The Scotch Malt Whisky Society – Cashback, Rebates & Rewards

Poor - indifferent service at The Vaults in leith. This was a gift for my husband and I anticipated a nice private club to enjoy Malt Whisky together. This was our second (&last?) visit. We had not booked on either visit and both times we were told that we were only able to be seated at the bar - ok- we are then sat at the bar in a virtually empty space, lots and lots of couches, dining tables, easy chairs…. So I asked why we were restricted to bar seating? The answer - it was all booked! To whom? Have they not heard of allowing the table to be used until the booked time?? Service then went from indifferent to non existent as the staff chatted amongst themselves (3 staff maybe a dozen customers in the room). We might have had a second drink if any staff member had be ‘available’ to serve us - A birthday gift I wish I had researched before buying. I don’t believe we will be returning. Definitely not renewing membership next year. A waste of money.

Visited the Edinburgh Leith branch with a guest - very offhand bar service. Suffice to say he wont be joining and its doubtful if I'll renew my membership.....

I’ve been a member for a few months now and thoroughly enjoying it! Yes the cost is worth thinking about BUT the whisky is generally much better than the usual duty free type stuff (and the prices are competitive with this). All the whiskies I’ve bought have been good (to very good) and my « standard » bottles (generally duty free bought ) are gathering dust… I don’t live near any venues which is a shame but for me it is about the whisky and this is so good (so far) I would recommend it. I have seen many comments about the price of shipping (I am in EU) and if you buy one bottle at a time this can make it expensive but if you group your purchases it is then free so then not a problem. So far the dramcierge (customer service) have been reactive and honest. At the end of the day, for me it is about the whisky and the ones I have tasted (8 and counting) have been varied and delicious.

I have been a member of SMWS for about 4 months. My interest is mainly bottles and shows. The membership was £129. A beautifully packaged box arrived with a book, sample and full bottle of 60% speyside whisky which seems like a £70 bottle for the quality of it. There’s some decent bottles available on their stock and notice that they do collaborate with many other of the distilleries Inc MacAllan and others. Time will tell what they are like.

Have been a member for two years now, and its been a great experience. The venues are really impressive and the products are unlike any you can find on a shop shelf.