the area’s intriguing history and whisky heritage.
Jan Damen, Operations Director at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “As a Society, we’re always striving to ensure that our global members feel connected to one another and are able to share their whisky experiences together.
“This is a rare opportunity for our members from all over the world to come together and congregate at The Vaults for a series of unique events. We look forward to welcoming whisky lovers from near and far.”
For details on all the events and to buy tickets, visit the SMWS website here.
