Memorial services and special expression for Charles Grant Gordon

William Grant & Sons has announced at international memorial services in New York and Scotland and a special expression, for Charles Grant Gordon, the man who gave the world Glenfiddich Scotch whisky.

Charles Grant Gordon, who was life president of William Grant & Sons, died in New York on December 21, aged 86, after a short illness.

The company says it will be releasing a commemorative expression in his honour. This rare and old whisky has been inspired by Charles’ passion, vision and achievements. Further details of this release will be announced later this year.

His contribution to the worldwide drinks trade is being marked at special memorial services held in New York on February 18 and his home town of Glasgow in Scotland on February 21.

Along with his brother Sandy, Charles, or Charlie as he was known, turned a small, family-run company into one of the world’s leading producers of Scotch whiskies including Glenfiddich and Grant’s.

In a tribute to the man, the company says he was known as a large personality to his family and friends, “Charles’ warmth and charm as well as his perceptiveness and long-term vision led William Grant & Sons to the international recognition it enjoys today.

“Charles’s 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 while 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,” says the tribute.

Grant’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 while at the same time innovating new brands such as Hendrick’s gin and Reyka vodka, it is easy to see why he was so highly regarded throughout the world.

The commemorative services will be a celebration of a long and fruitful life and of a man who contributed so much to the global spirits industry,” she said.

Charles was said to have played a pivotal role in the global development of Scotch whisky and Glenfiddich, the single malt that he was instrumental in launching.