In a world full of associations, clubs, and societies devoted to all kinds of pursuits, interests, and causes, the Black Swamp Single Malt Single Malt Society was established in June 2010 in Toledo, Ohio for the sole purpose of providing a regular and formalized venue for individuals who have a passion for single malts to gather together to share, enjoy, explore, enrich, and expand their knowledge and familiarity with the single malt whiskies of the world (and on rare occasions other fine spirits).  To that end, the Society meets regularly every other months at a member’s home or a designated public facility to conduct formal tastings of different single malts.  Through the Society, members gain the ability to try a far wider range of single malts than they would on their own and at a far lower cost.

Our Society’s Basic Goals

The basic goals of the Society are to:

1) learn about different single malts and their distilleries,

2) improve our ability to recognize and appreciate their differences in aromas and tastes, and to

3) have a pleasant time in the process.

Our One and Only Iron Clad Rule

Drink, with moderation, care, and consideration.  Each person is responsible for his/her own behavior and is expected to abide by this rule.  We gather to learn about, sample, and enjoy the whiskies of Scotland not to become inebriated.  Each member agrees to absolve the host of each tasting from any legal responsibility for any unfortunate events resulting from a member’s own failure to abide by the Society’s only iron clad rule.  Your presence at any Society event is considered your tacit agreement to this rule. 

Membership 

Our Society membership is restricted to 12 members currently by the fact that we do most of our tastings in members' homes.  Perhaps someday we will be in a position to own/rent our own private Tasting Room that would accommodate a much larger and open membership, but until then, membership is by invitation only and limited to the availability of seating at our tasting location.  

Potential new members or guests must be sponsored or invited by an existing full member. Guests that have attended four Tasting Meetings becomes eligible for full membership in the event that a membership slot opens.  New membership status is then voted on by the current members.

Yearly Dues: Currently annual society dues are $180.  Dues covers the cost of regularly six scheduled tastings per year. 

Membership Requirements: To maintain Member status, a member must pay Yearly Dues and must not miss more than three meetings in a year.  A member who fails to pay his/her annual dues and/or misses three or more meetings will forfeit his/her membership. 

Membership Levels

Founding Members: The Founding Members represent the individuals who were responsible for organizing the Society and were the first to join the Society. They also have full member status.

Full Members: Members represent individuals who have paid their Yearly Dues and attend at least three quarters of each year’s meetings.

Guests

If seats are available, any current Member in good standing may invite a guest to attend a Tasting Meeting.  Seat availability is determined after all Founding and Full Members have RSVP’d for a Tasting Meeting.   Guest fee for a tasting is $40.  Special/Reserve Tastings are not open to Guests.

Steps to Becoming a Member

The only way currently in which an individual can become a member is as follows:

1. Membership is by invitation only.

2. New members openings only become available when a current member spot is vacated.

3. Any individual who has attended at least 3 tastings as a guest of a current member(s) is eligible to be considered for membership, however all prospective members must be nominated for membership by a current member.

4. Selection of new member(s) will done via a vote of the current members at a tasting with no guests/prospective members in attendance.

5. A prospective member must receive a majority vote from the current members in order to to be selected for membership.

6. To complete their membership, new Members must pay their Yearly Dues at the first tasting they attend after having become a member.  

Membership Benefits

• An opportunity to sample a wide range of single malts at a reasonable price with others who share your interest in single malts.

• An opportunity to obtain single malts at a relatively low price.

• A deeper knowledge and appreciation of single malts.

• Access to a wide range of single malts.

• Collegiality, conviviality, and a good time.