Proof Drinks has announced the passing of its co-founder, James McDermott.
The company said in a statement “It is with profound sadness that Proof Drinks announces the passing of its co-founder, James McDermott.
“James, 47, co-founded Proof Drinks in 2010 alongside Paul Ferguson, building a portfolio of world class brands such as Cazcabel, Lyre’s, Duppy Share, Finlandia, Ramsbury, Brockmans and the Heaven Hill & Gruppo Montenegro portfolios. His tenacity and entrepreneurship were instrumental in establishing Proof Drinks as the UK’s largest independent spirits distributor, with a team of more than 60 staff. In 2019, Proof expanded into the APAC region with the launch of Proof Drinks Australia under the leadership of Drew Doty.
“Alongside the Vasquez family and Paul, James co-founded Cazcabel Tequila and drove it to become the largest independent Tequila brand in the UK. James also co-founded a host of other brands, under the Vamos Drinks Company, such as CUT Rum, and Blend liqueurs.”
Paul Ferguson, co-founder of Proof Drinks, stated: “We are all deeply saddened by James’ passing. He was a true friend to so many, both within Proof and across the industry. We built Proof together from the ground-up, with our personal values driving the business forward; finding the people, brands and partners that believed in our vision and embodied how we felt about the industry we loved. It is heartbreaking to have lost James so suddenly, he will be so greatly missed by everyone.”