I’m sure you all know by now that the news and website editor of The Drinks Business and newly appointed dep ed of The Spirits Business died from a brain haemorrhage, just 29 years old. It was a shock to say the least.

A few hours before we found out, a Gorkana media alert popped into my inbox, telling me he had been made deputy editor of The Spirits Business – a promotion I know he was anticipating and would’ve been great at. Of course there was a little rivalry between us – who had been invited to what and who got exclusive interviews with whom. But most of the time, Alan reminded us all how much fun there was to be found in everything. Whether it was relaying a story about leaving a suit on the train and chasing it down, complaining about the Tories or quoting ThunderCats, Alan provided a constant source of amusement. I remember him telling me about his endeavour to write a sequel to the Bible. I still don’t know if he was joking or not… I hope he wasn’t.

I also enjoyed attending tastings with Alan – especially whisky tastings. The sessions would always begin with a great deal of banter and mocking – from both sides. Then when we settled down to it, Alan knew his stuff and was very passionate about scotch. I remember one hilarious evening with Glenmorangie at the Gherkin. Brand ambassador Karen Fullerton was treating us to a tutored tasting and Alan suddenly asked if she would marry him. A joke of course.

It has been great to read all of the stories and dedications to Alan on his Facebook page, I’d love to know what he thinks of it all!

It’s going to be strange to attend events without Alan, he was definitely one of the pack.