Frequently Asked Questions about the Champs

What is it?

The Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship (aka the ‘Whisky Champs’) dates back to 1989, when it started as an annual event for whisky lovers around the country. It was held in Adelaide each year until 2002, at which time the original organisers ceased involvement and the event went into hiatus. The AMWTC was re-birthed by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society in 2008, and the Society has been custodian of the event ever since. Since re-locating the event to Sydney, the Society has held the event in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2022, 2023. 2025, and now 2027.

What do you do?

You sit down, we intro the night, and then you open an envelope with the answers to the whiskies in front of you, plus one red herring. 8 whiskies in front of you, 9 on the sheet. Just match them up, and you could be crowned the winner!

When is it?

AMWTC 2027 will be held on Saturday 24th July 2027, from 6:30pm onward.

Where is it?

AMWTC 2027 is being held at the Lakeside Pavilion in Albert Park, Melbourne VIC.

What are the prizes?

Apart from one individual being crowned Australia's Malt Whisky Tasting Champion (the highest honour in the land!), there will be an array of incredible prizes to be won on the night, which you can read about here.

How do I win the huge prizes on offer?

We give you the answers when you arrive, then you just match up the whiskies in front of you with what's on the sheet! It's actually ridiculously simple.

When can I buy a ticket?

Tickets will be on sale through SMWS and members will get first notification of sale. Early bird tickets go on sale Friday 15 January 2027.

What’s included in the ticket?

Basically everything. Your entry to the championship, your opportunity to win, all the whiskies, welcome drinks, full after party drinks service (all drinks included), live music, supper, the whole thing. Incredible value for the biggest night of the year!

I'm interested in getting involved and I want to know more!

Do I have to be a member of the SMWS to enter?

Nope! We'd love for you to be a member of the world's foremost and unique cask strength single cask whisky club, but you don't have to be to enter the Championship.

So I have to blind taste eight whiskies to win?

Yes! Except we give you the answers at the beginning of the competition on a piece of paper, so you just have to match them up with what is in front of you. Almost giving it away!

Are the whiskies for the competition single cask offerings from the Society?

NO! Each whisky in the competition are all commercially-available non-single cask malts just like previous years. Click on Rules to read more in-depth.

What if there is a tie between winners?

Then we enter a dead heat and there's a final taste off.

Will I have to purchase any extra food or drinks on the night?

Additional non-whisky like beers and wine can be purchased from the cash bar, but otherwise all whisky, all the drinks from the pop-up bars on the night, are included in the ticket price. This includes all cocktails, all SMWS Single Cask pours, and all food. Some vendors may wish to present a premium cocktail for a nominal fee at their bar, but that is at their discretion.

I want to compete, but my partner/friend/colleague just wants to come to the whisky party, is that OK?

Yes! There are competitor and party tickets. We recommend everyone be a competitor though!

What do the spectators do while the competition is going?

As well as cheering on their fellow comrades and barracking for them to win the main prize, all spectators/party ticket holders can enjoy a cocktail, a dram of something special from the SMWS Single Cask Bar, or relax with a beer in the party room.

Any other questions please get in touch here.