SB deputy editor dies of brain haemorrhage

Alan Lodge, deputy editor of The Spirits Business, has died aged 29 of a brain haemorrhage.

Alan joined sister publication the drinks business in March 2009 to bolster the magazine’s online content and quickly made an impression with his engaging writing style, perfectly pitched for such a fast-paced medium.

Alan had the rare ability both to entertain readers with his amusing accounts of unusual alcohol-related tales – be they drunken burglars or outrageous cocktails – and to inform those in the industry with his authoritative analysis of topical issues, from taxation to licensing reform.

As well as his journalistic talent and impressive knowledge of spirits and the drinks trade, Alan had a respected palate. Chairing several Spirits Masters tasting competitions for The Spirits Business, Alan became known as an able judge with a notable skill for detecting the quality differences in vodka.

It was announced shortly before his death that Alan would be taking on the role of deputy editor of The Spirits Business, a promotion which had elicited great excitement from Alan.

In spite of of his considerable professional achievements, Alan remained a modest, sensitive and hugely popular member of the drinks trade. Furthermore, he was without malice, and never indulged in unkind gossip.

Alan will be greatly missed by his colleagues, particularly those he worked with so closely in the editorial team, and will be remembered by all who knew him for his writing talent, wit and kindness.

Patrick Schmitt, Editor, the drinks business