Alco-Bev Industry Bids Farewell to British High Commissioner at the 2nd Annual Dinner of Keepers of The Quaich - India Chapter

ISWAI Executive Chairman Amrit Kiran Singh presents them with a holy cow and gives a farewell speech

New Delhi, December 12, 2019 – Celebrating – some of the finest whiskies produced globally, the 2nd Annual Dinner of Keepers of The Quaich - India Chapter was successfully hosted at The Leela Palace in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The event was graced by industry thought leaders and members of the society – including the executive committee of Keepers of the Quaich India Chapter - namely Abanti Sankaranarayanan, Amrit Kiran Singh, Anand Kripalu, Guillaume Girard-Reydet, Peter Prentice, Thibault Cuny and James Pennefather along with industry patron, His Grace the Duke of Argyll from Scotland.

The exquisite three-course dinner spread prepared by The Leela was elegantly complemented with three different top-of-the-line whiskies introduced at the table, i.e. Glenfiddich Grand Cru, Royal Salute 21 and JW Blue Label. The gala evening marked the retirement of James Pennefather and Guillaume Girard-Reydet as the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Indian Chapter; along with passing of the baton to Thibault Cuny and Abanti Sankaranarayanan respectively.

The industry also bid farewell to Sir Dominic Asquith, British High Commissioner to India and Lady Asquith.

Mr. Amrit Kiran Singh, Executive Chairman of the International Spirits and Wines Association of India, said a few words to express his gratitude for Sir Dominic’s contribution towards the Indian alco-bev industry during his tenure.

At the occasion, Mr. Singh said that Sir Dominic was the most helpful and effective High Commissioner that he had worked with in India over the past 20 years. He recounted the significant help that Sir Dominic had provided to solve issues for the industry in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, MP, West Bengal to name a few. He also mentioned that the ever welcoming home of Sir Dominic and Lady Asquith had been the venue of several Keeper of the Quaich banquets and scotch whisky celebrations and thanked them for their generous hospitality. Talking about the second annual dinner of Keepers of the Quaich Indian Chapter, he further added, “It is an absolute honour to be here with such distinguished personalities from various walks of life, who have come together to celebrate the efforts made by each member of this exclusive society for contributing to the betterment of the scotch whiskey industry in their own unique way. I am humbled to be a part of a global institution of such prestige.”

The 2nd leg of the Indian Chapter of Keepers of the Quaich Annual Dinner successfully closed with a parting speech by Guillaume Girard-Reydet and a tasting note on Highland Park.

About Keepers of the Quaich

The Keepers of the Quaich is an exclusive and international society that recognises those that have shown outstanding commitment to the Scotch Whisky industry. Founded by the leading distillers, it is by its very nature, the beating heart of the industry. Over the years, 2,500+ people from more

than 100 countries have become its members. In December 2018, the Keepers of the Quaich launched their first India and eighth international chapter, in Udaipur.