A French woman, married to a Scot, is the latest executive from a leading Moray malt whisky business to be inducted into an exclusive international society dedicated to celebrating the virtues of Scotch.
Juliette Buchan, regional export sales manager with Gordon & MacPhail, yesterday said she was “honoured” to have been made a Keeper of the Quaich.
The title recognises the outstanding contribution of individuals to the Scotch whisky industry, with holders forming an exclusive world-wide society.
New members are appointed at a ceremony held in the grand ballroom of Blair Castle, Perthshire, hosted by Keepers of the Quaich president, the Earl of Dalhousie.
Juliette, who has worked for the Elgin-based firm for nearly a decade, said: “I’ve attended the ceremony before and it was a wonderful occasion, with people coming from all over the world. But this was clearly particularly special for me, as it is such an honour to become a Keeper of the Quaich.
“French people have a great love of whisky – indeed France is the number one market for Scotch whisky by volume so it has always been a great privilege to introduce my countrymen and women, as well as many other Europeans, to our extensive range of whiskies.
“Whether they are tasting whisky for the first time or are seasoned whisky drinkers, it is a pleasure to explain more about Scotch malt whisky and its history and character.”
Juliette, who lives in Lossiemouth with her husband and two sons, works largely in Europe, developing business relationships, meeting customers and conducting tastings, whisky tutorials and master classes.
Ewen Mackintosh, chief operating officer at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “It’s an honour and responsibility to be made a Keeper of the Quaich. You become part of a community that seeks to increase awareness and appreciation of Scotch whisky across the globe.
“Juliette is a terrific ambassador for Scotch malt whisky and is truly deserving of this honour.”
Owned by the Urquhart family, Gordon & MacPhail is one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, exporting to more than 60 countries.
Earlier this year, twin brothers Richard and Stuart Urquhart, who both work in the business were made Keepers of the Quaich.
Their late father, David Urquhart, former joint managing director of the company, was made a Master of the Quaich, the society’s highest honour, in 2012.
