Whisky Focus - Memorial To Charles Grant Gordon 'Mr. Scotch Whisky'

As the 1960’s arrived, Charlie’s drive strengthened. The new bottling plant, in Paisley, near Glasgow, was opened in 1960, and Girvan distillery was built in 1963. Girvan was built in a record eight months with the first distillation taking place on Christmas day 1963 – 76 years to the day after the family’s first distillery, Glenfiddich, began distillation in 1887.

Girvan was a labour of love for Charlie, and to make it all happen he lived for long periods during 1963 in a caravan on the site. His bicycle was a regular sight at the distillery, as he pedalled all over and helped the project take shape. It is said that over 1,500 bottles of whisky were distributed to help incentivise the builders to meet their deadlines.

Charlie was also very focused on the international development of the brands. In 1963, a decision was taken to launch Glenfiddich “Straight” Malt internationally, despite all the industry sceptics who laughed at this move. This was the beginning of the single malt category as we know it today, where Glenfiddich continues to lead the way around the globe.

In 1964, Charlie also spearheaded the acquisition of Popper Morson Inc., an American import house that owned the Clan Macgregor brand which was the largest on the East Coast. This move was the first of its kind in the industry, with the company moving to control its own distribution and sale of its products in order to better develop its brands.

Charlie moved his family to Belgium in 1969, and began to focus himself more exclusively on the international development of the business, while his brother took over as Managing Director in Scotland. He also developed a significant mature whisky business working closely with his trusted friend and colleague, Maurice Gee.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the development of the company continued apace. Charlie travelled constantly, devoting much of his time to growing the business in North and South America.

He also remained intensely involved in packaging and new brand development. The Glenfiddich packaging led the industry in large part due to his meticulous attention to detail. The successful development of Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur was also one of his personal projects, which saw Charlie work closely with the team in the USA.

The 1990s began with the construction of the new bottling plant and customer service centre at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, to meet the exponential growth of the business. The Balvenie was relaunched with a range of carefully developed new products that took the brand out of obscurity, and made it the well-known and premium malt brand that it is today.

Further moves were made by the company to take control of distribution with wholly owned or joint venture subsidiaries being established for 75 per cent of the total business, including markets such as the UK, France, Holland, Belgium, Portugal and Sweden.

Later in the 1990s, Hendrick’s Gin was launched to become what is now the world’s leading super-premium gin, and Sailor Jerry Rum which is now a million case brand. And, in 1999, the company made a 30 per cent investment in Highland Distillers.

As the new century unfolded, Charlie became Chairman of the Company following the retirement of Dr. Chris Greig who had succeeded his brother, Sandy. In this role, Charlie was reinvigorated and pressed on with numerous initiatives. Most of these related to his core themes of quality, premiumisation, distribution, diversification, and innovation.

Amongst other initiatives, Ailsa Bay distillery was built in Girvan, and the Reyka Vodka distillery was built in Iceland. Gibson’s Canadian whisky was acquired, as was Milagro tequila, and later Tullamore DEW Irish Whiskey. New brands were launched, including Monkey Shoulder and Solerno, while further consolidation of the distribution channels took place.

In 2008, Charlie became Life President. This represented a slight, but only slight, change in behaviour as Charlie decided to focus his efforts more broadly while continuing to travel extensively.

Following the earlier death of his first wife, Charlie remarried Francesca Canales, and he sought to spend more time travelling with her and pursuing various key projects that they prioritised. These were very varied, but also included various philanthropic initiatives, and some research on the family history. Charlie and Francesca were known to all around the business, and were much sought after for their views.

At the same time, Charlie was finalising the launch of his final and most exciting boat, Cinderella IV, which happened a year later. This outstanding yacht incorporated a life-time’s experience of sailing from Charlie with the latest carbon fibre technology to give an elegant, comfortable, and fast yacht capable of sailing 300 nautical miles in a day. Charlie and Francesca were able to get immense enjoyment from the boat in recent years, with Charlie completing his last transatlantic sail only a year ago.

It was while, once more, on the move from Latin America to Europe for a board meeting that Charles was taken down by pneumonia in November while in New York City. In hospital, with Francesca by his side, while recovering he decided to proceed with a major refit of his beloved yacht in the hope and belief that he would be back on board next season. Unfortunately, fate was not on his side, and after a recurrence of his illness, Charles passed away in peace with his family by his side.

Charlie will be sorely missed by his family, including Francesca, his three sons, and his nine grandchildren.

Charles Grant Gordon Commemorative Bottling

Charles played a pivotal role in the global development of 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.


<<< Charles Grant Gordon Memorial Part 1

 

• UK Shops
   
• USA Shops
   
• European Shops
  

Whisky Focus