Hendrick’s Master Distiller Lesley Gracie given Honourary Doctorate by University of Hull

The Gin Guild is delighted to congratulate Lesley Gracie, Hendrick’s Master Distiller and valued Guild member since 2015, on receiving an honorary degree from the University of Hull in recognition of her exceptional career, innovation, and contribution to the gin industry.

Lesley served as Grand Rectifier of the Gin Guild from 2021 to 2023, guiding the organisation with insight and dedication.

Born and raised in Hull, Lesley studied chemistry while working in pharmaceuticals, developing an early fascination with botanicals and flavours.

In 1999, she was approached by Charles Gordon to create a truly unique gin, resulting in Hendrick’s, which has since contributed significantly to the global ginnaissance.

Her innovative work at the Hendrick’s Gin Palace continues to combine creativity, scientific rigour, and meticulous craftsmanship.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lesley encouraged graduates to embrace curiosity and creativity, saying:

“If you try to conform to whatever the world tells you to be, you lose the opportunity to truly connect and show people who you really are.”

Lesley’s recognition reflects not only her pioneering work in gin but also her lasting impact on the industry and the Gin Guild community.

Watch video of Lesley’s ceremonial presentation

About Lesley Gracie

In 1999, while working at William Grant & Sons’ Girvan Distillery, Hendrick’s Master Distiller Lesley Gracie was approached by the great grandson of William Grant, Charles Gordon, to create an ‘ultra-premium’ gin entirely different from anything which had come before. Hendrick’s Gin was the result, helping to spark a ginnaisance across the globe.

Lesley has been personally responsible for every liquid innovation from Hendrick’s ever since. Hendrick’s Master Distiller Lesley Gracie has her head in the clouds when it comes to creativity dreaming up incredible flavour combinations and yet is extremely down to earth, despite her many industry accolades.

In the most recent of which Lesley was honoured by The Gin Cooperative as the winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Scottish Gin Award 2025.

Lesley has always had a creative streak and has been fascinated by flowers since she was a child. In another life she may have been a vet given her love for animals (she has two dogs, Lily and Daisy, as well as two tortoises, two rabbits, two hamsters, and countless fish).

Instead, Lesley focused on chemistry, not biology – and became somewhat of an expert in how different flavours combine and work together. Lesley sees flavours as shapes, in much the same way musicians often see music as colours.