Charles Grant Gordon, Father of Glenfiddich Scotch Passes away

New Delhi: Charles Grant Gordon, the man who gave the world Glenfiddich Single Malt whisky, will be remembered affectionately at international memorial services in New York and Scotland. His contribution to the worldwide drinks trade was marked at special memorial services held in New York on Feb. 18 and will be followed by a similar ceremony in his hometown of Glasgow in Scotland today.   The memorial service celebrated the achievements of Charles Gordon, his commitment to innovation and the contribution he made to the global spirits industry.   Charles, who was Life President of William Grant & Sons, died in New York on December 21, 2013, aged 86, surrounded by his family after a short illness. The life of Charles Grant Gordon, was one of tireless dedication to placing this company at the forefront of the drinks trade both domestically and internationally.   Along with his brother Sandy, Charles – or Charlie has he was affectionally known - turned a small, family run company into one of the world’s leading producers of Scotch whiskies including Glenfiddich and Grant’s.   A large personality to his family, friends and to all those that he met in the course of his life, Charles’ warmth and charm as well as his unique perceptiveness and long-term vision led William Grant & Sons to the international recognition it enjoys today.   Charles’ passion and innovative nature led him to launch Glenfiddich internationally which marked the beginning of the single malt category as we know it today, he pushed the global development of William Grant & Sons’ brands, whilst spearheading the acquisition of an American import house, the first of its kind in the industry, moving control of distribution and sale into company hands.   The company’s chief executive, Stella David, said, “Charlie brought an incredible energy to his life’s work. When one looks at the way he always maintained the integrity of our Scotch whiskies whilst at the same time innovating new brands such as Hendricks Gin and Reyka Vodka, it is easy to see why he was so highly regarded throughout the world. The commemorative services in New York and Glasgow are a celebration of long and fruitful life and of a man who contributed so much to the global spirits industry.”   Charles played a pivotal role in the global development of the Scotch whisky and fittingly, Glenfiddich, the single malt that he was instrumental in launching to international acclaim, will be releasing an exquisite commemorative expression in his honour. This extremely rare and ancient whisky is inspired by Charles’ passion, vision and achievements. Further details of this incredible release will be announced later in 2014.