The Gin Guild has installed Desmond Payne MBE as its new Grand Rectifier at a member installation event which saw the Guild welcome distillers from across the world.
It marked the 21st member installation event from the guild, which saw 40 members inducted, thus taking the total membership currently to 492.
The event also included new international memberships from across three continents – including The Gin Guild’s first corporate members in Australia and Chile, Four Pillars and Gin Provincia.
The annual event was held at the Mansion House on 20 October.
Desmond Payne MBE, Beefeater Gin Master Distiller Emeritus, who has received not one but two lifetime achievement awards for his work in the industry, was appointed as Grand Rectifier following Lesley Gracie, Master Distiller of Hendricks Gin’s two-year term in office.
Commenting on his appointment, Payne said: “It is an honour to be installed as the new Grand Rectifier of the Gin Guild but it is also a pleasure and a delight to take up this position after a lifetime spent in the production and promotion of this fine spirit.”
Pal Gleed, director general of the Gin Guild, added: “Being an active part of The Gin Guild means joining a fantastic network of gin experts and industry colleagues. This expansion solidifies The Guild’s position at the heart of the global gin industry, dedicated to fostering excellence and camaraderie.
“The welcoming of these new members, including our first corporate members from Australia and Chile, has demonstrated our dedication to promoting international collaboration and recognising the global appeal of our timeless spirit.
“I’d like to thank the Desmond for accepting the role of Grand Rectifier, and would like to pay tribute to our wonderful outgoing Grand Rectifier Lesley Gracie for her fantastic support during her time in office.”
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