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Salvatore Calabrese has been made a Keeper of the Quaich.
Salvatore Calabrese was among 30 industry executives from countries throughout the world honoured by this ancient Perthshire organisation.
A clan shrouded in mystery, it is a non-profit organisation with membership by invitation only. Founded in 1988, its mission statement is simple: To advance the standing and prosperity of one of Britain’s premier export industries, and to make more widely known its uniqueness, traditions, quality, service and benefits to the community it serves at home and in the markets of the world. Keepers of the Quaich have served the industry well for a minimum of five years and Masters of the Quaich are leading figures in the industry who have been exceptionally supportive in the the years since being inducted as Keeper. Previously annointed Keepers include actor Sean Connery, Prince Charles and former USA President, Ronald Reagan.
The quaich is the classic small drinking bowl of Scotland, taking its name from the Gaelic cuach meaning ‘cup’. Although the name is Gaelic, this type of cup was known and used both in the Highlands and in the Lowlands of Scotland certainly since the seventeenth century and probably before. Its ancestor was the scallop shell in which drams of whisky were taken in the Highlands and Islands.
The ceremony took place on October 8, 2007, at Blair Castle, the ancient home and fortress of the Earls and Dukes of Atholl, which sits in a wild and romantic setting of forest-clad mountains and picturesque rivers.
“We were greeted by The Atholl Highlanders, who are the only legal private army in Britain, who mounted a guard of honour at Blair Castle for our arrival,” said Calabrese. “The ceremony and the banquet in the hall was a stupendous affair. Highland pipers piped the haggis in, there were stag heads on the panelled walls— it was an amazing evening. Then your name is called out and you have to swear on the Cup. There was lots of singing, too.”
Many of the recipients went all the way and dressed in formal kilt attire, but Salvatore retained his Italian style. Also, he was the only bartender in the group to receive the honour; the drinks group Bacardi put his name forward.
A direct descendant of Robert the Bruce, the first King of Scotland gave a speech, and Patrick Ricard was Grand Master. The menu was an all-Scottish food affair, with lots of whisky with every course. After the event, it was off to the Kinnaird Estate, located in a peaceful wooded valley on the banks of the Tay River, to sleep.
“It is a great honour, and I am very proud,” Calabrese said. His pewter cup now sits among the many cocktail memorabilia in his study at home, a reminder of the night.
