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The Scotch Malt Whisky Society launches The Whisky Equinox
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has launched two limited-edition whiskies inspired by the autumn equinox, celebrating the changing seasons with contrasting light and dark drams and a programme of immersive whisky experiences in Edinburgh.
The Whisky Equinox from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) takes its inspiration from the autumn equinox – the exact moment when day and night are equal in length (this year, at 1:06am on 23 September). To mark the occasion – the start of autumn, and for many whisky season, when sitting in front of the fire with a dram is increasingly appealing – the SMWS brought a few of us together in their members’ rooms on Queen Street to introduce their two new whiskies, reflecting light and dark. Madeleine Schmoll, European content manager, explains more:
“Whisky is a drink for all year round, but it is in autumn and winter that people reach for it most. We wanted to mark that moment properly, and the autumn equinox is where it happens, the day the year tips towards its darker half. The society has always been about bringing people together over a shared dram.”
Part of SMWS’ mission is to make whisky more accessible so events like these introduce us to the SMWS in interesting ways. This evening’s event, for example, included a gong sound bath from Jo McCoy at Blissness: lying savasana-style on blankets, Jo plays gongs at different frequencies to encourage relaxation and stress release. Afterwards it was time for a celebratory speech and poem from Madeleine, combining ceremony, whisky tasting and reflection – a symbolic nod to the changing season. So, without further ado, the SMWS’ two new 35cl whiskies are …
Spice it up after dark
A richer whisky for the longer evenings.
ABV: 60.9%
Region: Highlands
Age: 11 years
Riesling spritz in the sun
A lighter option for the daylight hours.
ABV: 57.7%
Region: Speyside
Age: 12 years
Light side, dark side: an autumn equinox whisky journey
In the spirit of bringing people together over a whisky and through shared experiences, the SMWS holds various events throughout the year, including for Christmas, Hogmanay and Burns Night. The next event to celebrate the autumn equinox – “Light side, dark side: an autumn equinox whisky journey” – is on 15 October at SMWS on Queen Street. This is your chance to taste six drams, featuring both lighter and richer whiskies, with dinner included. More info here.
Contact details
Scottish Malt Whisky Society: 28 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JX0131 220 2044
Opening hours (Queen Street)
Tuesday and Wednesday: 12pm to 11pm
Thursday to Saturday: 12pm to midnight
Sunday: 12pm to 10pm
Photography: Emilia Barclay for The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
