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Proof Drinks mourns the loss of co-founder James McDermott

It is with profound sadness that Proof Drinks announces the death of its co-founder, James McDermott, at the age of 47.

James co-founded Proof Drinks in 2010 alongside Paul Ferguson, building an impressive portfolio of brands including Cazcabel, Lyre’s, Duppy Share, Finlandia, Ramsbury, Brockmans and the Heaven Hill and Gruppo Montenegro portfolios. 

With great entrepreneurial spirit, James played a pivotal role in establishing Proof Drinks as the UK’s largest independent spirits distributor – a team now exceeding 60 staff. The company expanded into the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region in 2019 with the launch of Proof Drinks Australia, under the leadership of Drew Doty.

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A legacy of innovation and leadership

In addition to his achievements with Proof Drinks, James was instrumental in co-founding Cazcabel Tequila with the Vasquez family and Paul Ferguson. Under his guidance, the brand grew to become the largest independent tequila brand in the UK. James also co-founded a number of other brands under the Vamos Drinks Co., including CUT Rum and Blend liqueurs.

Paul Ferguson, co-founder of Proof Drinks, expressed his sorrow: “We are all deeply saddened by James’ passing. He was a true friend to so many, both within Proof and across the industry. We built Proof together from the ground up, with our personal values driving the business forward; finding the people, brands and partners that believed in our vision and embodied how we felt about the industry we loved. It is heartbreaking to have lost James so suddenly. He will be so greatly missed by everyone.”

The teams at Proof Drinks UK, Proof Drinks Australia and Vamos extend their deepest condolences to James’ family during this difficult time.

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