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Supporting Communities: The Drink Sector’s Response During The Covid-19 Pandemic
The Portman group have released a report, summarising the recent support provided by organisations within the drinks sector. While we are in the third national lockdown, they have taken a moment to review the extensive support provided by organisations involved in alcohol. This has been carried out to celebrate their continuing hard work and also […]
MENTORING PROGRAMME BUILDS REAL MOMENTUM
Our Mentoring initiative has made significant progress in the first few months of 2021 with the launch of the first “Mentoring Pilot programme in the history of our Livery. The VTEC (Vocational Training and Education Committee), led by Past Master Richard Watling researched the appetite for mentoring with our former sponsored students at WSET, IBD […]
Press Release: The Worshipful Company of Distillers’ announces a dynamic new 3-year educational programme
The Worshipful Company of Distillers’ announces a dynamic new programme of scholarships and bursaries for over 100 students over the next three years. Financial support for key qualifications will be more than tripled with our UK educational partners who lead the world in spirits education. The WCD will be increasing the focus and share of […]
20th January 2021: NEW FREEMEN & LIVERYMEN Admitted to the Distillers Livery
At Virtual Ceremonies conducted on 20th January 2021 by the Master, Jonathan Driver and the Wardens, the following received the Freedom of the Company: Giles Harris DSO OBEGeorge RollsSir Colin Hampden-WhiteKarl Mason At the same virtual Ceremonies conducted on 20th January 2021, the following received the Livery of the Company: Karen BettsHenri SizaretDuncan BaldwinJames RobertsonKen […]
Virtual Burns’ Night held for Distillers livery members
O wad some Power the giftie gie usTo see oursels as ithers see us…… When the Bard of Ayrshire, the great Rabbie Burns, penned those immortal words “O wad some Power the giftie gie us To see oursels as ithers see us” I’m not entirely sure he had in mind that the ‘Power’ would be […]
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 […]
Industry News
Compass Box Scotch Whiskymaker unveils Menagerie
Limited-edition release Menagerie captures the ‘wilder side’ of Scotch whisky
Diageo unites David Beckham, Ryan Reynolds, Sean 'Diddy' Combs in online spot – video
Diageo has brought together three of its celebrity partners in a Super Bowl-themed online activation.
Tanqueray reveals launches of blackcurrant gin and pre-mix cans
Blackcurrant Royale expression, pre-mix cans and packaging revamp for Tanqueray in 2021
Champagne Lanson eyes Travel Retail recovery with Asia-Pacific push
Champagne Lanson is preparing for the return of the Travel Retail channel in Australia and New Zealand after posting strong domestic sales.
