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Richard Paterson awarded OBE in 2021 New Year Honours
Whyte & Mackay master distiller Richard Paterson was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list for services to the Scotch whisky industry. Paterson recently celebrated 50 years at the firm, and he was handed the Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Spirits Challenge 2020. He is nicknamed “The Nose” thanks to his peerless […]
Grant Gordon awarded OBE in 2021 New Year Honours
Grant Gordon has been awarded OBE in the 2021 New Year Honours for services to philanthropy including during the COVID 19 response. Grant is chair of Distillers’ Charity committee and has been heavily involved in our charitable fund raising, including in 2020 which produced a record increase due to the generous response from the Livery. […]
Christmas greetings on behalf of the Master & Wardens
In the much loved tradition of great Christmas television, please enjoy our “masterclass” in cocktail making with a festive twist. Middle Warden Chris Searle does a masterful job of introducing some delicious recipes. I am particularly glad to see the Brandy Alexandre Dumas since it features my favourite author (I’ll be Athos, if you want […]
Our First Virtual Installation Ceremony
If any proof were required that the Distillers are a resilient Company, undaunted by challenges or technology, then the Installation Ceremony for our new Master surely provided it. The Clerk opened the ceremony by stating “The Court is summoned pursuant to the Company’s Charters for the Installation of its Officers for the ensuing year.” Thereupon […]
An interview with the Master Elect
Now available to view on our YouTube channel: An interview with the current Master Elect, Jonathan Driver. Part one of a three part interview, we learn about the Master Elects background, his time so far with the Distillers and what the future holds for the future Master. To view this interview, click below or visit: […]
Meet with the Master: Now available on our YouTube Channel
In the current climate of Covid-19 and restrictions on Liverymen gatherings, the Master has kindly given up some of his time to reach out to members via our new YouTube Channel, in the first of a series of interviews to be published. This new ‘digital’ way of staying in touch with members, ensures we preserve […]
London Recharged: The Lord Mayors Vision for London
The Lord Mayor, Rt.Hon. William Russell, has released a 64 page report, titled London Recharged: Our vision for London in 2025, commissioned by the City of London Corporation to outline the recovery of business in London following Covid-19 and its long-term competitiveness to 2025. “Our vision for London in 2025 is attainable, but also ambitious. The […]
Queen’s Birthday Honour for Livery member
We are delighted that one of our Liverymen, Commodore James Parkin has been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List where Her Majesty has appointed him as a Commander of the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE). Our warmest congratulations go to James from everyone in the Worshipful Company […]
Masters Blog – Summer Special
Those of you of a certain age will no doubt have had a favourite comic and will doubtless remember the eagerly awaited Summer Special. It was an extra-long edition designed to keep children amused during the long summer holidays, although it normally arrived during our holidays and was waiting on our return home and was […]
New members receive Freedom of the Livery
Duncan Baldwin, James Pennefather and Olivier Nicolai were recently granted the freedom of the livery in another virtual ceremony. Duncan currently works for Angus Dundee Distillers , James is Regional director for W.Grants and Sons, and Olivier is a city Analyst for Goldman Sachs, advising clients on investments in the spirits industry amongst other responsibilities. The Master welcomed […]
New Commanding Officer for Military Affiliate 825 NAS
Our military affiliate 825 Naval Air Squadron has a new Commanding Officer and it is with great enthusiasm and that we welcome Commander Scott Simpson to his new post, taking over from Cdr Duncan Thomas. Past Master David Raines, and wife Jenny, very kindly hosted us as we endeavoured to plan some events which will […]
603 Squadron Update
The past six months for 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron have been dominated to a great extent by the shared experience of dealing with Covid-19. Indeed, the Squadron’s new Officer Commanding (OC) Squadron Leader Derek Read joined from RAF Force Protection HQ on 20th March, just days before the Prime Minister announced the rigorous restrictions that […]
Latest HMS Montrose Newsletter Now Available
Follow the latest activities of the crew aboard HMS Montrose, the impact of Covid 19, training and charity fundraising. To read the full newsletter, click on the link below: HMS Montrose July/August 2020 Newsletter
Installation of the Master into the Schiedam Guild of Genever Distillers
The Master in the first international virtual ceremony, received the honour of being installed in the Guild of Genever Distillers based in Schiedam and received a wooden medal of the Golden Glass. The Master participated via Zoom and another new liveryman, Amanda Garnham from BNIC was similarly honoured! The Guild is an ancient order, set up by the local […]
The Master’s Charity Bike Ride goes ahead under “Rule Six Restrictions”
We are providing an update on the Distillers 500 event in light of the new restrictions put in place by both the UK Government and Scottish Government with effect from Monday 14th September to combat the spread of Covid 19 (the “Rule of Six”). The organisers had already completed a detailed Health & Safety risk […]
THE MASTER’S CHARITY BIKE RIDE: WHO IS RIDING WITH THE MASTER?
There is still time to support our riders and sponsor them via our JustGiving page. Show your support today and visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/distillers500 THE MASTER: Kenny MacKay Having started my career in 1977, I have lived through some remarkablechanges in our industry – This continuum is also reflected in ourmembership, with somewhere over 85% of our […]
Industry News
Moet Hennessey's Arrrrrrrdbeg single malt Scotch – Product Launch
Moet Hennessey is releasing a limited-edition bottling from Islay single malt Ardbeg.
Glenfiddich unveils second Chinese New Year special release
Glenfiddich collaborates with Chinese illustrator for special-edition whisky
From the just-drinks cellars – What happened in drinks on this day in …
Here’s a look at what was happening in the drinks industry on this day in …
Beefeater reveals stylish, and sustainable, new look
Beefeater’s new eco-conscious bottle rolling out globally across its range