Luxury Whisky 2
Director of Prestige Appointed to Support Growth in Luxury Sales
Leading malt whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail has announced the appointment of Stephen Rankin as the company’s first Director of Prestige.
Stephen will nurture and build relationships for Gordon & MacPhail’s range of single malt whiskies in the global luxury consumer market, focusing on the unrivalled rare and aged expressions within the company’s portfolio.
In addition to conducting premium tastings, attending events and working with trade customers, Stephen Rankin, formerly UK Sales Director, will host high-net worth consumers to help build their knowledge and support their exploration of the range of Gordon & MacPhail whiskies available.
Ewen Mackintosh, Managing Director at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “The appointment of Stephen is the next step in the company’s strategic plan to build Gordon & MacPhail’s growing reputation in the luxury sector.
“Over the next five years, the focus will be on building the premium credentials of the single malt whiskies within the portfolio.
“Stephen is ideally placed to grow the reputation of the brand on a global scale. As a fourth-generation member of the Urquhart family who own the company, his expertise, passion and understanding of both the industry and the whiskies will inspire customers and individuals across the world. He will build on his existing trade relationships and support new partnerships as we continue to support the brand’s reputation as a world leading whisky maturation expert.”
Stephen Rankin said: “It is a privilege to take on this new role as it provides a wonderful opportunity to share the story of our whiskies with new customers and consumers around the world.
“As we increase our profile in the luxury sector, we will be building key partnerships with organisations that share our passion for provenance, expertise, craftmanship and authenticity. We’ve recently invested in beautiful new facilities above our historic shop in Elgin’s South Street. As the emotional home of the brand since 1895, it is the ideal location to host premium tastings for key customers and consumers.”
Last month, Stephen Rankin selected and unveiled Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail one of the world’s oldest and rarest single malt whiskies. In February 2018, visitors to Glasgow’s The Whisky Show: Old & Rare will have the opportunity to meet Stephen and sample a unique selection of limited edition vintages.
In March, Stephen will travel to the Young Presidents’ Organisation’s (YPO) global conference in Singapore to deliver an exclusive tasting of six carefully selected whiskies from consecutive decades, bringing together over 200 years of liquid history. In April, he will deliver a Masterclass at Nth 2018, a 4-day whisky extravaganza in the opulent surroundings of the Wynn, Las Vegas. Whisky aficionados travel from across the globe to taste, savour, discuss and learn more about rare whiskies from the world’s leading master distillers and maturation experts.
For more information, please contact Annie Diamond on annie.diamond@mucklemedia.co.uk or 0131 228 9713.
24th November 2017
THE MACALLAN AND OBLIX
UNVEIL FIRST BESPOKE MACALLAN WHISKY TROLLEY
Luxury single malt whisky, The Macallan today unveils its latest exciting collaboration, with Oblix at The Shard, to create the first ever bespoke Macallan Whisky Trolley serving The Macallan whiskies of all ages and styles.
Oblix, one of London’s most iconic restaurants located on the 32nd floor of The Shard and The Macallan, both industry pioneers, have worked together to offer their guests a new pairing experience designed to demonstrate the outstanding range of The Macallan whiskies, complemented with cheese.
The Macallan Whisky Trolley was designed and handcrafted in Glasgow from a Macallan sherry butt, specifically selected by The Master of Wood Stuart MacPherson from the bodegas in Spain. The Macallan’s meticulous approach to wood and cask selection has such a profound effect on the liquid, it was felt this was a perfect way to showcase one of the casks.
Commenting on how the collaboration came about, Aaron Masonde, Oblix bar manager said: “The Macallan and Oblix share a likeness in that we are both trying to push boundaries and change the way people perceive food and drink. In partnership with The Macallan we have worked together to offer guests a new experience to discover the complexities of The Macallan, perfectly complemented with cheese.”
The whisky trolley will serve a range of The Macallan whiskies of all ages and styles along with a selection of fine Scottish cheeses served on a wooden cheeseboard map, allowing customers to choose a unique whisky pairing. It will also offer a Maxxium Malts cheeseboard and pairing with whiskies such as Auchentoshan, Laphroaig and Highland Park.
Chris Anderson, Luxury Marketing Controller for Maxxium UK, said: “Oblix is a very exclusive London restaurant who we have been working with for a number of years. This partnership provides us with a great opportunity to offer their customers something unique when it comes to tasting The Macallan range.”
Issued by Big Partnership on behalf of Maxxium UK.
For further information regarding The Macallan, please contact:
Gabrielle Roscamp, gabrielle.roscamp@bigpartnership.co.uk, 0131 557 5252
For further information regarding Oblix, please contact:
Sam Carvey at The Communications Store: rokaoblix@tcs-uk.net, 020 7938 1010
