Titan of Scotch to be remembered with new award from whisky industry
Accomplished adviser Dr Jim Swan is to be recognised with annual honour for outstanding contribution
The organisers behind the Scotch Whisky Awards are set to pay tribute to one of industry’s most respected figures at their inaugural event next month.
Dr Jim Swan had a 40-year career as a research scientist and trusted adviser to whisky distilleries around the world prior to his sudden death in 2017, aged 75.
His tireless work to collaborate, encourage and steer whisky producers
to pursue excellence has been universally admired by the industry as they have mourned his loss over recent years.
Many of Scotland’s newest distillery projects owe a debt to Dr Swan and the Scottish Whisky Awards judging panel have now received the blessing of his family to create a new honour which will be called The Jim Swan Award for Services to Scotch Whisky and will be presented to an individual making an outstanding contribution to Scotch whisky.
This year, the award will be presented to Dr Swan posthumously and will be accepted by his daughters at the celebration to be held in Edinburgh at the start of next month. It will be presented along with a tribute film featuring many of Dr Swan’s distillery clients including Annandale, Clydeside, Lindores, Cotswolds and Penderyn.
The idea, proposed by Professor Alan Wolstenholme, the chair of the judging panel, has received the full approval of the judges and many from the industry who benefited from Dr Swan’s advice.
He said: “It is a real honour to be able to create this important award. It is an opportunity to keep the name and legacy of Dr Jim Swan front and centre in Scotch whisky and to celebrate his many achievements. He was a passionate educator, a collaborator and a tireless supporter of new distilleries. His selfless sharing of knowledge and expertise has benefited a huge range of distilleries in Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales and abroad.
“It is also an opportunity to share the character of Jim which made him special. He was warm, witty and humble; a complete gentleman who selflessly shared his expertise for the benefit of the whisky industry.”
The award will be presented in front of more than 400 leaders from the Scotch whisky industry at the sold -out event which takes place at Edinburgh’s Sheraton Grand Hotel.