Matt Bailey

Farewell 2021

I’ve often thought it’s quite foolish

to think that the arrival of a new calendar year also means everything will change, everything will improve, everything will be better than the year that was. I remember friends saying to me in November 2020 “well, 2021 can’t be any worse!”. Well, it kinda was in many ways. I don’t need to build a summary of the lockdowns, protests, earthquakes, and other madness here, we’ve all lived through it, but I can say that I was wrong…

It’s not foolish at all. That’s called hope. That’s called looking ahead and saying “OK, we can do better”. That might be exactly what is needed at the moment. A chance for us to take stock of the last two years and know that it’s brighter around the corner.

If 2021 has taught me anything, it’s that (a) whisky experiences are best shared, and it doesn’t matter how we do that, we make it happen virtually, we make it happen in-person, and we come together. We ‘gather’. The other thing I really took stock of this year was the value in the community that gathers online and in-person. That’s what the Society is. That’s why we love what we do, and why I love sharing these experiences with you. So in the spirit of not looking back too much and keeping our focus on what’s to come, 2022 is looking bright. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for Covid to stay away, properly this time, and planning out some exciting experiences for members throughout the year. Champs is (finally) back on the calendar which is still sold out and still the biggest whisky championship in the Australian calendar every two years. The Gathering will return, as will the festival month of May, and more to be announced in the new year. Hold onto your hats, buckle in, and say farewell to 2021! I wish you all a very relaxing, merry, and convivial Christmas break, and looking forward to seeing you all, one way or another, in 22. Cheers, Matt.

Matt Bailey ~ SMWS National Ambassador