The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Reviews Summary

Whisky Selection

Pros:

• "They bottle all their own cask-strength single malt whisky from single casks, so the whisky is much stronger and distinct."
• "The society has an absolutely massive selection of whisky and they are all fantastic quality."
• "A club for Whisky lover with endless selections of single cask bottling of predominantly single malt whisky."
• "Great selection of whisky with spectacularly convoluted names."
• "Their unparalleled selection of unique single cask whiskies are constantly changing."
• "The selection of whiskeys changes regularly, so there's always a good reason to visit."
• "The best and most interesting whiskies in Edinburgh, and the perfect place for long conversations."

Cons:

• "Interesting experience in terms of the whisky, which I needed to water down considerably before I could enjoy the flavours."
• "Difficult to enjoy the whisky when you are entrenched by the smells of the kitchen."
• "Even for members the minimum dram price is £6 now. Nothing sherried behind the bar on my last visit amazingly!"
• "Over priced for what it was, it seems soulless to me to reduce whiskey to just its taste."
• "Tried to find several good whisky drinking spots, this was the better one. A cold room with doors standing open all the time, and with continuous strong odors from their kitchen, did not make it the whisky tasting success it could have been."

Staff and Service

Pros:

• "The staff are incredibly knowledgeable, and always willing to help guide you through the menu and make recommendations based on your preferences."
• "The best service I have ever received in Edinburgh, such knowledgeable staff and super friendly too."
• "Very friendly and knowledgeable staff."
• "The staff are patient and helpful. Happy to point you in the direction of something new or something aligning with your tastes!"
• "The staff are extremely friendly, knowledgeable and attentive."
• "The staff were attentive and knowledgeable and it was such a great experience."
• "Staff are exceptional...particularly 'Alan'."

Cons:

• "We had a very bad experience visiting the society. Staff was rude."
• "Beautiful old bar with a great selection of whiskies, however, there is room for improvement for the service received in the bar area."
• "A really disappointing experience. Having been to the Vaults before and being very impressed, this fell short due to the staff."
• "Staff served us lunch in nonchalant manner throughout afternoon."
• "Whiskey and food was good but unfortunately we got pretty poor service."
• "I had an unfortunate & unprofessional event experience. SMWS hosted a very expensive event (~$160+), did not have the right glassware, and the host said he didn't know what was going on."

Atmosphere and Venue

Pros:

• "Queen street has a very different atmosphere to the Vaults. Where the vaults is relaxed old world gentleman's club Queen street is an altogether more modern and classy place."
• "Beautiful venue, very friendly staff."
• "There is something lighter and more casual about Queen Street which makes it a great place to pop in for a drink, coffee or food."
• "The main room is spacious and comfortable and has a big whisky vibe."
• "Fantastic location. Quiet and reserved with a fantastic selection of whiskeys."
• "The Queen Street venue of the private members club (they have another one down in Leith) is light, bright and at the same time cosy."
• "The whole building has been transformed out of all recognition - and all for the good."

Cons:

• "No notes provided to refer to!!"
• "Awesome selections and funny tasting notes. If you visit late, expect to be hurried out the door."
• "The acoustics could be improved - sometimes when it's quiet, one's conversation can reverberate around the room."
• "And it was too cold even when sitting next to the heater."
• "The venue is split across three levels with lots and lots of stairs."

Food and Dining Experience

Pros:

• "The food was excuisite and it certainly lived up to its billing as Scotland's best restaurant."
• "Food is bang tidy. Fresh ingredients, beautifully presented, very tasty."
• "Wonderful recommendations to pair a dram with the food I ordered."
• "The sweet potato risotto was delicious and the rest of the menu sounded great."
• "However, my haggis, tatties and neeps was definitely the most delicious I've ever had."
• "Food at the bar was delicious."
• "The food is truly top notch, I would challenge anyone to find a better dinner in Edinburgh for less than £20 a main course."

Cons:

• "For an expensive evening (we spent about £80 for 2 hours there), it left us with quite a sour taste with us."
• "Difficult to enjoy the whisky when you are entrenched by the smells of the kitchen."
• "Sadly if you are not a member of their society you cant buy bottles there, which was my initial intent."
• "Has really gone down since new owners took over, seems a shame as it was very nice before."
• "I travelled all the way from London to visit the Queen Street building only to discover it was closed for refurbishment."

Membership and Accessibility

Pros:

• "They are now open to non members."
• "Really worth the membership though to get the full benefit of this lovely relaxing venue."
• "You do not need to be a member to partake of their offerings although membership gives a 10% discount."
• "The top floor is members only, but it's certainly worth joining."
• "Great place to enjoy single malt whisky. Club is based on membership, which allows you to enter the members lounge, club events and buy unique whisky bottles."

Cons:

• "There's not much to commend membership these days unless you live in the Grange and have more money than sense."
• "Sadly if you are not a member of their society you cant buy bottles there, which was my initial intent."
• "On most occasions membership required or accompaniment."
• "I travelled all the way from London to visit the Queen Street building only to discover it was closed for refurbishment."