one4review | On 24, Aug 2026

A feast for the senses and the soul: five exquisite whiskies paired with fresh dishes from the kitchen of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) Members’ Club on Queen Street. To ensure you get the most out of these delicious pairings, you are guided through the experience by a member of their staff. We were looked after by Skye, who was a breath of fresh air, completely unpretentious, hugely knowledgeable and, most importantly, genuinely passionate about her craft. Her enthusiasm was infectious without ever becoming overwhelming, making the whole experience feel more like being introduced to a favourite hobby by a particularly enthusiastic friend than sitting through a formal tasting.

Prepare for a measured, immersive exploration of whisky from each of Scotland’s official regions, with every dram accompanied by a whimsical, tongue-in-cheek tasting plate designed to complement the spirit while offering a little insight into the history, character and culinary culture of its respective locale. The pairings are imaginative without feeling overly fussy, and there is something particularly satisfying about tasting a whisky and then discovering how a carefully chosen dish can bring out something entirely different in it.

The pace of the experience is another of its strengths. There is plenty of time to savour each whisky, experiment with the tasting techniques being demonstrated and, naturally, enjoy the food and conversation. Nothing feels rushed, which allows you to properly appreciate the differences between the whiskies rather than simply working your way through a flight of samples.

I enjoyed the company of a wonderful group of Fringe revellers, locals, visitors and performers alike. That social element added considerably to the afternoon, with plenty of opportunity for conversation and the inevitable swapping of opinions about which dram was the favourite. Whisky tasting can sometimes feel like an intimidating pursuit if you’re not already familiar with the terminology, but this experience manages to make it remarkably approachable.

The Queen Street club itself is a charming venue, rich in whisky nostalgia and period architecture. It provides an appropriately atmospheric setting for the experience and adds a wholesome touch that makes you want to linger a little longer. There’s something wonderfully Scottish about spending an afternoon surrounded by beautiful old architecture, good food, good company and excellent whisky.

You genuinely don’t need to be an experienced connoisseur beforehand. Your guide will take your hand all the way from the basics through to more advanced techniques, teaching you how to nose, add water and assess your whisky in a way that you can continue using long after you’ve left the club. I came away not only having enjoyed five excellent whiskies, but with a better understanding of how to appreciate them.

I can’t imagine a better way to spend an afternoon at the Fringe. It’s relaxed, informative, indulgent and, above all, enormous fun. Whether you’re already a whisky enthusiast or someone who simply enjoys good food and an interesting experience, Whisky Wanderer is an easy recommendation.

Though, in the interests of full disclosure, I may be ever so slightly biased.

*****
Reviewed by Mike
Scotch Malt Whisky Society – Queen Street