David Wyllie from BenRiach Whisky Distillery has recently been inducted as an official Keeper of the Quaich.
This prestigious title is awarded to those who have made a considerable contribution to Scotch whisky and the whisky industry and membership to the exclusive society is by invitation only.
The Keepers of the Quaich is a Society at the heart of the Scotch Whisky industry. It was founded by the main companies in the industry with the purpose of promoting the heritage and quality of Scotch Whisky on an international level through its members in 83 countries.
The Quaich, a traditional drinking vessel of Scotland, has been in use for centuries. At parties and clan gatherings, large Quaichs filled with whisky were passed around the company (like the Viking drinking ‘horn goblets’) from person to person.
The Quaich, taking its name from the Gaelic cuach meaning ‘cup’, is traditionally made of wood, it is a shallow circular drinking vessel for whisky, with a pair of small lug handles projecting horizontally from opposite sides of the rim. The lugs, though functional, are of a unique carved style giving the quaich much of its special character.