In 2004 a group of 53 whisky connoisseurs from France met at the Bacchus restaurant Mdina to participate in an inaugural Gala Evening and Ceremony of the Whisky Connoisseurs of Malta – Friends of the Quaich. These were all members of the French ‘Brotherhood of Scotch Whisky Tasters’ which has been established for more than 40 years, The ‘Savoie Mont-Blanc’, based in Evian.

The formation of The Whisky Connoisseurs of Malta – Friends of the Quaich, was developed to bring together an alliance of like minded people who wish to share with others, friendship, gastronomy and enjoy the pleasures of first class whiskies. The Quaich, Scotland’s cup of friendship, has been used through the centuries to offer a welcoming drink at Clan Gatherings, and other family occasions, and to friends and visitors. “Quaich” is a Scots rendering of the Gaelic word “cuach”, meaning cup. The two-handed design of this drinking vessel incorporates trust, on the part of both giver and receiver.

In 2005, for the first time, Johnnie Walker sponsored the event. Martin Borg, marketing manager of M. Demajo Wines and Spirits was invested at this event as a Chevalier “Friend of the Quaich”

On Saturday 30 April at the Le Méridian St Julians, under the watchful eyes of a number of the members of the Maltese press, a total of three women and four men were inducted as Friends of the Quaich.

Johnnie Walker sponsored the event again this year and it is intended to continue to sponsor this event for the foreseeable future. As part of the event, Diageo’s Classic Malts range, also represented by M. Demajo (Wines & Spirits) Limited, were tasted and experienced enthusiastically, by the whisky connoisseurs.

The ‘Whisky Connoisseurs Scottish Piper Band of Malta’, a six piece piper band under the direction of Police Sgt. and Pipe Major Kevin Vella, accompanies all the ceremonies and plays throughout the evening to the delight of the patrons attending.

During the evening the gentlemen were given a Singleton Malt miniature, whilst the ladies present were treated to a complimentary lipstick from Revlon’s latest range.