The Irish Whiskey Association has appointed master blender Helen Mulholland as its chair, the association’s first woman chairperson since its establishment in 2014. Mulholland will serve as chairperson of the Irish Whiskey Association for a period of two years.
“Helen Mulholland is one of the world’s most accomplished whiskey master blenders, with a career defined by groundbreaking achievements and exceptional craftsmanship," said Eoin Ó Catháin, director of the Irish Whiskey Association. "We are delighted to appoint her as our new chairperson."
Mulholland 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. In this role, she helped shape the luxury portfolio of single malts and premium blends through her selection of casks, setting a new benchmark for quality in Irish whiskey.
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.
"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," said Mulholland. "Irish whiskey is a prime example of our all-island economy that brings with it a unique value that should be celebrated, particularly in 2025.”
Ms Mulholland is also the first woman to have been inducted into the Whisky Magazine International Hall of Fame, and in 2020 she was the first woman recipient of a Drinks Ireland-Irish Whiskey Association Chairman’s Award for her outstanding contribution to the development of the Irish whiskey industry and category.
She is also a member of The Last Drop Distillers Assembly, an international forum of industry experts and knowledge leaders.
"Over the course of Helen’s decade-spanning and ground-breaking career, the Irish whiskey industry has flourished and seen major evolution," said Ó Catháin.
"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 all over the world."
