Tom Nichol, Tanqueray Master Distiller, has been awarded with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Grand Rectifier of The Gin Guild, Christopher Hayman. Tom received the prestigious accolade at the Gin Industry’s Annual Dinner.

The award also recognises Tom’s retirement from his position as Master Distiller of Tanqueray after 42 years of service and dedication to the distilling and gin industries, with a career featuring experience in whisky, vodka and gin distillation.

Tom said: “Everything I have learnt throughout my years in distilling has helped me reach the ultimate pinnacle of becoming Master Distiller of Tanqueray. My role has been all the more rewarding because gin is the most complex spirit to distill – and Tanqueray is the most colourful, rich, and vibrant gin to create.

“Receiving this accolade is a great honour and I am thrilled to share the celebrations with my industry peers at the Gin Industry Annual Dinner and The Gin Guild’s Spring Installation.”

The Gin Guild Spring Installation, which aims to encourage excellence in gin distillation, was the sixth installation since the organisation was set up in 2012 by The Worshipful Company of Distillers. 25 members, all with close links to the gin industry, joined The Guild at the annual dinner.

Nicholas Cook, Director General of The Gin Guild said: “We were delighted to honour Tom Nichol with The Gin Guild’s Lifetime Achievement Award, it really does play testament to the contribution he has made to the gin category over the years.

“Tom’s passion, energy and drive will be missed by all of his Diageo colleagues. To have a Master Distiller who personifies the brand, as Tom does, is a real formula for success. He leaves Tanqueray back in growth