Scottish actor James Cosmo, known for Games of Thrones and Braveheart was the keynote speaker at the 2024 banquet of the Keepers of the Quaich's US chapter.
Throughout the banquet, attendees — who included industry leaders, media, and Keepers and Masters of the Quaich, were offered more than thirty rare whiskies offered at cocktail hours.
Among the whiskies tasted Dewar’s Double Double 38 Years Old; Talisker 30 Years Old; Macallan Amber Medal from Harmony Collection; Laphroaig 33 Years Old; The Glenlivet 25 Years Old; Bruichladdich Black Art 11; Torabhaig Cnoc Na Moinel; and the Dalmore Select Edition 2008.
Also served was Storyman, the whisky crafted by Annandale Distillery in collaboration with Cosmo. Reflecting on the event, Cosmo said: "The Scotch whisky industry is a living, breathing thing. It's steeped in history but brimming with innovation, where tradition and craftsmanship meet the future. There’s a vibrancy and excitement here that’s impossible to ignore. Every dram tells a story, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this narrative and this event."
The event was a benefit for Scottish charity the Entrepreneurial Scotland Foundation, which provides internship opportunities for adult college students. The chapter also held a separate fundraiser for the Foundation earlier in 2024.
The Keepers of the Quaich US Chapter is co-chaired by two Masters of the Quaich: Edward Pilkington, Diageo North American chief marketing officer, and Frank Coleman, president of consultancy Frank Coleman Strategies.
Pilkington commented: "I'm excited to see the Scotch community in the US gather in New York this week to celebrate this amazing spirit and incredible industry. The US remains the largest market by value for Scotch in the world, and the passionate brand builders in the room tonight plan to keep it that way!"
Keepers of the Quaich is an international society which seeks to recognise and reward outstanding commitment to Scotch whisky. For more information about the US chapter, visit KOTQUSA.org.
