Whisky legends recognised in Speyside awards

Three whisky personalities have been recognised for their dedication to and promotion of the Scotch whisky industry by the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

Dennis Malcolm has been recognised by the Spirit of Speyside Festival for his service to the Scotch whisky industry

The awards were announced at the Touch of Tartan dinner at Glen Moray Distillery last night, which marks the start of the annual Speyside festival (30 April- 4 May).

Linda Mellis, brand support manager for Diageo, Martin Nouet, French food and drink writer, and Dennis Malcolm, master distiller of Glen Grant, were all recognised “for their dedicated service that has helped put the region on the world map”.

James Campbell, chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Festival, said: “In different ways, each award winner has shown incredible commitment to the Speyside whisky industry and to the festival itself.

“Their enthusiasm for the product is infectious, and the strong and longstanding links they have with the whisky and businesses and communities in Speyside, continues to grow and be enhanced.”

Mellis, who has worked in the industry for 43 years, most recently in the role of managing brand support and marketing of Diageo’s malts portfolio, as well as the group’s visitors’ centres and brand homes, was named Ambassador of the Year.

Nouet meanwhile was given the International Ambassador Award for her work in promoting Scotch whisky in France and around the world through her writing.

Glen Grant master distiller, Malcolm, was awarded the new accolade of The Spirit of Speyside Award, for his service to the industry and communities in Speyside for over 50 years.

Having trained as a cooper at the age of 15, Malcolm rose through the ranks to become assistant manager for Glen Grant and Caperdonich, before becoming manager of The Glenlivet.

He also ran Chivas Brothers’ nine malt whisky distilleries, a grain distillery and three farms, before returning to Glen Grant in 2006 under the management of Gruppo Campari.

The Spirit of Speyside Festival takes place from today (30 April) until 4 May, with over 400 events taking place at several distilleries across the region.