When someone first joins, they will be considered at an introductory level until they complete the following steps:

1. Sign up through the website and verify their email

2. Accept email/marketing messages (this is separate from email verification)

3. Reply to my introductory email and answer a few short questions

4. Agree to the group guidelines

5. Attend an event

Once those steps are completed, the member will be considered for full membership. After attending a second event, they’ll receive a membership card and become an active Austin Scotch Lovers member.

Staying active in the group
To remain an active member, I kindly ask that you attend at least one event per year. Ideally, I’d love to see members at 3 or 4 events per year if life allows. I fully understand that family, work, health, and distance all play a role, and there are situations where someone may remain part of the group without being able to attend in person.

The main goal here is participation. When you join, we want to welcome you to events and get to know you. If a full year goes by and attending isn’t possible at all, it may be worth thinking about whether this group fits into your life right now. That’s not meant as pressure, just honesty about how we keep the community connected.

Group guidelines

1. It is always clearly stated on the event page on the website what you are expected to bring to an event, and often there are suggestions. Usually for the socials, it is a minimum of one bottle of Scotch to share. This does not need to be new, and you take it home with you at the end of the evening. 

2. Whisky at the event is meant to be enjoyed at the event, and in moderation. There is always way more whisky than can be sampled in one evening, and we kindly ask you to pour small amounts to taste. You can always go back for another taste. If you don’t care for something, feel free to pour it out. Small pours help everyone enjoy more.

3. Food is always appreciated. If you bring something, please be prepared to take leftovers home with you. Hosts can easily end up with too much food afterward, so please don’t leave extras behind unless you’ve cleared it with them.

4. To attend an event, please RSVP directly to me. Email works best, as it helps me keep track. You’re welcome to bring a guest, just let me know their name when you RSVP. 

5. If your plans change, please let me know as soon as possible.

6. The Austin Scotch Lovers is a group for people 21 and over. We expect that all members and their guests will drink responsibly. Please rideshare if possible or have a designated driver for your group.

A few final notes
Scotch socials are meant to be a chance to meet up with fellow members and try some new whisky. Often there will be quite a selection of bottles from which to choose. These events are meant to be an opportunity to try some whiskies, not all! Please choose wisely and drink responsibly. Whisky is a powerful drink and though we always celebrate its glory, we are also respectful of its effect. We love our socials as a celebration of Scotch loving in Austin, and invite you to take part responsibly.

Cigars are welcome at most events and sometimes we even meet up at a cigar store. Please bring your own cigars and we usually have a designated outdoor area and ashtrays available.

In addition to the monthly socials, we also host theme nights, Zoom classes, and special events. Events held in member's homes follow the same general guidelines. Please always read the event description on the website so you know what’s expected. I try to be very clear in the listings.

Donations
There is no required fee to be part of Austin Scotch Lovers. If your finances allow, I do ask for a suggested minimum donation of $12 per year, usually around our anniversary in August. Donations can be made at any time and in any amount. Members will be given the information for making a donation.