MEET THE WOMEN MAKING WAVES IN IRISH WHISKEY

Next time you visit your favourite bar, take a moment to look at what everyone is drinking. It might surprise you but you will, in fact, notice that the vast majority of tables will be holding a glass of whiskey. Whether mixed with sweet ginger ale or served over ice, whiskey has become the new drink du jour. What may have been considered a ‘masculine’ drink in the past, whiskey has become the tipple of choice for everyone from influencers to investment bankers. So much so that over two million cases were sold in Ireland alone last year.

But it’s not just on the bar scene that whiskey is experiencing somewhat of a renaissance, changes have also taken place behind the scenes. In what was largely classed as a male-dominated industry, some of the finest whiskey being produced today has women at the helm.

Just take Midleton Micro-Distillery as an example. While the main centre is busy producing all of the five major Irish whiskeys (Jameson, Red Breast, Powers, Spot and of course, Midleton), the micro-distillery focuses on trial innovations and training apprentice distillers. It is here that you’ll find the talented all-female team. Their recent creation, METHOD & MADNESS (a distillate-driven Irish whiskey, bursting with floral notes and a spicy character) proves the fearlessness and creativity women can bring to the industry. Here we sit down with two of the incredible women reshaping the face of Irish whiskey.

KATHERINE CONDON, DISTILLER

With an inquisitive nature, a constant pursuit of excellence and respect for tradition, Katherine Condon was born to be a distiller. Having worked for Irish Distillers for six years, she was appointed Distiller at Midleton Distillery in 2020, working under the guidance of Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman. She has since become a rising star in the world of distilling both at home and abroad.

ON CHOOSING HER CAREER…

“I studied Process and Chemical Engineering at university because I had always been fascinated by how products were made and the different processes. I particularly enjoyed essential oils and how blending them could make new, beautiful aromas. Whiskey distilling became a natural progression. The history, heritage, culture and people associated with the Midleton team, with a dedication to the craft and an exceptional work ethic made me fall in love with a career in distilling.”

ON WOMEN IN WHISKEY…

“Distilling has often been a male-dominated world but this has changed significantly over recent years – as has the consumer; we are seeing more women drinking and enjoying whiskey. I am lucky enough to work alongside lots of talented women in the distilling industry, including Jaime Jordan, General Manager at Midleton Distillery, our new CEO Nodjame Fouad, Deirdre O’Carroll, Blender and Eva O’Doherty to name just a few. With some incredible women at the forefront of the industry, it is becoming more accessible for women than it ever was previously. It is such a fulfilling career, so it’s great to see more and more women becoming distillers, blenders and more.”

ON WHAT AN AVERAGE DAY IS LIKE FOR A DISTILLER…

“It sounds cliché, but no two days are the same! Every morning, I start by checking the distillates to ensure the highest quality is maintained, but after that, my day can consist of a whole host of different things. From innovation meetings, bringing a new product to market and producing new distillate types to ensuring we are reaching production targets, managing the Irish Distillers engineering graduate programme and ensuring the distillery is running smoothly. It is so varied, and each day brings fresh challenges.

ON MUST-TRY WHISKEYS…

“Each whiskey and each brand offers something different which is what I love about our brands, they are extremely diverse. Midleton has delicacy and finesse with beautiful floral notes. The Spot range has a fantastic link to wines in its heritage with orchard fruit notes taking the lion's share, while Powers John’s Lane packs a real punch, with fantastic leather, tobacco and earthy aromas. There’s something for everyone and every occasion.

ON HOW TO ENJOY WHISKEY…

“It all depends on the ambience and environment I’m in. If I’m out with friends, I might opt for a whiskey sour or an old-fashioned. If I’m with my grandfather and in a calmer, more relaxed environment, I might choose to enjoy it neat, taking the time to really enjoy and savour all the flavours in the glass.”

ON A LITTLE KNOW FACT ABOUT WHISKEY…

“Whiskey is actually a beer but distilled into a spirit.”

EVA O’DOHERTY, DISTILLER

With a key for detail, a passion for innovation and a degree in Food Innovation, there was only ever one career for Eva O’Doherty: distilling. Having worked briefly with Irish Distillers as a student, Eva fell in love with the world of whiskey and was later appointed Distiller at the Micro-Distillery in 2021. Overseeing pot and gin distillation and managing fermentation, distillation and maturation, Eva is certainly one to watch.

ON CHOOSING HER CAREER…

“I always had an interest in the food and drinks industry but studying brewing and distilling in college is really when I fell in love with the art of distillation. Being a distiller allows you to express a creative flair as you are continuously creating new distillates or perfecting a certain recipe. The creative freedom and the endless innovation opportunities had – and still holds – a strong appeal for me.”

ON WOMEN IN WHISKEY…

“I would say that it has been male-dominated in the past, but having the likes of Karen Cotter, Katherine Condon and other female distillers to look up to in the workplace has been incredibly inspiring. In Midleton Distillery, we have a really strong female presence from the likes of our Archivist, Carol Quinn and Irish Distillers’ first female blender, Deirdre O’Carroll, and that’s just some of the women making waves in the industry. I think seeing female distillers such as Katherine here at Midleton, Lora Hemy from Roe & Co and Jennifer Nickerson from Tipperary Boutique Distillery have really turned the idea of whiskey being a male-dominated industry on its head. More and more women are getting involved which is fantastic to see. Women are great multitaskers which is definitely a strength in this role!”

ON WHAT AN AVERAGE DAY IS LIKE FOR A DISTILLER…

“I’d be lying if I told you I had a typical day at work! One of the things I love the most about my job is how no day is the same. One day you could be making whiskey or gin, the next you could be working with our cask procurement team or hiring food-grade road tankers. It really does vary.”

ON MUST-TRY WHISKEYS…

“Method and Madness Rye and Malt as it’s the first distillate to be produced and released from the Micro Distillery and of that I’m very proud.”

ON HOW TO ENJOY WHISKEY…

“I love my whiskey in a cocktail. A whiskey sour is a must for anyone who hasn’t tried one yet. Jameson Black Barrel is my go-to for making cocktails whenever I have friends over.”

ON A LITTLE KNOW FACT ABOUT WHISKEY…

“A lot of sensory analysis we carry out on whiskey is actually carried out by nosing which goes against what most people think of us as tasting samples all day long!”

Discover METHOD AND MADNESS produced by Midleton's Micro-Distillery in-store or online.

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After reading this article, we imagine whiskey will be high on your list of things to do this winter. Discover even more in 12 Experiences To Try This Winter.