At The Mansion House, London, the official residence of the Lord Mayor, Four Pillars Co-Founder and Distiller Cameron Mackenzie and Head Distiller Sarah Prowse were ‘installed’ into The Gin Guild, the world’s oldest community of gin-makers and leaders, established in London in 1638.
Cameron joins as a Warden Rectifier and Sarah as Warden Nominated Rectifier.
The duo joins a select few Australians, including Caroline Ashford (@theginqueenau), Co-Founder of Bondi Gin and Gin Journey, Leon Dalloway and James Young from Old Young’s, among a global membership of around 450.
Cameron said: “Backing up after winning the Best International Gin Producer the night before was tough, but being inducted into the Guild was really special. I got to wear a formal kilt and hobnob with legends like Desmond Payne. If you have not experienced a City of London formal do, it’s an unforgettable experience.”
Pal Gleed, Director General The Gin Guild, said: “Cameron and the team at Four Pillars represent everything that the Gin Guild stands for and promotes: Excellence in Gin Distillation. I’m delighted he and Sarah came to London to join the Guild as our first corporate members from Australia, and look forward to seeing this number grow.
The Gin Guild was incorporated by the Worshipful Company of Distillers, one of London’s traditional Livery Companies, incorporated by Royal Charter in 1638.
The historical role of the Worshipful Company of Distillers was to hold key responsibilities for the control and regulation of early gin distillers. The Gin Guild has a historical link to the gin industry and its heart of London.
The Guild operates to protect, promote and invigorate the distillation of quality “London” Gin (“Gin”), in the UK and worldwide and brings together Gin distillers and industry leaders all involved in the production, promotion, distribution and consumption of Gin, in order to promote and encourage commitment to excellence in Gin distillation and industry custodianship of the spirit category.
The Gin Guild, as it is known today, was established in 2012. The first installation ceremony was held at The Mansion House, London in the presence of the Master of the Worshipful Company of Distillers.
