Whisky Focus - The SMWS Celebrates Burns Night In 600 Year Old Crypt

Following a sold-out gathering last year, the international whisky club, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is once again celebrating Scotland’s national bard with an immersive Burns Night event in London later this month. Taking place on Friday, 23 January in the atmospheric medieval crypt beneath St Etheldreda’s Church in Farringdon, the evening promises a blend of Scottish tradition, food, music and exceptional whisky.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is a distinctive whisky club celebrated for its bold, flavour-led approach to single malts and unique tasting experiences. Although many of its events are reserved for members, this Burns Night occasion offers whisky enthusiasts in the capital a rare chance to taste Society whiskies and enjoy its unconventional style.

Before dinner, guests will be welcomed with bagpipes, setting the tone for an evening rooted in Scottish custom. The main event features a three-course meal paired with six hand-selected whiskies from the Society’s range, each chosen to complement the flavours of the menu. Music for the evening comes from Tim Hain and Alan Glenive, performing whisky-inspired blues throughout the night.

Simone Malavolta, Manager of the Society’s London venue on Greville Street, said: "This year we are celebrating Rabbie Burns and his works in style, with a night of bagpipes, traditional Scottish traditions and indulgent meals, all accompanied by six of our exceptional Society whiskies.

"Last year we held our Burns Night at Greville Street and sold out almost instantly, so this year we needed a bit more space! The Crypt of St Etheldreda’s is the perfect venue for this celebration of such an important part of Scotland’s history; with its dramatic stone arches and moody lighting guests will feel transported to another era entirely. Get your tickets now to make sure you don’t miss out!"

The historic St Etheldreda’s Crypt — a five-minute walk from the SMWS’s London venue on Greville Street — was where the Society first hosted whisky tastings before opening its members’ room, adding an extra layer of heritage to the festivities.

In addition to the event, the Society is releasing a special Winter Series bottling named Cask 39.318 (Linkwood), "Sing Thy Name!", created especially for Burns Night. This limited edition 13 Year Old single malt was matured in a first-fill ex-bourbon barrel and is said to deliver bright flavours including lemon curd, vanilla custard, sweet nutmeg and cardamom, with a contrasting finish of bitter orange marmalade and sandalwood — a whisky designed to evoke poetry in a glass.

Founded in Edinburgh in 1983, with a Glasgow Members’ Room on Bath Street added in 2020, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society has built its reputation on championing flavour above tradition. Rather than listing distillery names, the Society assigns evocative tasting names — for example, "Red wine and brine in the old coal mine" — to guide drinkers through sensory exploration.

You can raise a Dram for Rabbie on Friday, 23 January
- Arrive 6.30pm for a 7pm start
- The Crypt of St Etheldreda’s, 14 Ely Place, London EC1N 6RY
- Tickets: £125 for members / £135 for non-members

For more info on the Burns Night event or if you would like to raise a glass of one of the Society's unique single cask bottlings to toast Rabbie Burns you will find more info and the latest membership offers and bottlings at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Website
 

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