Belfast Whiskey Week, the Island’s largest whiskey festival, closed this year’s festival with the third annual Irish Whiskey Industry Awards at The Great Hall, Queen’s University Belfast on July 27.
The awards recognise those in the whiskey industry who are making their mark as well as making it a great place to work, support and prosper.
There were 27 categories, with shortlisting and winners decided by a public vote.
'Thriving industry'
“Many congratulations to everyone shortlisted and especially all our award winners – all nominated by the industry and voted on by the public," said Paul Kane, festival director.
"We feel it is important to recognise this thriving industry by celebrating those that are contributing to its success."
Whiskey Heritage
Belfast Whiskey Week 2024 featured 100 events, spanning nine days in partnership with a wide range of venues city wide and delivering sessions with over 40 brands and distilleries.
It was sponsored by ABL Group Insurance Brokers and Risk Advisors, part of Brown and Brown (Europe) Ltd.
The festival was created as a platform for Belfast to reclaim its whiskey heritage, celebrate its distilling history as well as look forward to the exciting innovations and growth within the region.
'Open Conversations'
“It has helped to open conversations with audiences new to whiskey or who have considered it not for them," said Paul Kane, festival director.
"We are already anticipating a much busier Whiskey Week in 2025 and look forward to working in collaboration with our festival sponsors and partners to make next year’s festival the best yet.”
Belfast Whiskey Week 2025
Belfast Whiskey Week will return in 2025 for 9 days between the 18th- 26th July.
Visit www.belfastwhiskeyweek.com or follow Belfast Whiskey Week on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for details.
3rd Irish Whiskey Industry Awards winners:
Retailer of the Year (physical): Celtic Whiskey Shop
Retailer of the Year (online): Irish Malts
Distributor of the Year: Anzac
Wholesaler of the Year: Celtic Whiskey Shop
Brand Ambassador of the Year: Dave Cummins (Dingle Distillery)
Ind. Ambassador of the Year: Fionnan O Connor (Creatur)
Sales Representative of the Year: Fiach Lynch (Dingle Distillery)
Sales Manager of the Year: Sarah Kennedy (McConnell’s Distillery)
Irish Whiskey Bar of the Year (NI): The Duke of York
Irish Whiskey Bar of the Year All Ireland: Dick Mack’s (Dingle)
Irish Whiskey Bar of the Year(Worldwide): The Dead Rabbit
Irish Whiskey Experience of the Year (NI): Killowen Distillery
Irish Whiskey Experience of the Year: Dingle Distillery
Bar Tender of the Year: Peter White (John Benny’s Dingle)
Bar Manager of the Year: Finn Macdonnell (Dick Mack’s)
Mixology Specialist of the Year: Emily Doherty (Merchant Hotel)
Distiller of the Year: Brendan Carty (Killowen Distillery)
Blender of the Year: Paddy Foley (Dingle Distillery)
Apprentice Blender/Distiller of the Year: Hugh Feenan (Killowen Distillery)
Warehouse Manager/Personnel: Daithi O’Connell (W.D. O’Connell)
Bonder/Independent Bottler: Two Stacks
PR Company of the Year: Kelly’s
Most Eye Catching
Irish Whiskey Advert of the Year: Chris Crooks (Dragon Claw Whiskey)
Most Eye Catching
Irish Whiskey Label of the Year: Mark Thompson (Echlinville The Beginning)
Most Inspiring Individual in
the Irish Whiskey Industry: Marian McCarthy (Dingle Distillery)
Outstanding Service to
Irish Whiskey: Billy Leighton (Irish Distillers)
Outstanding Support to
Belfast Whiskey Week: Belvoir Community Hub
The Robin Gibson Award In
Recognition of an Outstanding Contribution
to Irish Wine & Spirit Education
and/or Production in NI: Peter Morris Wilson
