S'porean joins exclusive whisky group

He has been involved in the whisky industry for the past 24 years - a feat that has not gone unnoticed by the Keepers of the Quaich, an exclusive, international community of people recognised for their commitment to Scotch whisky.

Last month, Mr Rajan Menon was inducted into the society at a ceremony at Blair Castle in Scotland, along with 45 other new members from 14 countries. There are currently 2,372 members from 86 countries.

Founded to represent the Scotch whisky industry worldwide, the Keepers of the Quaich promotes the goodwill of the industry and honours those who have made significant contributions to it.

The organisation also gives back to the community by donating to worthwhile causes benefiting Scotland and its people.

Membership is by invitation only and is granted only if the candidate has a minimum of five years' experience in the industry. This can either be through direct involvement, or by publishing or writing about the industry.

Mr Menon is a senior public relations manager and brand ambassador at Pernod Ricard Singapore, a leading brand in the wine and spirits sector.

He joined its commercial team in 1990 and has been involved in promoting the group's Scotch whisky in Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.

In the later part of his career, Mr Menon was also involved in expanding the group's Scotch whisky portfolio in hotels, clubs, restaurants and institutions in Singapore.

His focus now is on the promotion of renowned whiskies such as Chivas Regal, Ballantines and The Glenlivet.

At the ceremony, the new Keepers took an oath to uphold the society's values led by the grand master, The Right Honourable The Earl of Dalhousie.

Each Keeper was presented a badge, a certificate and a quaich, the symbol of the Keepers. The quaich is a small two-handled drinking bowl traditionally used for drinking Scotch whisky.

To end the festivities, the new Keepers were properly welcomed with a Scottish banquet, where all the members of the society toasted with their quaiches full of Scotch whisky, of course.

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