"Mr Beefeater" recognised with Lifetime Achievement Award

By Mathew Lyons

Published: 20 October, 2015

Desmond Payne, master distiller at Beefeater, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at The Gin Guild's Annual Autumn Installation on Friday, October 16.

The award honoured Payne's outstanding work and success in the industry.

Payne was the creator of Pernod Ricard's Beefeater 24 super premium gin brand.

Beefeater 24 was launched in October 2008. Its botanicals include a rare blend of teas.

Payne is only the third industry figure to receive the award in the last three years.

Payne's career in the industry began at wine merchants and distillers, Seager Evans & Co in 1967. He soon moved to the Plymouth Gin Distillery, where he worked his way up to become head distiller.

He was appointed master distiller at Beefeater in 2005.

Receiving his award, Payne said: "I am incredibly honoured to receive this award and feel so fortunate that I have been able to be part of the great gin renaissance that we are experiencing today.

"Gin has conquered the hearts and palates of bartenders and drinks enthusiasts alike and I look forward to continuing to work with The Gin Guild to take the category even further."

He accepted the award from Allan Cheesman, the master of the Worshipful Company of Distillers, and Martin Riley, The Gin Guild's new grand rectifier.

Riley was appointed to the position at the same event. He will hold for two years.

Riley has been chief marketing officer at Pernod Ricard since 2009.

Riley said: "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 guild also welcomed 21 industry experts to its ranks, including distillers, producers and suppliers from the UK, the US, Canada, Spain, Mexico, Germany, Holland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Nicholas Cook, director general of The Gin Guild, said: "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."

"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 Gin Guild was established by the Worshipful Company of Distillers to 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.

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