Jim Irvine honoured at Òran Mór whisky awards

(l-r): Sandy Gourlay, general manager of Òran Mór; Jim Irvine and Sue Buchanan (formerly of Waverly TBS).

Congratulations to Jim Irvine from Gordon & MacPhail who has been declared Whisky Representative of the Year at the Òran Mór Whisky Awards, held in Glasgow.

Jim joined Gordon & MacPhail, the leading malt whisky specialists based in Elgin, just one year ago and has quickly cemented his place in the company, and among his customers. Jim works across the west of Scotland, from Campbeltown to Dumfries, with Glasgow, Islay, Ayrshire and Arran in between, promoting Gordon & MacPhail’s range of single malt Scotch whiskies, including their own distillery’s brand, Benromach.

Jim has 20 years’ experience in the drinks trade and was nominated by members of the trade, who range from hoteliers, restaurateurs, licensees and wholesalers.

East Kilbride resident Jim said: “I went to the awards hoping that Gordon & MacPhail would win an award, but I had no idea that I was nominated for one. I was absolutely gobsmacked and really chuffed to win Whisky Representative of the Year.

“I’ve been with Gordon & MacPhail for just over a year, which makes the award even more special. It’s a family company with a huge reach across Scotland and globally, too.”

Stephen Rankin, Director of UK Sales at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “Jim has been a passionate ambassador for Gordon & MacPhail since he joined our skilled team a year ago and it’s wonderful that his knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment have been recognised by the trade.”

Benromach 10 Years Old was ‘Highly Commended’in the Experts Choice category and Benromach Peat Smoke was ‘Highly Commended’ in the People’s Choice category at the same awards.

The Òran Mór Whisky Awards have been running since 2008 and attract entries and nominations from across Scotland.

Formerly Kelvinside Parish Church, Òran Mór, Gaelic for ‘great melody of life’ or ‘big song’, is a thriving arts & entertainment venue in the heart of Glasgow’s West End.

It has a dedicated Whisky Bar and is known as a live music venue throughout Scotland. Visit www.oran-mor.co.uk for more information.