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Bushmills appoints new master blender
By Kate MalczewskiBecle-owned Irish whiskey brand Bushmills has named Alex Thomas as its master blender.
Thomas will take over the role from Helen Mulholland, who began working at The Old Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim, Ireland, nearly 30 years ago.
Thomas was born in Ballymoney, 15 minutes from the distillery. She joined the team in 2004, and was named master blender of The Sexton Single Malt in 2017.
Now she’s making the transition to the Bushmills brand, where she will be tasked with “developing new whiskeys and experimenting with different casks and flavours, while still maintaining the iconic Bushmills taste and quality”.
“The craftmanship and passion that goes into Bushmills is something that has truly captured my imagination,” said Thomas. “Whiskey fans know Bushmills Irish Whiskey for the brand’s 400 years of quality and taste, so part of my job will be ensuring that we continue to meet that high standard.
“It is a really exciting time for Bushmills, and I look forward to seeing what the future brings both here at The Distillery and in the industry as a whole. I am very honoured to be a part of the amazing history and heritage and I look forward to using the wisdom and experience I have inherited from those who have gone before me.”
Colum Egan, the brand’s master distiller, commented: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Alex Thomas as master blender at The Old Bushmills Distillery. Over the years Alex has demonstrated exceptional skills in the art of blending and her passion and pursuit of excellence has truly made her one of the rising stars in Irish whiskey.
“I look forward to continuing to with work with Alex in her new role and I am excited for the future of Bushmills Irish Whiskey. Alex will do an amazing job as she possesses the knowledge, expertise, and dedication to make an amazing master blender.”
In September, the brand unveiled the 2021 Causeway Collection, which included a 20-year-old Irish whiskey matured exclusively in first-fill ruby Port casks.