Beefeater's Master Distillery Desmond Payne celebrates golden jubilee anniversary

A true icon of the drinks world, Desmond Payne began his career in 1967, the year Rolling Stone hit magazine stands for the first time, The Beatles released Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Muhammad Ali was stripped of his heavyweight belts. Five decades later, he remains a revered figure in the drinks world.

Through his innovative creations of the super-premium Beefeater 24 and the ultra-premium Beefeater Burrough's Reserve, Desmond provided his personal contributions to the Beefeater legacy, and cemented his status as a true icon of not only London and gin, but the entire drinks industry. His desire to share his expansive knowledge and preserve Beefeater's high standards has proved invaluable throughout his service. This week he has reached a landmark of 50 years working in the gin industry and as he says himself, he's 'not going anywhere yet'.

It feels surreal, but it's here and I'm going to enjoy every bit of the celebrations. You have to enjoy what you are doing in life, and if you do, then the time just flies by.

' Desmond Payne, Master Distiller of Beefeater Gin

During an exclusive event at The Ivy Tower Bridge in London, we raised a toast to Desmond to celebrate all his hard work, expertise and commitment over the last 50 years by screening our tribute film dedicated to a truly inspiring man. Local and international media, bartenders and industry figures were among the guests, who enjoyed specially crafted tribute cocktails in honour of Desmond.

To Desmond Payne. Congratulations!