Helen Mulholland, the Irish Whiskey Association's first woman Chairperson, talks to Robert McHugh about her ambitious plans for the sector.
The Irish Whiskey Association appointed master blender Helen Mulholland as its chair in December, the association’s first woman Chairperson since its establishment in 2014. She has the accolade of being the first woman master blender in Irish whiskey history, a title she achieved while working at Bushmills Distillery for nearly 30 years.
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 will serve as chairperson of the Irish Whiskey Association for a period of two years.
How does it feel to be appointed the Irish Whiskey Association's first woman Chairperson since its establishment?
I am delighted and honoured to take on the role of Chair of the Irish Whiskey Association and very proud to be the first woman to hold the position.
What do you hope to achieve in the role?
My priority as chair at the association will be to protect the integrity of the Irish whiskey category, as well as continuing its global promotion.
Please tell me a little bit about your own background – where you grew up and studied.
I grew up in beautiful Portstewart and studied Food Technology at Loughry College followed by a Master’s degree from the University of Reading.
My thesis being titled 'The Maturation of Whiskey in Wood'.
Where did you first acquire your love for whiskey?
Whiskey became a passion from the moment I commenced my student placement at Bushmills.
There is something magical about working with natural ingredients and processes, letting the liquid sleep for years in exquisite casks and finally when it is perfect create a unique whiskey.
I look out of my office window in the spectacular setting in Sligo and I realise that the passion ignited many decades ago remains as strong as ever.
Do you have a business motto?
My motto in business is that you must never stop learning new things. Business never stops evolving and neither should we.
What was your best ever professional decision?
I am hoping it will be the decision taken to accept the role as Chair of the IWA!
Do you think the typical demographic of the whiskey drinker has changed in recent years?
In recent years, we have been delighted to see the consumer base that enjoy Irish whiskey broaden all over the world and become far more diverse with a wider age profile.
What challenges does the sector face at present?
This sector, as with all industries, faces challenges - but with all challenges come opportunities. We must continue to engage positively with all our trading partners both in established and emerging markets.
What excites you most about the industry at the moment?
Irish whiskey continues to be a dynamic industry. When I started out there were only three distilleries on the Island of Ireland - now we are at almost 50. The influx of new talent and ideas make it a very exciting place to be.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
Our daughter has inherited my deep affection for horses and I now spend the majority of my free time spectating at equestrian events.
