Hoisting a Dram in the Big Apple
The Keepers of the Quaich celebrates scotch whisky at the U.S. chapter’s annual New York dinner
November 13, 2026 –––––– Julia Higgins
Some of scotch whisky’s most singular names gathered on November 5th at New York City’s Metropolitan Club, convening for the annual Keepers of the Quaich U.S. chapter dinner. The Scotland-based, invitation-only society was founded in 1988 to honor and recognize the individuals who have made contributions to the scotch whisky industry; the U.S. chapter was formed in 2019 and has hosted annual dinners since then.
The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour, where expressions from some of Scotland’s most familiar names were poured. Among the single malts were elder statesmen like Laphroaig 38 year old, Glenmorangie Altrus 25 year old, Glenfiddich 26 year old Grand Couronne, Dewar’s Double Double 38 year old, Talisker 30 year old, and Glenlivet 25 year old. Also poured were Bruichladdich Yellow Submarine, Dalmore 14 and 17 year olds, Macallan 12 year old 110 Proof, and more (there were 20 pours in total). Accompanying the whisky, for those so inclined, were flutes of Perrier-Jouët champagne and pints of beer.
Once the cocktail hour concluded, attendees were ushered into an adjoining ballroom for the main event. As everyone took their seats, bagpipes filled the air, and a procession of players entered the room. Perhaps the most dramatic moment of the night came next: Actor and industry veteran Andrew Weir delivered a fiery recitation of poet Robert Burns’ “Address to a Haggis,” which culminated in the haggis (a Scottish specialty dish made from sheep offal) being carried around the room, accompanied by more bagpipes. Following this musical interlude, Keepers of the Quaich U.S. Chapter executive director Kathleen DiBenedetto (also the senior director of brand mastery at Suntory Global Spirits) gave a welcome address that concluded with a toast of Bowmore 18 year old.
Ed Pilkington, formerly of Diageo North America, was next to address the crowd, commemorating the late editor and publisher of Whisky Advocate Marvin R. Shanken, who passed away on October 29th. In his address, Pilkington noted that Shanken was one of the original Keepers—inducted shortly after the organization’s founding—and played an instrumental role in elevating scotch whisky in the U.S. A toast with Johnnie Walker Blue Label was made at the end of his speech.
The next toast came from Keepers chairman Aristotelis Baroutsis, who advocated for continued investment in scotch, both stateside and beyond. Glencairns of Highland Park 18 year old were raised at the end. Baroutsis also introduced the night’s marquee speaker: industry veteran Richard Paterson, who was celebrating 60 years in the scotch industry. Over the course of his speech, he delved into the roots of his career and the bumps in the road that scotch whisky has overcome through the years. Fittingly, Paterson’s time on stage closed with a dram of The Dalmore King Alexander III.
After Paterson, John Devine—head of the Scottish government office in the U.S.—took the stage and presented a charitable donation to Rory Hedderly, head of business development for Entrepreneurial Scotland Foundation. The charity supports Scottish entrepreneurs by helping them develop leadership skills and connections throughout the country. A pour of Ardbeg 15 year old Trudernish came alongside the presentation.
The night’s final toast (given alongside Aberfeldy 25 year old) came from chapter treasurer Mahesh Patel, whose closing remarks brought the evening's live band—Burns Distilled—into full view.
