English Whisky Guild appoints new Chair following GI approval

The English Whisky Guild (EWG) has appointed Tagore Ramoutar, co-founder of The Oxford Artisan Distillery (now called Fielden), as its new Chair, effective 1 October 2026. Eddie Large, Director at Witchmark Distillery, has been appointed Vice Chair.

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for English Whisky following the approval of the English Whisky Geographical Indication (GI) in September 2026. Developed by the Guild in consultation with its member distilleries and DEFRA over more than six years, the GI establishes a protected definition of English Whisky and provides a strong foundation for the category’s future growth.

Tagore becomes the Guild’s third Chair since the organisation was established in 2022 to represent, protect and promote English Whisky. During that time, the Guild has brought together producers from across England to build a stronger, more collaborative industry and secure recognition for English Whisky as a distinctive and growing category.

The Guild’s founding Chair, Andrew Nelstrop of The English Distillery, oversaw the organisation’s launch and establishment. His successor, Daniel Szor, founder of The Cotswolds Distillery, led the Guild through a period of significant growth, helping to raise the profile of English Whisky, strengthen engagement across the industry and oversee the successful approval of the English Whisky GI.

A founding member of the Guild and formerly Vice Chair, Tagore lead the development of the English Whisky GI, working alongside producers and government stakeholders to create a specification that reflects the diversity, quality and ambition of English Whisky producers.

As Chair, his priorities will be to:

Support producers through the transition to the English Whisky GI.

Strengthen the Guild’s community as a forum for collaboration, knowledge sharing and best practice.

Promote and grow English Whisky across domestic and international markets, including through whisky tourism.

Tagore Ramoutar, Chair, English Whisky Guild, said:

“It is a tremendous honour to take on the role of Chair at such an important moment for English Whisky. The approval of the English Whisky GI last month marked the culmination of years of collaboration across our sector and represents a defining milestone for the category.”

“English Whisky has never been stronger. We have an innovative and diverse community of producers, increasing recognition from consumers and trade audiences, and a protected identity that provides a strong foundation for future growth. My focus will be on supporting producers through the transition to the GI, strengthening the Guild’s role as a collaborative industry body and helping English Whisky continue to build its reputation and visibility at home and around the world.”

Daniel Szor, Past Chair, English Whisky Guild, said:

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair during a transformational period for English Whisky. The progress we have made reflects the dedication, expertise and commitment of producers across England, working together to strengthen the category’s reputation and recognition.” “Tagore has been instrumental in that journey and has long been a thoughtful and respected voice within the Guild. I am delighted to hand over to him and look forward to seeing the category continue to flourish under his leadership.”

Eddie Large, Vice Chair, English Whisky Guild, said:

“English Whisky has a compelling story to tell, rooted in the provenance of its grain, the places where it is made and the people who make it. Our producers bring fresh thinking to whisk(e)y-making, including innovations that use resources more efficiently and reduce environmental impact. There is a real opportunity to help consumers and trade buyers understand how that combination of provenance, quality and innovation gives English Whisky its distinctive character.

“As Vice Chair, I look forward to working with Tagore, our members and industry partners to give that story a stronger collective voice. I want the Guild to be a place where producers of all sizes share knowledge, learn from one another and work together to build lasting recognition for English Whisky.”

With the GI now in place, English Whisky is a protected and clearly defined category with its own specification, giving retailers, importers, distributors, bartenders and consumers greater confidence in what “English Whisky” on a label represents.

As the category continues to grow in scale, reputation and international recognition, the Guild’s focus remains on supporting its members, championing excellence and promoting English Whisky at home and abroad.