Billy Leighton will proceed to assist Irish Distillers’ manufacturers as Grasp Blender Emeritus following an unimaginable 47-year profession at Irish Distillers
Dublin twenty third November 2023: Irish Distillers, producer of a few of the world’s most well-known and profitable Irish whiskeys, at present proclaims the appointment of Billy Leighton to Grasp Blender Emeritus as Dave McCabe steps into his predecessor’s position as the brand new Grasp Blender at Irish Distillers.
Billy will stay on the enterprise supporting Irish Distillers’ manufacturers as Grasp Blender Emeritus following an unimaginable 47-year profession at Irish Distillers. Billy initially began as a trainee accountant, within the then Irish Distillers owned Previous Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim. He then moved into manufacturing, working in quite a lot of roles throughout bottling, warehousing, maturation and mixing earlier than being appointed Grasp Blender at Midleton Distillery in 2004.
As blender, Dave McCabe has spent a number of years working carefully with Billy gaining expertise, data and an in depth understanding into the artwork of mixing. Dave joined the enterprise in 2010 and held a number of roles, together with Irish Whiskey Academy Tutor, Worldwide Whiskey Ambassador and Course of Technologist, earlier than being appointed Blender in 2018.
Nodjame Fouad, Chairman and CEO at Irish Distillers mentioned: “At Irish Distillers, we perceive how essential our persons are to our success and over the previous nearly 5 a long time working within the enterprise, Billy Leighton has performed an instrumental position within the success of all our manufacturers, and the renaissance of the Irish whiskey class globally. Billy’s position within the resurgence of Redbreast, the world’s most awarded single pot nonetheless Irish whiskey*, can’t be underestimated and at present we have a good time his profession whereas heralding in a brand new period with the appointment of Dave McCabe as Grasp Blender. We’re delighted that Billy will keep on as Grasp Blender Emeritus, supporting our manufacturers.”
“In the present day, we announce the official passing of the Grasp Blender torch from Billy to Dave McCabe. I wish to congratulate Dave on the appointment and sit up for his tenure as Grasp Blender,” added Nodjame Fouad.
Billy Leighton, Grasp Blender at Irish Distillers mentioned: “I’ve spent most of my working life at Irish Distillers, and I’m actually grateful for the alternatives my job and this enterprise has afforded me. Whereas I will likely be stepping down from the Grasp Blender position, I can’t be stepping away from the enterprise and I sit up for embracing my Grasp Blender Emeritus position, working with model groups on particular launches. I wish to take this time to want a much-respected colleague and buddy, Dave McCabe, the easiest as he takes the Grasp Blender baton and I sit up for persevering with to work with him. Dave and I’ve labored carefully collectively for years and actually get pleasure from our collaborations. I’ve seen first-hand his ardour, experience and data that can guarantee he’s a improbable Grasp Blender. Our whiskeys are in nice arms.”
Dave McCabe, Grasp Blender at Irish Distillers mentioned: “I really feel each excited and privileged to be appointed Grasp Blender in Irish Distillers, following within the footsteps of a real Grasp. I wish to thank Billy for all that he has contributed to my skilled growth, he has been an distinctive colleague, mentor, and buddy. I actually discovered from the very best. I’m extremely honoured to take up this position and I’m excited for the longer term guaranteeing the standard and repute of Irish Distillers’ portfolio.”
