WhiskyFest Room Blocks – The Easy Choice

Our fall WhiskyFest™ events in Hollywood, FL, Chicago, and New York are shaping up to be spectacular evenings with world-class whiskies and non-whisky spirits, too! We want you to have the time of your life, and your safety is our top priority. Planning ahead will really pay off. Be safe and take advantage of the special room block that we offer for WhiskyFest attendees at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hyatt Regency, and Marriott Marquis. Room block availability is limited, so make your reservations today. Visit our website for more information.

WhiskyFest Season is Upon Us!

Now that Labor Day has come and gone, we can’t help but turn our attention to all things fall—pumpkin spice, leaves changing, bonfires, and WhiskyFest! Join us in Hollywood, FL on October 26th, Chicago on November 15th, or New York on November 20th for a fabulous evening of world-class whiskies. Some of the brands that are new to WhiskyFest this year include Blue Note Bourbon (FL), Soldier City Spirits (FL), Uncharted (CH), Whispering Waters (CH), and Little Rest (NY). We’ll also be joined by old favorites such as Amador Whisky (NY), The Busker (FL & NY), Dewar’s (all cities), Glen Moray (CH & NY), Heaven Hill (all cities), and Nikka (NY) just to name a few. Not all brands will be in all cities, so visit our website often for the most up to date whisky lists and other event information.

Don’t delay—purchase your tickets today!

September’s Outturn is HERE and the Gathering has BEGUN!

For those who tuned into our Dram-along, we hope you had a fantastic time. But the good times are far from over. We’ve got a packed line-up of tastings and events this month on the road and in Members’ Rooms. It’s the perfect time to make the most of your membership.

GATHERING EVENTS

NEW BOTTLINGS

Join us for the latest episode, where Richard Goslan and Calum Lawson are joined by special guest Julie Roberts for a lively chat about this month’s Outturn, all in preparation for the Gathering! Expect plenty of insights, stories, and laughs as they dive into what’s ahead.

TUNE IN NOW

MEET YOUR DRAM-CIERGE

To help make the most of your SMWS membership, we’ve introduced a whole new level of tailor-made member services and personal guidance. With our members at the heart of everything we do, our DRAM-cierge is here for friendly advice, whether it’s a question about us, your membership or if you’d like us to share some whisky wisdom and recommendations. And if we don’t know the answer – we’ll track it down like a whisky ninja!

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Reserve Your Room Today at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, FL

If you’re attending WhiskyFest™ Hollywood, FL on October 26th, consider reserving a room at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino where we have reserved a block of rooms. Book now to ensure that you have a comfortable and safe stay before and after our event. Unwind and take advantage of all that the Hard Rock has to offer. Don’t delay—our special rate is only good through September 24th or until the block sells out. Click here to book your stay or for more information.

For more details on our fall WhiskyFest events and to order your tickets, visit our website.

SUMMER 2024: HIGHLY RATED WHISKIES $100 & UNDER

Every issue of Whisky Advocate is committed to helping you grow your whisky appreciation and knowledge. Choose a print, digital, or gift subscription now.

SUBSCRIBE TO WHISKY ADVOCATE

Why Learn About Whisky?

“I’ll give it a good go, but I don’t think you’ll ever get to the bottom of knowing every single thing there is to know about whisky!” Ever wondered why whisky is such a rich and worthwhile topic for study? We brought together a group of whisky experts and asked them why they love to learn more and more.🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

We hope you’ve been enjoying the Autumn issue of Whiskeria magazine, with our distillery visit to Ardnahoe, cocktails from Noble Rebel and our cover story with Danni Menzies, where we explored her favourite Edinburgh whisky hot spots. If you’ve not got your copy yet, pop into your local The Whisky Shop store to pick one up.

This issue, we’ve teamed up with our friends at Quercus and Country Hotel Breaks to bring you an incredible prize!

LEARN MORE >

Loch Lomond 2013, a 2-night Country Hotel Breaks retreat & a signed novel

An enthralling combination of prizes, to celebrate the launch of Peter May’s latest gripping thriller, set on the Isle of Lewis, The Black Loch: an exclusive vintage bottle of Loch Lomond 2013 10 Year Old 23/372-6, a Scottish Retreat in a sensational hotel of your choice, plus a signed copy of The Black Loch.

ENTER COMPETITION ❯

About the Author

Peter May was born and raised in Scotland. He was an award-winning journalist at the age of twenty-one and a published novelist at twenty-six. When his first book was adapted as a major drama series for the BBC, he quit journalism and during the high-octane fifteen years that followed, became one of Scotland’s most successful television dramatists.

In 2021, he was awarded the CWA Dagger in the Library Award. He has also won several literature awards in France, received the USA’s Barry Award for The Blackhouse, the first in his internationally bestselling Lewis Trilogy; and in 2014 was awarded the ITV Specsavers Crime Thriller Book Club Best Read of the Year award for Entry Island.

SHOP THE BLACK LOCH ❯

Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯

Introduction to American Single Malt Whiskey

We’re delighted to add another Level 1 (free) introductory course into the mix, allowing you to discover the rising star of the whiskey world that is American single malt. One of our Approved Course Providers, Daniel Whittington, explains in easy-to-follow video lessons how a little insight can go a long way when it comes to boosting your appreciation and enjoyment of American single malt whiskey.

📖 Learn More 

6 American Single Malt Whiskeys You Need to Try Today

American single malt whiskey is a rapidly growing category, combining the craftsmanship of traditional single malt producing countries (like Scotland) with innovation and boldness that is unique to America. If you haven’t yet dipped a toe into this exciting category, now is the time. Here are six American single malts you absolutely need to try today.💻 Read the Post

EWA Alumni: Steven Crawford

We are delighted to share the first review of our new Certificate in American Single Malt Whiskey from a candidate in Arizona: “I completed the course last night and I thought it was fantastic. The team did a great job capturing the diversity of American Single Malt Whiskey and the innovation that is occurring in this space. The interviews with the various distillers were fantastic as they highlighted not just what is being done, but what the future might hold. I highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn more about ASM.” Slàinte, Steven!

Evan Williams Bourbon Announces Partnership to Become Game Day’s #1 Pour with Learfield

‘Evan Williams Bourbon Nation’ platform aims to enhance the game day experience for collegiate sports fans around the country in a multi-year deal beginning this fall

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Evan Williams Bourbon today announced a new partnership with Learfield, the media and technology company with ties to more than 1,200 of the nation’s top collegiate properties across its enterprise, for a multiple-year deal beginning this August.  As part of this sponsorship, Evan Williams will be one of the first Bourbons to partner with some of our nation’s top college athletic programs, including University of Florida, Syracuse University, TCU, Ohio State University and University of Alabama. Fans cheering from the stands, kicking back at a tailgate, or coaching from their couch can join ‘Evan Williams Bourbon Nation’ to celebrate their team now that Kentucky’s 1^st Distiller is becoming Game Day’s #1 Pour.

“From pre-game rituals to post-win celebrations, Evan Williams is the bourbon that scores with college sports fans and alumni,” said Molly Vincent, Senior Manager of the Evan Williams Brand. “We’re thrilled to bring Evan Williams together with this very loyal and enthusiastic audience who appreciates the excitement of a great play as much as a great pour and knows how to celebrate responsibly.”

This unique and exciting partnership gives Evan Williams the opportunity to show up everywhere fans are and help the most avid supporters show their school spirit. The partnership will be activated through in-stadium signage, branded bar spaces, and tailgate activations at the five select schools, while also being promoted through local and regional media, in store and on-premise beginning with the 2024 NCAA football season.

The time and passion needed for crafting a great bourbon like Evan Williams is equal to the enthusiasm and dedication of die-hard fans supporting their teams. Touting some of the most wide-reaching, loyal fan and alumni bases in college sports, Evan Williams will cultivate new and exciting ways to give fans of these universities across the country the connection to the game day experience.

“By integrating Evan Williams into the game day experience, we aim to enhance how fans connect with their favorite teams,” said Shawn Hegan, Executive Vice President of Global Partnerships at Learfield. “We’re not just bringing a great bourbon to the fans – we’re creating new ways for people to enjoy and celebrate their passion for college sports. We’re looking forward to building and expanding this partnership for years to come.”

The partnership also marks the debut of Evan Williams’ national college sports platform – ‘Evan Williams Bourbon Nation’.  Rolling out nationally this spring, the ‘Evan Williams Bourbon Nation’ platform will target all collegiate sports fans and the broad array of college sporting events across the country with a particular focus on football and basketball. The platform will be supported with prominent media placements in premium college sports programming along with high-reach digital advertising and social media efforts, on-premise activations, custom cocktails, consumer promotions and in-store displays to round out the 360-degree campaign. Evan Williams and Learfield are thrilled to bring Game Day’s #1 Pour to college sports enthusiasts across the country seeking to responsibly celebrate their favorite sports and teams.

ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS: The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the rapidly growing American Whiskey segment as the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. In 1783, the brand’s namesake opened Kentucky’s First Distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. Many years and barrels later, Evan Williams Bourbon is still produced the right way, using the same time-honored methods. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams has recognized true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery on special edition American-Made Hero labels for the past nine years, now supported by the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Learn more at www.EvanWilliams.com. Heaven Hill reminds everyone to think wisely, drink wisely®.

ABOUT LEARFIELD: Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.

BALLANTINE’S AND BOILER ROOM LINK WITH SARZ AND FRIENDS TO KICK OFF TRUE MUSIC 10 CELEBRATIONS

The Afrobeats DJ and producer, and special guests, join Ballantine’s and Boiler Room to celebrate ten years of True Music in the first of a series of music experiences for fans across the globe.

To celebrate a decade of its True Music platform, Ballantine’s, the world’s second biggest-selling Scotch whisky, announces True Music 10 – a year-long programme of 10 in-person and broadcast music events. In partnership with long-standing partner Boiler Room, the celebrations will give music fans around the world direct access to some of the most exciting artists across 10 diverse music communities who are shaping global music culture today.

Boiler Room and Ballantine’s will kick off True Music 10 with an intimate pop-up at a secret location in Soho, London on 4^th April for 100 lucky fans – with details announced via social just 30 hours in advance. Serving up a line-up of pioneering music, the opening event will be headlined by Afrobeats DJ and producer, Sarz, alongside his chosen special guests. With a gift for crafting chart-topping hits, Sarz has left an indelible mark on the new-wave Afrobeats music scene, producing revered records for powerhouse artists on tracks including ‘One Dance’, ‘Find Your Way Back’, and ‘Monalisa’.

Sarz comments:

“I’m excited to finally link up with Boiler Room and Ballantine’s to launch the True Music 10th anniversary celebrations in London, a city which has been such an important place for the afrobeats scene to connect worldwide. The True Music series has been a great platform to launch amazing new sounds into the world in recent years and we’re hoping to add to the legendary run with a crazy show, in an intimate space, surrounded by my friends and family. Plus, I’ll be playing some exclusives from my upcoming album!” 

Following its kick off in the UK – the home of Ballantine’s and Boiler Room – the series of True Music 10 pop-ups will continue to Colombia and South Africa, rolling out in select cities, and showcasing some of the most forward-facing True Music artists from each country. Music fans around the world will also be able to tune in and catch the South Africa pop-up shows, broadcast from Durban and Pretoria for free via https://truemusic.boilerroom.tv/.

Boiler Room and Ballantine’s will also be returning to Johannesburg, South Africa, home to one of the partnership’s first ever shows, where they will be throwing their biggest party to date. Taking place on 11^th May, the multi-stage, multi-genre event will showcase some of the world’s most innovative artists including Louie Vega and Kenny Dope’s iconic garage duo; Masters At Work, DBN Gogo, and Toccororo as well as a number of True Music alumni including Coco Em and Scorpion Kings. Guests can sign up for the True Music 10 Johannesburg show now via https://truemusic.boilerroom.tv/, with further shows across the globe to be revealed throughout 2024.

Tom Elton, Head of Culture and Partnerships at Ballantine’s commented:

“The evolution of True Music over the past decade has been remarkable. For 10 strong years, the platform has been committed to representing, supporting, and promoting inclusive music culture by celebrating pioneering local artists and communities from around the world on a global stage. We believe in the power of staying true to yourself and doing things your own way, and over the years we are proud to have worked with some of the most exciting ‘Stay True’ artists, who are propelling music culture forward and making music for passion. Here’s to the next ten. “

Since 2014, Ballantine’s and Boiler Room, have brought together artists and communities from around the world, representing local music culture on a global stage and turning passions into professions. Over the past decade, the duo has hosted inclusive in-person and live-streamed music events from some of the world’s most vibrant music scenes championing, supporting, and representing over 800 pioneering headliners and emerging artists, from over 30 countries across six continents. As part of the celebrations, Ballantine’s will invite fans from around the world the opportunity to browse the True Music archive, where users will be able to stream previous True Music Studios and win tickets to events, exclusive merchandise and redeem Ballantine’s cocktails with partner venues. Access to the digital experience will be via QR codes found in stores, venues and across posters.

Ballantine’s will also continue its ongoing True Music Fund, contributing a further 10 grants over the next year, to support emerging local music-focused organisations and collectives who are driving modern music culture, with further details to be announced in late 2024.

Invites to the True Music 10 London pop-up event are extremely limited and will be available for only 30 hours ahead of the show. To be the first to hear when invites are available for any True Music 10 events, follow @boilerroomTV and @ballantines on socials and sign up HERE.

This article appears here well after the original publication date and as a matter of interest.

The Milroy’s Whisky Travel Index

It’s the comprehensive ranking of Scotland’s best whisky travel experiences. Plan your trip now!

Introducing the Milroy’s Whisky Travel Index: a first-of-its-kind tool for whisky lovers planning a trip to Scotland.

We’ve ranked over 50 whisky tourism experiences across the country to provide you with an unrivalled tool for travel planning.

Metrics include the cost of tours and tastings, the variety of experiences offered, price of tours, sustainability credentials, and the quality of the whisky they produce. Each attraction was scored across 15 areas, with over 80,000 visitor reviews analysed in the process. The result? A comprehensive score from 0 to 100 ranking the best whisky experiences that Scotland has to offer.

The best part? Even if you’re not travelling we’ve got top bottlings from the best attractions, all available at the click of a button. Start with our Diamond Award-winning top five: Ardbeg, Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Glenkinchie, Springbank and Bruichladdich!

Get exploring, whether it’s to plan your next trip or to savour a tasting from the comfort of your living room.

Explore the Milroy’s Whisky Travel Index!