Duo are recognised at Chairman’s Awards

Drinks Ireland|Irish Whiskey is the representative association for the Irish whiskey industry. The Association’s Chairman’s Awards take place biennially and were awarded this year by outgoing Chairman David Stapleton, founder of The Connacht Whiskey Company. The awards recognise the people, distilleries and industry partners that have made an outstanding contribution to the development of the Irish whiskey industry and category.

The Northern Ireland awardees of the Chairman’s Awards were: Billy Leighton, Master Blender, Irish Distillers: As Chief Blender to the largest producer of Irish whiskey, Portstewart resident Billy Leighton has been at the very heart of the Irish whiskey revival and renaissance. Billy has played a pivotal role in delivering great and complex Irish whiskeys, including one he is most synonymous with: Redbreast.

Helen Mulholland, Master Blender, Old Bushmills Distillery: Antrim native Helen Mulholland began her journey to the role of Master Blender crafting the Bushmills blends and the renowned 10, 16 and 21-year-old triple-distilled single malts. Helen has blazed a trail for women in the industry. She is the first woman to receive a Chairman’s Award and has inspired many women in the industry in distilling, scientific and technical roles.

Congratulating the awardees, David Stapleton, Chairman of Drinks Ireland|Irish Whiskey, said: “I am honoured to present the Chairman’s Awards to two such talented and tenacious people who have contributed significantly to the revival of the Irish whiskey industry. Billy and Helen represent the dynamism and ingenuity which is central to our industry.

David Stapleton added: “I would like to congratulate Billy and Helen and thank them for the sustained and positive contribution they have made to our industry. 2020 has been a tough year for everyone – including the Irish whiskey industry. However, the industry has proven itself to be resilient in the past – and will do so again. After decades of decline in the 20th Century, we have experienced a remarkable recovery. I am confident we will bounce back and see Irish whiskey distilleries across the country grow from strength to strength in 2021.”

For more information and for a full list of the Chairman’s Awards 2020 please visit: https://irishwhiskey360.com/

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