First winner of Alan Lodge Spirits Writer award named

Hamish Smith, deputy editor of Drinks International, has been named the first ever recipient of the Alan Lodge Young Spirits Writer of the Year Award.

Hamish Smith (far left) receives the inaugural Alan Lodge Young Writers Award from Daisy Jones, Margaret Lodge and Colin Lodge

Organised by The Spirits Business, but judged by a completely impartial panel, the competition seeks to recognise and reward talented spirits writers aged under 35 across the world.

Smith impressed judges with his ability to discuss the issues close to the spirits industry in an engaging and readable manner.

Presented with his award today at The Spirits Masters Awards Lunch at The Cinnamon Kitchen in London, Smith said: “Winning the Alan Lodge Award, as it is already affectionately known, is pleasing almost beyond articulation. Not least because it is a competition of the most authentic and altruistic of geneses – the desire to celebrate the life of one of the industry’s most liked and loved.

“The award’s development, of which I am now proudly a part, will rightly preserve Alan’s name for posterity, giving longevity to our our fond memories. Knowing Alan as I did, he would have smiled at the thought of an award in his name.

“I like to think he would be happy enough with its first winner.”

Second place was awarded to Lucy Britner, freelance journalist and editor of The World’s 50 Best Bars, while Joel Harrison, director of Cask Strength Creative, was given third.

The award was launched in memory of Alan Lodge, the late deputy editor of The Spirits Business, who tragically passed away from a brain haemorrhage at the age of 29 in February this year.

Colin Lodge, Alan’s father who presented Smith with his award, said: “Alan would have been utterly humbled, as we his family are today, to have had the honour of this magnificent annual award created in his memory of him. We are extremely grateful to those very generous sponsors within the drinks industry for providing this splendid award in memory of our son. Thank you very much indeed.”

The judges were Karen Fullerton, global brand ambassador, Glenmorangie and Ardbeg; Chris Mason, CEO, First Drinks; Vanessa Wright, communications director, Chivas Brothers; Marcin Miller, managing director, Quercus Communications; Neil Ridley, director, Cask Strength Creative.