Following a sell-out event last year, the international whisky club is raising a dram to Scotland’s national poet later this month with an evening of Scottish traditions in St Etheldreda’s medieval crypt in Farringdon, London.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is an unconventional whisky club known for its adventurous tasting experiences. With its events usually for members only, this is a rare chance for whisky fans in London to try the Society’s pioneering ‘flavour-first’ approach to whisky while honouring the Bard.
The festivities will begin with bagpipes before an evening of Burns Night traditions over a three-course meal, accompanied by six hand-picked Society whiskies chosen to elevate the flavours of the menu. Tim Hain and Alan Glenive will perform bluesy whisky-themed music over the course of the evening.
Simone Malavolta, Manager of the Society’s London venue, 19 Greville Street, said: “This year we are celebrating Rabbie Burns and his works in style, with a night of bagpipes, traditional Scottish traditions and indulgent meals, all accompanied by six of our exceptional Society whiskies.
“Last year we held our Burns Night at Greville Street and sold out almost instantly, so this year we needed a bit more space! The Crypt of St Etheldreda’s is the perfect venue for this celebration of such an important part of Scotland’s history; with its dramatic stone arches and moody lighting guests will feel transported to another era entirely. Get your tickets now to make sure you don’t miss out!”
St Etheldreda’s is a five minute walk from 19 Greville Street, the SMWS’s London venue.
The Society is also releasing a special edition bottling in honour of Burns Night Cask 39.318, “Sing Thy Name!”, part of the Winter Series. The 13 year old first fill bourbon barrel has a fresh nose of cut grass and vanilla custard, followed by lemon curd, cardamon and sweet nutmeg on the palate.
Founded in Edinburgh in 1983, with its Bath Street venue in Glasgow open since 2020, the SMWS has always championed flavour over tradition, not revealing distillery names on bottles and instead creating evocative names like “Red wine and brine in the old coal mine” and “Lavender honey and chimney lobsters” to guide whisky exploration through taste and aroma.
RAISE A DRAM FOR RABBIE, Friday, 23 January, 7pm, The Crypt of St Etheldreda’s 14 Ely Pl, London EC1N 6RY
Arrive at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.
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Tickets are £125 or members and £135 for non-members – more information, https://smws.com/london-raise-a-dram-for-rabbie-23-01-26/
To find out more about the Winter Series, see here: https://smws.com/winter-2025/
