When David Raines, Master of the Worshipful Company of Distillers (2013-14), celebrated his 80th birthday in Cornwall recently, his family marked the occasion in the most fitting way imaginable: with 80 miniatures of different Cornish gins.

The gift was the inspired idea of his daughter Julia, who arranged all 80 bottles into the shape of the number 80 for the occasion: a photograph that speaks for itself.

Julia’s three daughters went a step further still, presenting their grandfather with 80 bottles of tonic to match.

David’s other daughter Rebecca marked the milestone with a beautifully customised bound Tasting Notes book, a fitting prompt to work through the collection in suitably considered fashion.

That Cornwall alone can furnish 80 distinct gins speaks volumes about the creativity, ambition and sheer number of distillers who have made their home in the South-West.

For David, it was a birthday surprise that combined personal celebration with a broader reflection on the gin category’s extraordinary growth, a category he has watched, and helped to shape, from its earliest days.

David has spent 30 years as a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers and was involved in the very conception of the Gin Guild, which was formally established in Autumn 2012.

He then served as Master of the Distillers from November 2013 to November 2014, in the Guild’s formative first years.

“Serendipity”

was how David described the moment, coming just a week after joining Gin Guild Director General Pal Gleed at a Distillers’ lunch in London.

The Gin Guild extends its warmest congratulations to David on reaching this magnificent milestone. Here’s to the next chapter, and perhaps a considered working through of the collection.

Slàinte, David. Well deserved.

The inscription in the Tasting Journal read:

The rugged coastlines and clear coastal waters of Cornwall inspire a plethora of local distilleries who capture the best of this beautiful county and bottle it for everyone to enjoy.

Deeply passionate about their products, the distilleries produce small batch, artisan spirits and world leading products including the ‘World’s Best Gin.

So here we are, celebrating a momentous 80 years of the person we are lucky enough to call our Dad.

Whilst consuming 80 different gins might be a challenge, we are sure you will be up for taking it on with maybe a little help from your friends.This journal will ensure that each can be savoured and remembered forever.

Just remember to tie your shoelaces up tight before you start!

For interest the Gins included: