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Irish Whiskey Association names Helen Mulholland chair
The Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) has appointed former Bushmills master blender Helen Mulholland as its chairperson – the first woman to hold the role since its establishment in 2014.
Mulholland, master blender with Sazerac Ireland, will lead the representative body for the all-island Irish whiskey industry for a two-year stint.
She has served as the association’s vice-chair since 2022 and succeeds former chair James Doherty, managing director of Sliabh Liag Distillers.
In her first statement as chair of the IWA, Mulholland said: “Being invited to chair the Irish Whiskey Association is a huge honour, and I am excited to represent the industry. Throughout my time in the industry, global volumes of Irish whiskey produced have increased sevenfold. The number of distilleries on the island of Ireland has grown from three to nearly 50 today.
“My priority as chair of the association will be to protect the integrity of the Irish whiskey category, as well as continue its global promotion. Irish whiskey is a prime example of our all-island economy that brings a unique value that should be celebrated, particularly in 2025.”
Mulholland’s industry accolades include being named the first woman to become a master blender in Irish whiskey history, a title she achieved while working at Bushmills Distillery for nearly 30 years.
In 2020, she was the first woman to receive the Drinks Ireland-Irish Whiskey Association Chairman’s Award for her outstanding contribution to the development of the Irish whiskey industry and category.
Now leading Sazerac’s Sligo distillery team, Mulholland oversees the global portfolio of Irish whiskeys, including Paddy and Michael Collins, while spearheading innovation in new product development.
She is also a member of The Last Drop Distillers Assembly, an international forum of industry experts and knowledge leaders.
Eoin Ó Catháin, director of the IWA, said: “Helen Mulholland is one of the world’s most accomplished whiskey master blenders, with a career defined by ground-breaking achievements and exceptional craftsmanship. We are delighted to appoint her as our new chairperson. Throughout Helen’s decade-spanning and ground-breaking career, the Irish whiskey industry has flourished and seen major evolution.
“We are delighted to see our premium product’s consumer base broaden in recent years, with those choosing to enjoy Irish whiskey now far more diverse, with a wider age profile, and found worldwide. The Irish Whiskey Association celebrates and embraces this inclusion as a key driver of business success and growth within the Irish whiskey industry.”
The IWA is the representative voice within Drinks Ireland, working to promote, protect and represent the Irish whiskey category globally. The association represents 95% of the industry and 97% of exporters.
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