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Irish Distillers names Henry Donnelly as distiller
Pernod Ricard’s Irish Distillers unit has hired Henry Donnelly as the new distiller for its microdistillery in Midleton.
Henry Donnelly takes over from Karen Cotter as the microdistillery’s new distiller
Donnelly will be based at the microdistillery, located adjacent to the existing Midleton site in Cork, where Jameson Irish whiskey is made. He will take over from Karen Cotter, who has moved into a new position at the main distillery.
As part of his role, Donnelly will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the microdistillery and will work closely with master distiller Brian Nation to produce new Irish whiskeys for the existing Irish Distillers portfolio.
He will also provide training to colleagues on the production process and help to enhance the visitor experience for the Jameson Experience in Midleton.
After graduating from University College Cork in 2016 with a degree in Process and Chemical Engineering, Donnelly joined the Jameson Graduate Distiller programme. Following successful completion of the programme, he was appointed as process technologist in the Midleton Distillery.
Donnelly said: “I started my journey with Irish Distillers in 2016 when I was accepted on the graduate distiller programme and was lucky to learn from the masters about the intricacies of the entire whiskey production process – from grain to glass.
“As the new distiller of the microdistillery, I am looking forward to working closely with Brian and using my training and experience to produce a range of exciting and innovative new whiskeys.”
Nation added: “We opened the microdistillery in 2015 and since then it has allowed us to explore experimental and innovative new mash bills and distillates, all of which are currently maturing.
“We are also looking to the past and experimenting with recipes and production techniques used by the great distillers that have come before us from the Jameson and Powers families and the Murphy family of the Cork Distilleries Company.
“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Henry to the role, we have no doubt that he will play his part in adding exciting new chapters to the incredible story of Irish whiskey.”