Whisky title for Gordon & MacPhail boss
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A WHISKY industry high honour has been bestowed upon a member of Gordon & MacPhail's family owners.
Fourth-generation family member Stephen Rankin, the Elgin-based company’s director of prestige, was made a Master of the Quaich at the biannual Keepers of the Quaich ceremony at Blair Castle in Perthshire. The accolade recognises outstanding commitment shown by those who produce or promote Scotch whisky.
To become a Master of the Quaich is special recognition for people who have held the title of "keeper" for more than a decade, and who have made an exceptional contribution to the industry.
Mr Rankin, who is approaching his 20th year in the industry, said: "It’s an honour to be inducted as a Master of Quaich, keeping great company among some of the whisky industry’s most remarkable people, including some of my peers at Gordon & MacPhail.
"Passion and dedication for creating and promoting single malt whisky is something that has been instilled by my family for four generations, and it’s something that I will continue to uphold and progress in my responsibilities as Master of the Quaich."
Guests at the prestigious event, which saw five Masters and 44 Keepers announced, were addressed by Olympian rower Dame Katherine Grainger, who was also awarded the role of Honorary Keeper of the Quaich.
Annabel Meikle, director of Keepers of the Quaich, said: "It was a great pleasure to invite Stephen to become a Master of the Quaich. The accolade of master is truly special. Those who are invited by the management committee have made an exceptional contribution to the Scotch whisky industry for a minimum of 10 years, but in reality most have had at least double this length of service.
"The title of master has only been awarded to around 200 members."
Mr Rankin’s induction comes in what would have been the centenary year of his grandfather, George Urquhart, who played a huge role in the single malt whisky industry and remains the only person to have been made a Keeper of the Quaich outside of Blair Castle, when the rules were waived and he received his induction while in a nursing home.
