From Rothes to Japan for International Whisky Ambassador
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MAJESTIC copper pot stills used to make the finest whisky across the world are crafted and engineered in Speyside.
And the boss of the family-owned Moray company which makes those stills for whisky producers and other spirits companies worldwide was named International Ambassador of the Year at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.
Richard E. Forsyth is managing director and the fourth generation of his family to lead the Speyside business.
Mr Forsyth received the honour at the opening dinner of the 22nd annual festival at Dallas Dhu Distillery on Wednesday night.
Founded by time-served coppersmith Alexander Forsyth in 1933 – Richard's great grandfather – after he bought the business where he had learned his trade, the family firm has evolved over the last 90 years.
From copper pot stills and condensers for the whisky industry and other spirits distillers, it also manufactures and supplies equipment for the paper industry, oil and gas and pharmaceutical industries.
It has also moved into different metals like titanium and super duplex.
The current MD was delighted and surprised with the award.
"I am very honoured obviously. It is an award you would probably associate with some of the whisky companies and ambassadors, but it is nice to be recognised for the work we do across the globe.
"When we first started selling stills overseas, you were going into the unknown but because the brand is recognised now that makes a big difference. We are a trade in Scotland, we are a brand outside it."
Mr Forsyth said that at the last count the company is now active in 33 countries worldwide, the majority associated with whisky, but they also have tequila and rum distillers among their clients.
On a lighter note, Mr Forsyth joked: "I came back 15 years ago into the family business and I started getting sent to the countries where my dad didn't like the food. If he didn't fancy sushi I would get sent to Japan.
"You just start building from there and you find once you are in a country and have got your product in then you start to get more and more phone calls and emails, with people wanting your product.
"It all comes back to quality and people come to buy their stills from Rothes because they are the best quality stills in the world and that is a testament to all our staff and workers with the high quality product they produce."
The Rothes-based family firm, which has several companies and trades, now employs around 450 people
