Spirited Awards® 2023: Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Desmond Payne MBE

The Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes the achievement of an individual, who over the course of their career, has made significant contributions and lasting impact in the hospitality industry. The recipient of the helen david lifetime achievement award is selected by a committee composed of luminaries from the drinks industry, and has representation from prior winners of both the Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award and Tales Visionary Award (previously named Pioneer Award).
The 2023 Spirited Awards® Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is Desmond Payne MBE! Having started his career in the wine cellars at Harrods, Desmond was introduced to spirits after joining Seager Evans in 1967 - an encounter which kickstarted a career in gin that has so far spanned seven decades. After spending 25 years in charge of production at Plymouth Gin, Desmond joined Beefeater in 1995, the start of 27 years with the brand, and was named Master Distiller in 2008. Since then, he has overseen the creation of new expressions such as: Beefeater 24, Burrough’s Reserve Editions 1 and 2, Beefeater Winter Edition, Beefeater Summer Edition, Beefeater London Market, Beefeater London Garden, Beefeater Monday’s Gin and Beefeater Botanics. Desmond’s legacy is truly unparalleled with a suite of awards and accolades to his name. Most impressively, and perhaps the most widely known, is his MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) bestowed upon him by the late Queen Elizabeth II - presented by Prince William, the now Prince of Wales. In 2022, a surprise honor was bestowed by The Body of Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London, who made Desmond the second Honorary Yeoman Warder in history due to the special relationship he has cultivated over the years. Other accolades include: being inducted in The Gin Guild Hall of Fame in 2020, scooping the International Wine & Spirits Compeition’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 and The Gin Guild’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
To view all of the 2023 Spirited Awards® Winners, click here: talesofthecocktail.org/indust...