OBITUARY – JOHN McCARTHY

JOHN McCARTHY, 55
JOHN MCARTHY, head distiller at English producer Adnams, died suddenly on October 12 at the age of 55. Adnams, based in Southwold in Suffolk, England, paid tribute to McCarthy, who was praised as an “integral part of our Adnams team”. McCarthy spent more than 20 years at Adnams. His tenure originally began as an electrical engineer for the company. As his interest in brewing and distilling grew, he went on to study and successfully pass his brewing exams. In 2009, he was selected to be the lead engineer in Adnams’ new distillery project. His efforts include developing more than 30 gin recipes in the lab ahead of the distillery’s official opening, and he became known for his innovative approach and unwavering commitment to quality, the distillery said. McCarthy continued to develop a range of spirits for Adnams, which have collected a number of international awards. He achieved his diploma in distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling and was a member of The Worshipful Company of Distillers, The Gin Guild and The English Whisky Guild.