Lough Gill Distillery’s Helen Mulholland named as Vice Chair of Irish Whiskey Association

01 December 2022 - Lough Gill Distillery’s Helen Mulholland has been named as the new Vice Chairperson for the Irish Whiskey Association, the all-island representative body for the Irish whiskey industry.

Mulholland recently took up the Master Blender role at Lough Gill distillery in Sligo, which was bought by Paddy and Michael Collins owner Sazerac earlier this year. The US firm intends to grow its footprint in the Irish whiskey market from its Sligo distillery and create a visitor attraction on its 100-acre estate.

Before joining Lough Gill Distillery Helen worked at Bushmills for almost 30 years and during her time as Master Blender, she shaped a series of successful whiskeys in the distillery’s impressive luxury portfolio of single malts and premium blends through her careful selection of casks that produce different flavour profiles and aromas.

Helen Mulholland has had a ground-breaking career as one of the world’s leading Irish Whiskey master blenders. Helen was the first female Master Blender in Irish Whiskey history, the first woman to be inducted into the Whisky Magazine International Hall of Fame and the first woman to be awarded a Chairman's Award from The Irish Whiskey Association for outstanding contribution to the development of the Irish whiskey industry and category.

Commenting on the announcement Helen Mulholland added: “I am delighted to accept the role of Vice Chair at the Irish Whiskey Association. Throughout my time in the industry, global volumes of Irish whiskey have increased sevenfold and the number of distilleries on the island of Ireland has grown from three to more than thirty. My priority as Vice Chair at the IWA will be to protect the integrity of the Irish Whiskey category, as well as continuing its global promotion.

William Lavelle, Director of the Irish Whiskey Association congratulated Helen on her election. Lavelle stated: “I look forward to working with Helen as the Irish Whiskey Association continues to address the significant challenges facing our industry, particularly in the areas of supply chain, international trade and the impact of Brexit; while embracing the equally significant opportunities offered by increased global demand for Irish whiskey.”

Commenting on Mulholland’s announcement, George McLean Roberts of Hi-Spirits Ireland said ‘We are delighted to see Helen’s experience and vision for Irish whiskey acknowledged by this announcement. At Sazerac we are really looking forward to working closely with the IWA team and supporting Helen in delivering for the industry.”