Private Whisky Masterclass with Harrolds Melbourne
SINGLE-CASK WHISKY MEETS HIGH FASHION
Words: Adam Ioannidis
Last month The Scotch Malt Whisky Society hosted a private whisky masterclass for Harrolds’ Melbourne boutique — a fashion retailer that specialises in high-end brands and boutique pieces. It was the inception of what will be a growing relationship between our two unique businesses.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has always been appreciating flavour; there’s a reason that, as a club, we steer away from focussing on distilleries. The pursuit for that smell, taste, mouthfeel etc. is always at the forefront, the subtleties that not only go into enjoying the whisky, but also producing it. It’s this care and attention to detail that goes into each maturing cask to ensure it’s bottled at the right moment that makes The SMWS so unique.
These are qualities that Harrolds also shares, but with clothing; the attention to detail, the care and love that goes into each piece of which a limited number of pieces may be made, and the smile it puts on someone’s face when they wear it. A parallel can be easily drawn to the limited quantities of bottles a single-cask whisky can produce, and the level of enjoyment one of our members gets out of it when they purchase a bottle for themselves to enjoy.
There’s a certain sweet scent that hits you as soon as you step inside Harrolds’ Melbourne boutique, a scent that carries to the upstairs men's department. This was quickly blended with the aroma of single-cask Society whisky as each of the six casks was poured. Six drams from six different distilleries and five different flavour profiles; a special surprise Vaults Collection even made its way onto the lineup. A dozen guests of Harrolds were treated to an introduction to The Society, its origins and what we do best, presented by Country Director, Matt Bailey. Surrounded by pieces from iconic brands like Tom Ford and Brioni, the setting helped strike a lavish tone for the evening.
It wasn't unfamiliar territory, though hosting an event such as this can be considered on the rarer side; three small circular tables, five settings on each, decorative planters in the centre and charcuterie boards to round it all off. It’s always a special moment when people’s senses are awakened and they're introduced into the exquisite world of single cask, cask-strength whisky and that evening was no exception.
The SMWS Australia looks forward to hosting more events with Harrolds and the blossoming partnership that has only just begun.