Gordon & MacPhail, welcomed Chris Porter, Master of the Worshipful Company of Distillers (WCD) to Benromach Distillery this week.
For generations, the WCD, which holds a royal charter, has been at the heart of the industry, promoting spirits education, contributing to the development of the industry and supporting charities across the country, particularly those involving young people.
To celebrate 350 years of the company, the Master is visiting distilleries the length and breadth of the UK, to raise awareness of the work that it does and to experience the best companies in the business.
Benromach Single Malt Scotch Whisky is handcrafted using traditional methods by a small team of distillers using the finest Scottish barley and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills and it is an important stop on Chris Porter’s tour as he commemorates the significant role Gordon & MacPhail has within the industry.
The Master will also be collecting items for the Distillers One of One auction, an event which Gordon & MacPhail donates to. The last auction raised over £2.5 million which was distributed across a selection of charities to help young people across Scotland.
Gordon & MacPhail also welcomed Lianne Williams, Deputy Director from Enable Works – one of the charities supported by WCD which helps people with barriers to employment obtain and sustain high quality and rewarding careers.
Ewen Mackintosh, Managing Director. Gordon & MacPhail, said, “We were honoured to host the Worshipful Company of Distillers Master Chris Porter and Lianne Williams from Enable Scotland to Benromach. As well as learning first-hand the traditional handcrafted methods at Benromach, we were pleased to share insights into Gordon & MacPhail’s approach to diversity and inclusion, recruitment and training of young people, as well as our work to support local charities and contribute to our community.”
Chris Porter, Master of the Worshipful Company of Distillers, said, “We appreciate Gordon & MacPhail’s contribution, not just ‘in kind’ for the most generous donations and support to the One of One Auction, but also their consistent support to the work of the Scottish committee and annual dinner in September.
“It’s why I felt it so important to come here as Master. Not only to say a huge thank you to them, but to also recognise the impact their support, along with our many other generous donors is having on charities like Enable Scotland.
“I am so pleased that they are here today and can tell us, first-hand, of this impact. The three parties here today, Gordon and MacPhail, the Distillers Charity and Enable Scotland really shows what can be done when, together, our industry and our charitable aspirations deliver life-changing opportunities.”