During her time as master blender, Helen Mulholland has overseen a number of new-product launches, including the Steamship Collection, the brand’s first global travel retail exclusive range, and the new Bushmills Distillery Exclusive. She talks to Donna Ahern about why she loves being a part of the rich history of Bushmills.
How would you describe your role?
As master blender for Bushmills Irish Whiskey, I get to create really beautiful whiskeys.
I am responsible for selecting the casks we use and everything that goes into creating the perfect blend. New-product development and innovation is a huge part of my role, and something that I am thoroughly passionate about.
As the world’s largest malt Irish whiskey brand [IWSR Global Database, 2017], we continue to see global demand for our single-malt expressions.
During my time as master blender, I have overseen a number of new-product launches, including the Steamship Collection, the brand’s first global travel retail exclusive range, and the new Bushmills Distillery Exclusive, a limited-edition single-malt whiskey aged in acacia wood, which is only available at the Old Bushmills Distillery.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
My first Saturday job was in a small, local shoe shop.
This was my introduction to the world of work and taught me the importance of working hard. I started my career in the drinks industry over 25 years ago, when I began working in a small lab at the Old Bushmills Distillery.
I worked as a lab technician and learned all about the raw materials – something that served me well as my career progressed.
I became master blender 16 years ago, and this September, I will celebrate 26 amazing years at the distillery!
What do you enjoy most about your current job?
I love being a part of the rich history of Bushmills. The Old Bushmills Distillery is the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, with over 400 years’ experience in crafting the perfect whiskey.
Since I started at the distillery, my passion has been to develop new whiskeys and experiment with different casks and flavours.
There’s nothing better than introducing a new Irish whiskey to the market, and demand continues to soar, especially for premium malts, so we continue to innovate and create new expressions for whiskey drinkers around the world.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
I see myself in exactly the same place, continuing to innovate and create new products at the Old Bushmills Distillery.
What is your advice to people starting out in the industry?
The drinks industry is a fabulous industry to be a part of. My main piece of advice would be to constantly keep learning. I have always found the industry to be incredibly friendly, so learning from others and those who are senior, by discussing new-product innovations and best practice, is a fantastic way to progress.
Which three people do you most admire, and why?
I really admire Reese Witherspoon for her determination in what must be a very tough industry, Richard Branson because he worked hard and started from the ground up, and JK Rowling because of her hard work and determination to succeed.
If you could bring back one product that is no longer available in Ireland, what would it be?
I really miss Cadbury Taz bars. I’d definitely bring them back. They were a favourite of mine!
What was your favourite grocery brand when you were growing up, and why?
When I was growing up, on the north coast, there were no big chains, so my favourite grocery stores would have been Stewarts and Crazy Prices. I really enjoyed the family atmosphere and friendly service at Stewarts, in particular.
Who would come to your ideal dinner party (living or dead)?
I really love comedy and music, so my ideal dinner party guest list would include Robin Williams and Gary Lightbody, from Snow Patrol. I’m a huge fan of Gary, and we’d have lots to chat about, as he is Northern Irish, like me!
What is the best piece of advice that you ever got?
The best advice that I’ve ever been given was to always be open to learning and trying new things. This advice helps me constantly in my career, and I like to think that I follow it pretty well!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to just relax, and for me, there is no better way to do that than by spending time with my family. I also love taking my 11-year-old daughter horse-riding.
How much time do you spend on social media in an average week?
None at all!
With which fictional character do you most identify?
Garfield. I’m fun-loving and enjoy good food!
Most likely to say …?
In the office, you’re most likely to hear me saying, “Anyone for a coffee?”
Least likely to say …?
No to a coffee, and I rarely say no to a whiskey, of course!
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
