Pairing Whisky with Music. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society team-up with DJ Vic Galloway to share his top music and whisky matches

SMWS Vic Galloway

From cheese to chocolate to fish I’ve had the pleasure of trying various whisky pairings over the years, but the latest partnership between The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Vic Galloway grabbed my attention more than all the others. For he will be pairing whisky with music.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) have Members’ Rooms in Glasgow, Edinburgh and London with each offering members and guests the chance to experience this exceptional range of bottlings in luxurious surroundings.

As well as offering an unrivalled range of whisky under their roofs, the SMWS run a packed event schedule throughout the year, with targeted tastings and conversations around all things whisky.

The SMWS website is also a fantastic resource, and their online ‘Unfiltered magazine’ is where you will find their music and whisky partnership with Vic Galloway.

Vic Galloway is a Scottish radio presenter with a CV that spans 22 years and includes time at BBC Radio 1, BBC to Music and BBC Scotland, so it is very fair to say that he is a bit of a music oracle. He also happens to be a big whisky fan and a member of the SMWS, so this latest partnership is one made in whisky heaven.

The way music and whisky work together has never been something that I have actively considered before, but I think subconsciously most of us choose a playlist (if at home) to match our mood.

Most of us use that same method when selecting a dram to enjoy of an evening, so Vic’s guide is a great reference point. He has selected the perfect musical genres to complement some of the SMWS’s key flavour profiles.

Having had a read through Vic’s list of pairing and having spotted a few of my favourite tracks in the mix, I’m excited to further explore his recommendations for myself.

In the mix is the Society’s ‘Young & Spritely’ flavour profile being likened to the genre ‘Dream Pop’, with its “effervescent and sweet, joyous and uplifting exuberance that seems utterly timeless and forever young”.

You can check out Vic’s full Scotch Malt Whisky Society pairing list here.

If you fancy enjoying a dram or two in one of the SMWS Members’ Rooms and getting access to their event schedule, you can join online now for the reduced price of £55. Head over to SMWS.com to get the ball rolling on your membership.

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