The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
28 Queen Street
Edinburgh
What is it: Having sat proudly on Queen Street since 2004, the Society has two other venues in Leith and London with grand plans to expand across the globe. The Queen Street venue has elegant rooms ranging over three floors reached by a sweeping staircase which ascends to a cupola framed by exquisite plasterwork. I spent my time in the bar of course.
Interesting fact: The Society's origins lie in Phillip "Pip" Hills's travels around the Scottish Highlands in the late 1970s, during which he sampled several whiskies drawn straight from the cask and fell in love with the amazing aromas and flavours.
Verdict: You have to be in to your Scotch to appreciate this place and luckily, I am. The staff make it special: you can't blag a job here, you have to now your stuff and these guys certainly do. Some of the worlds best whisky experts have worked here at some point in their career. Yes, there is a joint fee and membership but if you love whisky you'll happily pay it.
Drink: They take single-cask whiskies from around Scotland and bottle them just for the members to enjoy but they don't tell you where it's from: the famous tasting panel create the whisky-tasting notes to capture your imagination. Cask number 21.28, for instance, is named Relaxing In A Tropical Garden.
Food: There is a bar menu but if you fancy something a bit special, book at table in The Dining Room at the SMWS. It is one of the best restaurants in town and showcases Scottish produce. Unfortunately my visit was a quick one so I only had time for the whisky.
Prices: Not the cheapest, but this isn't your usual bar and compared to the price of single-cask whiskies in other venues, it's a steal.
Alfresco: No outside area but that's fine when you're surrounded by hundreds of whiskies.
Children: I think kids may be allowed in if dining but this place is best kept for the adults.
Perfect for: Taking in some guests from abroad and letting them sample some of the best of Scotland's national drink.
Avoid if: You are more of a gin and tonic person.
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