Christopher Coates’ Post

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Director | Editor-at-Large of Whisky Magazine | Chair of Judges for the World Whiskies Awards & Icons of Whisky (2020-24) | Whisky, Cigars & Travel Content Specialist

Good News: I can now drive sheep across London Bridge! 🐏 This time last week, I donned my dinner jacket and headed to Guildhall in the heart of the City of London with my partner Leyla Manshouri and some of my family members (Michael Coates, Karyan Coates - Nieto) to receive the Freedom of the City of London. This historic privilege was an important step on my way to becoming a Liveryman of the The Worshipful Company of Distillers, a Livery Company (guild) dating back to 1638. You may be familiar with the Distillers from my previous coverage of its philanthropy and the incredible Distillers One of One® Auction. The medieval term ‘freeman’ meant someone who was not the property of a feudal lord but enjoyed privileges such as the right to earn money and own land. Town dwellers who were protected by the charter of their town or city were often free – hence the term ‘freedom’ of the City. (The good news is that this means I’m now officially not a peasant! 😂) From the Middle Ages to the Victorian era, the Freedom was the right to trade, enabling members of a Guild or Livery to carry out their trade or craft in the ‘Square Mile’ of the City of London. This included the right to bring goods to market (including livestock) across London Bridge without paying a toll. Today, this right is celebrated with an annual ‘sheep drive’ through central London, organised by The Worshipful Company of Woolmen. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know about receiving the City Freedom!

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Christopher Coates

Director | Editor-at-Large of Whisky Magazine | Chair of Judges for the World Whiskies Awards & Icons of Whisky (2020-24) | Whisky, Cigars & Travel Content Specialist

2w

Bonus photo: me and a 🐏

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Frank Mils

Swizzle stick salesman and Owner/Technical Consultant at NSPC

1w

Where's the sheep?

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Peter Moser

Founder, Photographer and Blogger

2w

Congratulations on this historic privilege! 🎉 Let's hope your sheep-herding skills across London Bridge are as smooth as your whisky-sampling technique at Glen Garioch—just with a bit less 'spillage,' perhaps? 🍷🐑 Always a pleasure to see tradition meet a touch of humor. Looking forward to your next adventure (and stories)! 😄

Shannon Cherry, APR MA

Strategic Fundraiser and Marketer Elevating Nonprofit Impact | Raised $50M+, Expanded Donor Reach by 68%, and Changed 6 Laws for a More Equitable World | Proven Results in Mar-Com, Thought Leadership and Development

2w

Christopher Coates, man, that's a huge deal! Freedom of the City? Sounds like you leveled up in life. What’s next on your agenda as a Liveryman?

Top man. Now you need some sheep!

Edward Bates

Wine & Spirits Consultant, helping brands grow and source product over numerous categories.

2w

Welcome to the gang.

Mark Brown

WSET Wine 1 & 2, Beer 2, Spirits 2 Distiction 100%. Edinburgh Whisky Academy Certificate's in Scotch Whisky, Irish Whiskey and Gin. Certified Bourbon Steward, duty manager who enjoys learning about spirits.

2w

Congratulations Christopher Coates 🎉🥳🎊👏🏻

Ken Grier

Founder of De-Still creative brand growth consultancy

2w

Welcome fellow liveryman

Lenka Whyles

Senior Specialist Tours and Tastings Manager at The Scotch Whisky Experience

2w

Congratulations 🥃

Blair Bowman

Whisky Consultant & Broker

2w

Congratulations Christopher Coates !

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