Glenfiddich's Malt Master recognised with Scotch Whisky's highest honour

Drinks Trade Magazine's Ash Pini is visiting Scotland as a guest of William Grant & Sons on the occasion of Malt Master and Master Blender for Glenfiddich, Brian Kinsman being named a Master of the Quaich in front of 200 of the Whisky industry's finest. Mr Pini was also inducted as a Keeper of the Quaich.

Mr Kinsman is renowned throughout the whisky industry for his expertise following over 20 years of work. He is only the sixth Malt Master of Glenfiddich since it was established in 1887. Trained as a scientist, he became Malt Master at the distillery in 2009 and has worked at the distillery since 1997.

Having trained as a blender under David Stewart MBE, Mr Kinsman consistently maintains the quality of some of the world's best-loved whiskies at William Grant & Sons.

Masters of the Quaich come from all corners of the world to accept their medal at a ceremony and banquet held at Blair Castle, Perthshire. Only two banquets are held a year at. Last night's ceremony Patrick Castinier of Pernod Ricard, Jason Craig of Edrington, Gavin Hewitt CMG of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Ed Pilkington of Diageo, and Gavin Smith were also welcomed as Masters of the Quaich.

Six Masters and 44 Keepers were inducted on the evening, including Mr Pini (picture at far right below) who also publishes Explore WHISKY Magazine, launched in 2014.

Lorne Cousin of William Grant & Sons' The Balvenie was inducted as a Keeper of the Quiach. His work with The Balvenie culminated with a special release: The Balvenie French Oak, 16-Year-Old, finished in Pineau (fortified) Casks.

Guests at Monday evening's presentation included the Duke of Argyll, the Earl and Countess of Dalhousie, the Viscount and Viscountess of Thurso, the Duke and Duchess of Fife, the East and Countess of Moray, the Earl of Erroll, and Lord Bruce.

The Keepers of the Quaich is an exclusive and international society that recognises those that have shown outstanding commitment to the Scotch Whisky industry. Founded by the leading distillers, it is by its very nature the beating heart of the industry.

In establishing the Keepers of the Quaich, the industry pooled its influential resources to build an influential and aligned society. The organisation is represented in over 100 countries and has inducted 2,800 Keepers in its lifetime. 

The Society recognises outstanding achievement in those who work, write or evangelise about Scotch Whisky by honouring them with the title Keeper of the Quaich. A select few are invited each year to be distinguished with the role of Master of the Quaich, a rare and revered privilege. Among the select membership of Keepers and Masters are thousands of years of shared experience and knowledge.

Quaich (pronounced kweix) is a Scottish small shallow drinking cup with two handles. It is derived from the Gaelic word ‘coach’, a simple cup. Traditionally these vessels were made of wood and not until the seventeenth century did they stat to be manufactured in silver. The two handled quiche was used for whisky and is associated with trust, love and friendship.

The Grand Quaich of the Keepers of the Quaich, measuring 60 centimetres across and specifically commissioned for the society, is a magnificent example of contemporary silversmithing. Made from sterling silver and carrying the Edinburgh hallmark, the Quaich with its unique base of ten year old burr elm presides at the heart of the society ceremonies.

The Keepers of the Quaich take particular pride in the fact that the Lord Lyon, King of Arms, granted a heraldic achievement comprising a shield, crest and coat-of-arms.

The society motto, also bestowed by the Lord Lyon himself, is Uisgebeautha Gu Brath, which is Gaelic for ‘Water of Life Forever’.

The Keepers also have their own tartan, based on a design of the 1700s.