New recruits including drinks writer and Sipsmith’s master distiller Jared Brown, bartender Nathan O’Neill from London’s Milk & Honey and mixologist Nick Strangeway, were made members during the spring installation ceremony at the Savile Club in Mayfair, London.
They were installed by the guild’s grand rectifier, Christopher Hayman, after they swore an oath reflecting the traditions of the trade guilds of the City of London. They join a group of the gin industry’s elite including, producers, brand owners, bartenders and industry leaders involved in the production, promotion and distribution of gin.
The event was the fourth installation since the guild was established by the Worshipful Company of Distillers, with membership numbers now exceeding 80.
Hayman, chairman of Hayman Distillers, said: “The Spring Installation was great success – we believe it might have been the biggest gathering of gin experts in one room to date. We were particularly delighted to welcome new French and Italian members who are helping to make the Gin Guild truly international.”
The guild says membership is open to a range of gin experts and the guild welcomes support and participation from new members. There are various classes of membership – from founder wardens who were appointed by each of the four founding companies – to warden rectifiers who include distillers, producers and brand owners, and rectifiers who have roles in the wider gin industry, including leading bartenders, journalists, marketing experts and educators.
