The Old Bushmills Distillery has appointed Alex Thomas as master blender, naming her as “one of the rising stars of Irish whiskey”.
Thomas, who joined the Bushmills team in 2004, succeeds Helen Mulholland, and will take responsibility for selection and management of the casks for Bushmills single malt as well as the rest of the portfolio of blends and aged whiskies along with heading up all new product development.
During her tenure at Bushmills so far, Thomas has already been instrumental in her development of The Sexton Single Malt, where she was appointed as master blender in 2017. Bushmills Irish whiskey, which is owned by Casa Cuervo, is, by Thomas’ own confession “a very special place” and the role is “a privilege”.
Thomas said: “I’m excited to explore my passion for developing new whiskeys and experimenting with different casks and flavours, while still maintaining the iconic Bushmills taste and quality. The craftsmanship and passion that goes into Bushmills is something that has truly captured my imagination. Whiskey fans know Bushmills Irish whiskey for the brand’s 400 years of quality and taste, so part of my job will be ensuring that we continue to meet that high standard. It is a really exciting time for Bushmills, and I look forward to seeing what the future brings both here at the distillery and in the industry as a whole. I am very honoured to be a part of the amazing history and heritage and I look forward to using the wisdom and experience I have inherited from those who have gone before me.”
Colum Egan, Bushmills master distiller, added: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Alex Thomas as master blender at The Old Bushmills Distillery. Over the years Alex has demonstrated exceptional skills in the art of blending and her passion and pursuit of excellence has truly made her one of the rising stars in Irish whiskey. I look forward to continuing to work with Alex in her new role and I am excited for the future of Bushmills Irish whiskey. Alex will do an amazing job as she possesses the knowledge, expertise, and dedication to make an amazing master blender.”
