SINGLE MALT AMATEUR CLUB
Formed in 2011 as a platform to share experiences & information on single malt whisky, this club is for amateurs, professionals & connoisseurs, who share a passion for whisky. The ‘Amateur’ tag has been added to encourage members to shed their inhibitions and speak. The forum facilitates sharing of tasting notes, experiences, and recent releases. The club disengages from the traditional approach and snob appeal usually associated with single malt whisky. This club is for everyone!
Most of the information on single malt whisky, available on the internet and books are tuned to the western taste buds and expressions; we hope to change that concept and add the typical Indian flavour to it. Through SMAC we will collectively try and give tasting notes and reviews which readers from the sub-continent will be able to understand easily and perhaps relate to. Having a passion for single malt whisky in the sub continent can be taxing; and we are not talking about the steep taxes that are applicable! The members of the club meet on a regular basis to put all the theoretical knowledge to practical experiments during which we hope to answer some of your questions sparing you the time spent on research!
As a club we have over 4500 registered members from across the globe and continue to grow at a rapid pace. We have the distinction of being the foremost whisky club in India who have their own exclusive bottling from some of the most reputed distilleries. We offer bespoke whisky tours, tasting sessions and master classes for our members. The club has been featured in leading international whisky magazines and lifestyle television channels.
MEDIA PRESENCE
Hemanth A Rao
Founder – Hemanth A Rao the founder of the club is an IT professional based in Bangalore, India. Single Malt whisky has been his passion since the late 90’s and he has been on an exploration journey ever since. Pursuing an hobby such as single malt whisky in India has its own challenges with the existing legislation and prevailing alcohol literacy. The club was founded in 2011 to bring together people from different realms having a common interest – Single malt whisky.
His favourite whiskies are Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Brora, Ledaig, Springbank, Benriach, GlenLivet & from the Indian distilleries he loves Amrut Spectrum, Amrut Amaze, Amrut Peated CS, Paul John select cask peated & Paul John Olorosso.
Harsha Thimmaiah
Partner – Harsha Thimmaiah a graduate in hospitality dabbles in professional tennis management and is a professional voice over artiste. As an ardent beer lover, Harsha’s initial experiences with whisky involved Glenfiddich and Coke. As he shadowed Hemanth and gained deeper knowledge on how to appreciate a single malt, he began enjoying whiskies from the Highland, Speyside, and Islay regions.
He joined the Single Malt Amateur Club as a partner in 2016, a decision that stemmed from the strong friendship and comfort he shared with Hemanth. Harsha is the driving force behind SMAC’s operations and together with Hemanth, they aim to take the club’s initiatives pan-India.
Harsha’s favourite whiskies include Tomatins and Ardbegs and Closer to home, his favourites are Paul John Mithuna, Amrut Amaze I and Amrut Greedy Angels.
OUR PARTNERS
