Autumn Banquet 2026
Banquet Overview
The Keepers of the Quaich welcomed guests to the 72nd Keepers of the Quaich Autumn 2026 Banquet, held at Blair Castle on 5th October 2026.
There were 47 Keepers inducted as Life Members, bringing the total number of inducted Keepers to over 3,000.
In addition, six Masters were inducted, bringing the total number of Masters of the Quaich to over 290.
Masters of the Quaich:
- Antares Cheng - King Power Group Hong Kong
- Mathieu Deslandes - Pernod Ricard
- Kirsten Grant Meikle - William Grant & Sons Ltd
- Tim Hutchinson - DGB (Pty) Ltd
- Ewan Morgan – Diageo
- Kenny Wang - Whyte & Mackay Ltd
New Keepers came from the following 20 different countries: India, Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, Bermuda, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Sweden, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, UK and the USA. With the addition of these new members, Keepers of the Quaich are now represented in over 100 countries worldwide.
Mollie Hughes was the Guest of Honour, Speaker and Honorary Keeper.
The Earl of Hopetoun is the 24th Grand Master.
The top table was hosted by the Chair, Aristotelis Baroutsis. Also in attendance were The Earl and Countess of Hopetoun, His Grace the Duke of Argyll, The Right Honourable The Earl of Erroll, The Right Honourable The Earl and Countess of Moray, The Lord Bruce, Sarah Troughton, Bertie Troughton, Mollie Hughes and Tegan Williams.
We were delighted to welcome back the Erdradour Pitlochry and Blair Atholl Youth Band, and the house band ‘Spirit of the Quaich’ led by Chris Grey, a previous recipient of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland scholarship.
The Atholl Highlanders beat the retreat at the end of the evening.
Photography:
Please note that Portrait and Welcome photography will be available by the morning of Wednesday, 7th Oct. All other photography will be available by close of business on Friday, 9th Oct, to allow the photography and management team time to edit and approve pictures before publication.
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All Attendees
Guests not attending the Ceremony of Induction are hereby invited to join us as follows
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New Masters and Keepers with Accompanying Guest
Guests attending the Ceremony of Induction.
Due to space constraints only New Masters and Keepers with agreed guest are hereby invited as follows
THE GUEST OF HONOUR, SPEAKER AND HONORARY KEEPER
MOLLIE HUGHES
In May 2017, Mollie successfully summited Mount Everest from the North Side, standing on the highest point on Earth for the second time. Having previously reached the summit via the South Side in 2012, she became the youngest woman in the world and the first English woman to successfully climb Everest from both the north and south routes. Accomplishing this extraordinary feat at just 26 years old secured her place in mountaineering history.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Mollie embarked on her most ambitious expedition in 2019: a solo ski journey from the coast of Antarctica to the Geographic South Pole. Battling storm-force winds, whiteout conditions, and temperatures as low as minus 45°C, she skied alone for 58.5 days and more than 650 hours. On 10 January 2020, she reached the South Pole, becoming the youngest woman in the world to ski solo from the Antarctic coastline to the Pole and earning her second world record.
Mollie's love of exploration began at the age of 17 during a school expedition to Mount Kenya. Since then, she has climbed extensively across the Nepalese and Indian Himalayas, the volcanoes of Ecuador, North and East Africa, the European Alps, and the mountains of the UK.
Macallan 12 Double Cask Collection
The Macallan 12 Double Cask Collection opens with inviting aromas of rich fudge, lifted by candied orange and lemon, intertwined with soft vanilla and sweet oak. On the palate, milk chocolate raisins and creamy toffee take centre stage, balanced beautifully by bright notes of orange peel and a gentle, warming spice that reinforces the whisky’s signature soft-spice character. The finish is medium in length, carrying lingering sweet oak and a final whisper of citrus, leaving an impression that is indulgent, rounded and unmistakably Macallan 12 Double Cask.
The Dalmore 17 Years Old
Rich, radiant mahogany gold in colour. The nose gives a harvest from heaven, as luscious fleshy fruits of Seville oranges, caramelised pear and ripe apricots flaunt themselves in an enticing manner. The Dalmore 17 Years Old is seasoned in three different sherry cask styles from Gonzalez Byass - 30 Years Old Matusalem Oloroso, Amoroso and in particular the 30 Years Old Apostoles Palo Cortado, which provides warm flavours of tangy orange marmalade, crème brulee, soft liquorice, peach syrup and a hint of balsamic. Revere, respect and revel in this spirit’s natural brilliance.
Chivas Regal 16yo Charles Leclerc Limited Edition
Taking both F1 racing legend Charles Leclerc’s relentless pursuit of mastery and his iconic number as starting points, Chivas Regal 16 brings together 16 whiskies, all aged for at least 16 years, into a bold expression of true mastery.
The first 16-year-old blend by Chivas Regal, this limited edition pushes boundaries to create something one of a kind.
With Chivas’ signature Longmorn Malt at its heart and guided by Leclerc’s personal tastes, this is a rich, velvety and spiced whisky, the blend expressing what it means to continuously master one’s craft.
Clynelish 14 Years Old
This classic single malt offers an inviting nose of orange zest, green apple, soft florals, and distinctive candle wax aromas, which deepen with a touch of water to reveal dried flowers and subtle brown sugar sweetness. The palate is defined by a rich, creamy texture, balanced by honeyed toffee notes and a gentle maritime character that brings a hint of coastal salinity. Light to medium in body, it delivers both elegance and depth, culminating in a long, dry finish with a delicate saltiness and an attractive touch of bitterness that adds complexity and charm.
Keepers of the Quaich, Glenmorangie Bottling
Displaying the warm glow of a beautiful Scottish sunset, this whisky opens with a fresh, elegant nose bursting with fruity complexity. Aromas of orange blossom honey and creamy vanilla combine to create a beautifully perfumed character. The palate is soft, creamy and mellow, revealing layers of crisp apple and ripe pear alongside notes of honeycomb, juicy mandarin orange and rich butter candy. These sweet, fruit-forward flavours are balanced and refined, leading into a lingering, gentle finish. Subtle oak influence emerges gradually, accompanied by delicate hints of toasted almond and coconut, leaving a smooth, satisfying and memorable impression.
Banquet
Photography
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Address
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EH54 8AF
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Tel: +44 (0) 131 445 4054
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