Bushmills appoints new master blender

Irish whiskey maker Bushmills has announced the appointment of a new master blender.

Alex Thomas will take over the role at the Old Bushmills Distillery in Co Antrim, taking on responsibility for cask selection and management, and new product development.

Born close to the distillery, in Ballymoney, Alex joined the Bushmills team in 2004 and has spent the intervening years honing her craft, with a particular fascination for the maturation phase of the whisky-making process. She was integral in the development of The Sexton Single Malt, of which she was appointed master blender in 2017.

She succeeds Helen Mulholland, who began her career in Irish whiskey at the distillery almost 30 years ago.

Alex said she felt privileged by her new appointment. "The Old Bushmills Distillery is a very special place and I'm excited to explore my passion for developing new whiskeys and experimenting with different casks and flavours, while still maintaining the iconic Bushmills taste and quality," she said.

"The craftsmanship and passion that goes into Bushmills is something that has truly captured my imagination. 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's 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 experiences I have inherited from those who have gone before me."

Colum Egan, Bushmills master distiller, said: "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 work with Alex in her new role and I am excited for the future of Bushmills Irish Whiskey."

9 November 2021 - Bethany Whymark