Gordon & MacPhail named drinks wholesaler of the year

Benromach is Speyside’s smallest working distillery

Elgin based whisky, wine and spirit merchant, Gordon & MacPhail, has been named Drinks Wholesaler of the Year at the Drinks Retailing Awards 2012.

The awards, held at The Dorchester, London on 7 February 2012, brought together the leading lights of the drinks industry to recognise innovation and best practice across the sector.

Established in Elgin in 1895, the family owned and managed business of Gordon & MacPhail is one of the UK’s leading independent specialist wholesalers. Gordon & MacPhail stocks over 4,500 product lines, including of course, their famous malts.

They are the World’s Leading Malt Whisky Specialist and Gordon & MacPhail bottles more than 300 expressions of Single Malt Whisky under various ranges – selling them throughout the UK and exporting to more than 50 countries worldwide.

In 2009 the company won the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, following a 94% increase in exports over five years.

In March 2010 Gordon & MacPhail made history as it launched the world’s oldest single malt whisky – Gordon & MacPhail Generations Mortlach 70 Years Old – at an exclusive event at Edinburgh Castle.

This was followed up in March 2011 with the release of another ancient Single Malt – Gordon & MacPhail Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old.

Gordon & MacPhail also owns Benromach Distillery. Located on the outskirts of Forres, Benromach is Speyside’s smallest working distillery, employing just two experienced distillers.

Benromach Cask

Established in 1898 the distillery went through many changes of ownership and closures before being ‘rescued’ by Gordon & MacPhail, who purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

The award was presented to Gordon & MacPhail in acknowledgement of the company’s extensive portfolio of products, investment in staff training and commitment to delivering excellent customer service.

The judges were also impressed by the company’s investment in technology including a new voice activated picking system. (Could do with one of those at home!)

Receiving the award on behalf of Gordon & MacPhail, Joint Managing Director, David Urquhart said: “Since 1895, we have placed our customers and their requirements at the heart of our business.

We value our working relationships and are eager to listen to our customers, working with them to meet their objectives. Along with the ongoing support from our suppliers and customers, winning this award is testament to the commitment and skills of the Gordon & MacPhail team at and their drive to continually exceed customer expectations.”

The company employs 140 people from its base in Elgin, of which a sales team of 20 covers the length of the UK. Gordon & MacPhail operates wholly owned bonded and duty paid warehouses, along with it’s own transport network.

You can buy Gordon & MacPhail Malt Whiskies from:-