Revered Scotch whisky society Keepers of the Quaich has welcomed 45 new members along with five new Masters – who have been profiled over the following pages.

Last week, 45 new Keepers and five Masters were inducted into the prestigious Scotch whisky society

Keepers of the Quaich was established by the Scotch whisky industry to “recognise the outstanding commitment” of those who produce or promote Scotch.

On Monday 8 October, 45 new members were inducted into the international society at a private ceremony at Blaire Castle in Blair Atholl.

Guests at the event were addressed by international rugby star Sean Fitzpatrick, former All Blacks captain and the world’s most capped hooker.

To qualify, new Keepers must have worked in the industry for a minimum of five years.

The society will award only five Masters of the Quaich at each ceremony of induction. Masters must have been inducted as a Keeper over 10 years ago, and have made an “exceptional contribution” to Scotch whisky.

To date, just over 2,700 people from more than 100 countries have received the honour.

“Scotch whisky was, and remains, the first global spirit and Keepers of the Quaich exists to recognise and celebrate the exceptional contribution of people working in all aspects of the industry, all over the world,” said Peter Prentice, chairman of the society.

“At the ceremony we inducted new Keepers from no less than 20 different countries which demonstrates the continued popularity of Scotch whisky.”

Click through the following pages to learn more about the new Masters of the Quaich.

Gerald Erdrich

President of Kammer-Kirsch, GmbH

“Gerald founded his business, Kammer-Kirsch in 1994 to import a variety of Scotch whisky brands including The Dalmore, Isle of Jura, Bruichladdich and Whyte and Mackay into the German market.

“He also enjoyed considerable success with Balblair, Old Pulteney, Glenglassaugh, Tullibardine, Deanston and Ledaig. During this time, he built the awareness of these brands by hosting hundreds of tastings and being present at exhibitions in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

“Gerald was inducted as a Keeper in 2003 and continues to be a driving force in the German market. He now represents the trio of BenRiach distilleries, and Isle of Arran, Loch Lomond and Glen Moray.

“In 2005, Gerald became chairman of the longest established German Chapter, which celebrated its 20^th anniversary in 2017 with a showcase event. This International Chapter is one of the largest, with members in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and Gerald has been pivotal in maintaining the highest level of engagement with his fellow Keepers and Masters of the Quaich.”

David Freeborn

Managing director, Dalemaine FZE

“David moved to Dubai in the late 1990’s and soon began work with Seagram with a quest to make Chivas Regal the premium whisky brand in the Middle East.

“Under his inspirational and pioneering leadership, David enjoyed great success in achieving this goal with the iconic series of Chivas Legends Dinners.

“In his tenure with Pernod Ricard, his contribution to the Scotch whisky industry has been colossal, and he is held in great regard by consumers and the trade in equal measures. David eventually left the group in 2016 after 19 very successful years.

“In 2017, he established Dalemaine FZE, the only dedicated spirits and wine company covering the MENA (Middle East & North Africa) and SAARC region, focusing on several Scotch whisky projects.

“David is also the inspiration behind, and chairman of, the inaugural International Chapter in the United Arab Emirates, flying the flag for the Society and gathering together industry friends and legends. Welcome to the role of Master of the Quaich.”

Alistair Hart

Sales director of Hart Brothers 

“Alistair is a veteran of the Scotch whisky industry, beginning his career with Whyte and Mackay in 1962. Here he learned his trade as a blender under the guidance of Major Hartley Whyte, the son of the co-founder, James Whyte.

“Alistair was appointed as a director on his promotion to chief blender aged only 28. In 1975, after 13 loyal years, he left the company to join his family business to champion and promote its single malts interests.

“Here his responsibility as chief blender was to source vintage casks rarely bottled. Under his watchful eye these casks would be further matured and finally bottled.

“For over 40 years, Alistair has travelled tirelessly to promote his brands, presenting and delivering tastings to literally thousands worldwide. The company has a presence in over 20 countries.

“Alistair is not one to blow his own bugle but the society recognises his dogged determination and pursuit of excellence to provide consumers with some of the finest single malt Scotch whiskies.

Louise Higgins

Vice president of marketing and innovation, Diageo Caribbean and Central America

“Louise joined United Distillers in 1997 and since then has spent the past 21 years developing Diageo’s extensive portfolio. A multilingual marketer, she has lived and worked in several global roles, promoting the joys of Scotch whisky from the land of her birth.

“Initially Louise led the development of Scotch malt whiskies across Benelux where she more than tripled the business. Louise managed J&B globally and won an ‘Effie’ award for the ‘Start a Party’ campaign.

“When appointed global marketing director portfolio Scotch, she led breakthrough growth on Buchanan’s and Old Parr in Latin America and the USA, took White Horse to number one in Russia and re-positioned and redesigned Vat 69 in India, driving massive sales.

“Louise has worked across the Caribbean and Central America as vice president marketing and innovation, driving Scotch whisky across 37 countries.

“She has led the launch of multiple brands and the creation of successful campaigns on Johnnie Walker, taking the brand to the lead position in prime markets. The society recognises her doughty and stalwart career.

Alexandre Ricard

Chairman and CEO, Pernod Ricard

“A man of both dynasty and destiny, Alexandre Ricard was born into the industry and nurtured in his love of Scotch by the legendary Paul Ricard, his grandfather.

“As a young man he would often accompany Paul, and then later his uncle Patrick, on visits to bars across southern France. He pursued his formal education, acquiring a multitude of impressive qualifications, then spent seven years honing his astute financial skills before eventually realising his dream and joining Pernod Ricard.

“Alex has since played an instrumental role in building the company’s Scotch whisky business, most notably in his memorable tenure as CEO of Pernod Ricard Asia Duty Free.

“A man of profound vision, he relentlessly promoted the ultra-prestige whisky category with Royal Salute and Ballantine’s and in so doing, played a key role in charting the remarkable rise of Scotch whisky to become the world’s leading luxury spirit.

“Of equal importance, is the way that Alex has achieved his goal for the industry, ‘make a new friend every day’ across all corners of the globe, regardless of rank or file. Alex, Scotch whisky is your closest friend. We thank and salute you.”