FC United of Manchester
Striker
I’ve been a member for a good few years as you know…. but I won’t be renewing this year.Have thought for years about joining SMWS…I know a few on here have.
The fact no bars nearby sort of put me off but maybe tempted to give it a go for a year.
What’s the quality and price range of their monthly outturns ?
Delivery free I take it ?
Quality wise I’ve had absolutely no complaints, I’ve been very happy with almost every bottle I’ve had but the value for money has declined considerably for me since the takeover/flotation.
They are looking to build a much stronger presence in the US where they can get higher prices - I’m guessing because they don’t have the same access to as many indies. Bottles I was buying last year for £60-£65 are now over £100. Whereas it was mainly 12-15 year olds I was buying it’s now mainly 8-9yo at the same prices. I know prices have gone up but they seem to be ripping the piss a bit on prices now IMO.
They do have 4 or 5 tasting nights a year at the Caledonian Hotel in Jesmond that you can go to - usually £35 for 5 drams and Lee Connor their Gateshead based rep is a decent fella.
I’ve just found that Cadenheads have been much more to my liking over the last year coupled with the sporadic stock up when Whiskybroker launch new releases so I’ll let SMWS lapse - although they will probably get me with one of their rejoining offers at some point