Society homes from home

The SMWS has a growing network of international partner bars that we have exclusively selected to offer Society whisky. The partner bars provide a home-from-home for Society members and whisky lovers alike, offering a unique and extensive range of exclusive single cask bottlings for you to indulge and delight in.

Each bar is handpicked to make the Society’s unconventional and unique nature shine through. With around 150 bars in more than 21 countries, there are no two bars the same, and each offers a distinctive and memorable venue to enjoy whisky in its purest form. But not any old pub can be picked as a partner bar…

NO ONE SIZE FITS ALL

There is no real definition of what a Society partner bar should look like, in fact it’s quite the opposite. From big or small to fancy bright lights, or downright dark and dingy, partner bars can take any shape or size. What’s most important is the spirit and feel of the venue and its people, making the reason for its selection much more than just appearance.

Beneath Driver Lane, in Melbourne, Australia, is a venue that perfectly encapsulates the Society’s unconventional character, illuminated by candlelight and crafted inside the walls of an old bank vault. “For all my bars I’ve never actually come up with an idea before finding the space,” says owner Hamish Goonetilleke. “I think there has to be some sort of ‘organicness’ about the business feeling right in the space.”

Adam Ioannidis from the SMWS Australia team continues: “Organic is the keyword, as Beneath Driver Lane is an effortless experience from start to finish. Wander along Driver Lane and you’ll find a door, where behind it a short staircase leads down to a basement. The descent allows your eyes to adjust to the dim lights and ambience that awaits. A large automatic door will open before you’re greeted by about 100 candles casting a yellow haze over the exposed-brick walls and floorboards.”

SPEAKEASIES TO DIVE BARS

Parisian speakeasy Gentleman 1919 transports visitors back in time where they can feel trembles of the notorious Volstead Act, which introduced prohibition to the United States over 100 years ago.

Stylish visitors can freshen up with a short back and sides courtesy of the retro barbershop posing as a cover-up at the front of the venue. After getting a quick shape up, you can subtly stroll through a sliding door hidden at the back of the shop, leading you to a speakeasy-styled bar and cigar lounge where you can enjoy a spectacular Society dram without fear of detection.  
If you thought that all Society partner bars were fancy and upmarket then you’d be wrong.

Owner of Feel die Beate in Graz, Austria, Mischa Mendlick, admits that his venue is “in a shady part of town”, but that only adds to the deep-rooted character of the experience. The minimalistic and softly lit space serves as a cosy refuge from chilly winter nights as well as a striking example that Society partner bars really can pop up anywhere. This distinctive bar poses as a perfect extension of the Society’s deep-rooted belief to do things differently.

FIND YOUR FAVOURITE

So why not discover your home-from-home and take a gander through our worldwide list of Society watering holes. It’s a great chance for non-members to embrace their first encounter with a Society dram and embark on their never-ending flavour journey.

It’s also worth noting that although no bars sell by the bottle, some venues offer a 10 per cent discount to Society members, so be sure to remember your members' card. Keep an eye out the next time you travel because you’re never too far from a Society watering hole. See how many partner bars you can tick off and be sure to let us know which one was your favourite.

The SMWS network of partner bars covers the UK and across the world. Find the complete list at https://smws.com/venues/international-partner-bars