Scottish Malt Whisky Society

Whisky appreciation is one of those interests that can turn into a lifelong obsession.

It starts with a sip of a peaty malt, the casual examination of a label, a Google search… before you know it you are heading into the wonderful, esoteric history, art and science of Scotland’s national drink.

Whether your interest is as seasoned as a 25 year-old Macallan, or is just beginning, today’s Big Deal will be a tempting invitation to enjoy a whisky tasting in the hallowed halls of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, followed by a very civilised three course dinner in the acclaimed Dining Room.

Whisky experts

The elegant Georgian surroundings of the Dining Room at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society on Queen Street is the perfect setting for tasting fine malts and enjoying an exquisite three course dinner.

Available Tuesday to Thursday, the Big Deal option one is for one person to enjoy a whisky tasting session, followed by a three course meal. Option two is the same deal for two people, perfect for couples or whisky-loving friends.

All tastings begin at 6.30pm, with the chance to sample single cask malts from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s extensive and diverse range of rare whisky.

For the aficionado, it’s an opportunity to test their palate, and learn about the complexities and subtleties of a range of malts, and the influences of those distinctive flavours of peat, sea and smoke.

Refined dining

Chef James Freeman and his team offer traditional fine dining with some contemporary touches. Choose three courses from the a la carte menu:

Starters

Wood pigeon breast with red cabbage pickled in elderberry, white onion

Jerusalem artichoke and hazelnut agnolotti with organic carrot broth

Roast hand dived scallop with salted cod, fennel and blood orange

Ballotine of pheasant and foie gras with pickled vegetables, trompette mushroom and onion jam

Mains

Roast partridge with quince cooked in sherry, parsnips and sprouts

Baked halibut with Scottish cider, carrot purée, mussels and spaetzle

Roast rump and glazed cheek of beef with barley broth, turnip and horseradish purée, braised cabbage

Sea bass fillet with saffron sauce and sea beet

Venison loin with beetroot, purple carrots, orange, fir needle oil

Desserts

Dark chocolate biscuit with sloe jelly and pine ice cream

Mandarin cheesecake with hibiscus sorbet

Crème brulée with poached rhubarb, white chocolate, rhubarb sorbet

Whisky enthusiasts

The Dining Room at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society has attracted plenty of enthusiastic reviews on TripAdvisor, including these recent contributions:

‘Service is exquisite. Food is sublime. The whisky tasters complement the meal perfectly.’

‘We had a fabulous meal, great service, superbly cooked and presented food and a perfect ambience.’

‘Top quality food, well presented and excellent service. I especially enjoyed the whisky tasting they gave us too.’

This Big Deal offer of a tasting followed by dinner at The Dining Room at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a chance to sample the finest whiskies and cuisine.

It would make an ideal gift for a whisky-lover, or a stylish way to mark an anniversary or birthday.