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British Ambassador, Scottish Government, and the Keepers of the Quaich, Host Rare Scotch Tasting to Raise Scholarship Funds

Daniel White May 17, 2024

–News Direct–

The British Ambassador Dame Karen Pierce, DCMG, the Scottish Government, and the Keepers of the Quaich USA (KOTQUSA.org), the US arm of the international Scotch heritage society, hosted a gala at the Ambassadors official residence to celebrate the King of Spirits and raise scholarship funds.

This exclusive gathering to sample rare whiskies and new expressions brought together a distinguished group of guests, including members of Congress; senior Administration officials; media; top industry executives; major trade association heads; other ambassadors; and members of Keepers of the Quaich USA society.

The evening benefited the Entrepreneurial Scotland Foundation (EntrepreneurialScotland.com), a charity dedicated to creating scholarship opportunities in the U.S. for Scottish students, many of whom are first-generation college students, and the foundation's support plays a vital role in their academic success.

The Ambassador welcomed the 2024 Gathering saying, Thank you for joining us in celebrating Scotch Whisky, while raising funds for ESF scholarships. These rarities and new expressions demonstrate the range and vibrancy of the category and its long heritage. From the Highlands to Speyside, from Orkney to Islay, the diversity of Scotlands whiskies is treasured around the globe.

Chris Thomson, Head of the Scottish Government in the USA, added, We are delighted to be able to support Keepers of the Quaich USA and the Entrepreneurial Scotland Foundation, bringing top students at Scottish universities to the US for internships. Scotland is rightly proud of our whisky, and also of our incredible higher education sector both contribute both to stronger communities and economies at home, and to our transatlantic relationship with the US. To be able to support both tonight, and sample these incredible whiskies, is a great pleasure.

KOTQUSA Co-chair and Diageo NA CMO Ed Pilkington pointed out, While Scotch whisky is exported to well over 100 countries around the globe, the United States is by far its most valuable market.

KOTQUSA Co-chair Frank Coleman added, American consumers continue to savor super premium blends and single malts, with over nine million cases sold last year, worth over $2.5 billion to distillers, and much more to distributors and retailers across the country.

The event featured eight individual company sampling tables as well as a full bar where cocktails were served with premium mixers provided by Fever Tree. In the fountain courtyard there was a cigar lounge sponsored by Cigar Aficionado magazine.

The guests also enjoyed pairing the whiskies with a lavish buffet of fresh Scottish seafood supplied by Seafood Scotland artfully prepared by embassy Chef Craig Harnden, as well as cheese provided by Lactalis and oatcakes provided by Nairns.

Keeping Scottish tradition alive, the evenings toast featured the Scottish Quaich, also known as the Cup of Friendship, the two-handled drinking vessel that dates back to the 16th century, from which the Society takes its name. Founded in 1988 and headquartered at Blair Castle in the Scottish Highlands, the Keepers of the Quaich honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of Scotch whisky. With around 3000 Keepers from more than 100 countries, the society fosters camaraderie and appreciation for this iconic spirit. The US Chapter has approximately 300 members, many from C-Suites of all three tiers of the industry.

Participating companies and brands served included:

DIAGEO: Lagavulin Offerman Rum Cask Edition; Lagavulin 16; Oban 14; Johnnie Walker King George V

DEWARS/BACARDI: Dewars Double-Double 21yr Mizunara Cask Finish; Dewars Double-Double 37yr Blended Malt; Dewars 18yr

BROWN FORMAN: The Glendronach 12; Glenglassaugh Sandend; The Glendronach Hand-Filled; Glenglassaugh 40yr; The Glendronach Grandeur

SUNTORY GLOBAL SPIRITS: Laphroaig Single Cask-Jack Rose Dining Saloon; Bowmore 15; Ardray Blend; Laphroaig Sherry Oaked

EDRINGTON: The Macallan Rare Cask; Highland Park 12; The Macallan 12yr Sherry Oak

PERNOD RICARD: The Glenlivet Fusion Cask; The Glenlivet 18yr; Royal Salute 21yr; Aberlour ABunadh

RMY COINTREAU: Bruichladdich Classic Laddie; Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2014; Bruichladdich Eighteen; Port Charlotte 10

WILLIAM GRANT & SONS: Glenfiddich 12 year Old Sherry Cask Finish; Glenfiddich 14yr Bourbon Barrel Reserve; Glenfiddich 21yr Gran Reserva; Balvenie 16yr French Oak