Who are The Keepers of the Quaich?

We’ve commented in previous blogs about the inextricable linkage between quaichs and Scotch Whisky, through the generations.  Quaichshop recently took a trip to the lovely Blair Castle, in Perthshire, where we learned more about the – slightly mysterious to the outside eye – Society known as The Keepers of the Quaich, as well as enjoying the rest of the castle and its beautiful gardens!

In its own words, the Society “recognises outstanding achievement in those who work or evangelaise about Scotch Whisky by honouring them with the title Keeper of the Quaich.  A select few are invited each year to be distinguished with the role of Master of the Quaich, a rare and revered privilege.  Among the select membership of Keepers and Masters are thousands of years of shared experience and knowledge.”

The Society goes on to note: “Keepers of the Quaich come from all corners of the world to accept their medal at a ceremony and banquet held at Blair Castle, in Perthshire.  Only two banquets are held a year at the spiritual home of the Keepers.”  Blair Castle is the ancient and historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Atholl.

Currently, the Keepers of the Quaich boasts almost 3000 male and female members, who originate from more than 100 countries across the globe.  Individual Keepers must have worked for at least 5 years in the whisky industry – they are nominated to join the Society on the basis of the whisky industry’s recognition of their personal contribution.  The Keepers are joined by a much smaller cohort of Masters – individuals who have served a further 10 years as members of the Society.  International chapters of the Society have been set up in key Scotch Whisky markets throughout the world, to continue to help promote the values and prestige of Scotch Whisky internationally. These chapters currently exist in Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, the Netherlands, the Nordic countries, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

The Society’s stated aims are to:

• To preserve the unique cache and exclusivity of The Keepers, inducting only a limited number of new Keepers each year, and only in Scotland
• To ensure all members of the Keepers are well-informed on the Society and its activities so they are engaged on the mission to grow Scotch Whisky
• To support the international reach of The Keepers through active engagement with well-founded chapters of the Society in key markets for Scotch Whisky
• To maintain the continuing support of the Scotch Whisky industry in recognising the importance and value of the Society’s work in the promotion of Scotch Whisky

So, here we have yet more evidence of the close ties between Scotland’s ancient and beautiful loving cups, and the Scotch Whisky industry, through the ages to modern times, as part of the global economy. And, once again, we celebrate these ties by saying: Slàinte mhath!!