Lifetime achievement award for Desmond Payne

Desmond Payne, creator of Beefeater 24, was recognised for his outstanding work and success in the industry when he was presented with a lifetime achievement award at The Gin Guild's Autumn Installation.

This prestigious award, which has only been presented to two other industry figures in the past three years, was awarded to Desmond by the master of the worshipful company of distillers, Allan Cheesman, and The Gin Guild’s new grand rectifier, Martin Riley, at the bi-annual Gin Guild event at Mansion House.

Desmond’s impressive gin career began in 1967 when he joined Seager Evans & Co, the Wine Merchants and Gin Distillers. His career progressed rapidly and the passion and skills that he developed over the years resulted in his definitive appointment as master distiller at Beefeater, a position that he has held since 2005. In 2008 he was responsible for creating the super-premium Beefeater 24.

The Gin Guild also welcomed its new grand rectifier, Martin Riley, who will serve in the position for two years. Martin Riley has been involved in the spirits business for the whole of his career. From 2009 he was chief marketing officer for the Pernod Ricard Group, responsible for overseeing the marketing of all the Group's brands, including Beefeater and Plymouth Gin.

Nicholas Cook, director general of The Gin Guild, says: “As always, it’s incredibly positive to see so many new members welcomed into The Gin Guild, especially as we’re seeing a real variety in those that are expressing a fascination with gin and wanting to be part of this exciting movement, both UK and internationally.”

During the evening 21 industry experts become members of The Gin Guild, including distillers, producers, suppliers and brand owners from the UK, Canada, Spain, Mexico, Germany, Holland, Liechtenstein, Norway as well as that installation of the first warden member from America. The grand rectifier installed the new members – they took a solemn oath, before each receiving a sterling silver pin in the form of a sprig of juniper to signify their membership. In addition, both Eugeni Brotón, the global marketing director of González Byass, the proprietor of the brand London No. 1, and Stephen A Gould, the proprietor and distiller of Golden Moon Distillery, became wardens of The Gin Guild.

Rectifiers installed to the Guild, included Lesley Gracie, the creator of leading gin Hendrick’s, Marius Vestnes, a key figure in developing awareness and appreciation of fine spirits in Norway and Ryan Chetiyawardana, who has been named UK Bartender of the Year twice, and who, in 2015, was named ‘International Bartender of the Year’.

Martin Riley, the new grand rectifier of The Gin Guild says: “I am extremely proud to have been selected as grand rectifier at this year’s installation. After spending a considerable time working on gin brands throughout my career, I look forward to making my contribution and helping to build on the momentum of The Gin Guild.

“These are great days for gin. The members of the Gin Guild are helping to create excitement for the category through their expertise, energy and enthusiasm, in the UK and throughout the world.”

The event is the seventh installation since The Gin Guild was established by the Worshipful Company of Distillers, bringing together gin distillers and industry leaders involved in the production, promotion, distribution and consumption of gin, in order to promote and encourage excellence in the category.

The Gin Guild’s next installation event will be held at the Savile Club, Mayfair, London on May 26, 2016.

2 November 2015 - Rebecca Sterritt Paragraph Publishing, content manager