Bushmills Distillery Master Blender Alex Thomas on Planet Whiskies

Alex Thomas, as Master Blender at Bushmills Irish Whiskey, is the current custodian of traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation over the distillery's 400-year history.

on Bushmills' generations of expert craftsmen, Alex Thomas now holds responsibility for nurturing Bushmills Irish Whiskey's range of premium blends and aged Irish single malts. As Master Blender, she is the caretaker of Bushmills' whiskeys from the selection and management of the casks, through to their evolution during maturation.

Born in Ballymoney, just 15 minutes from The Old Bushmills Distillery, it was always a dream for Alex to work with the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery that was on her doorstep. Alex joined the Bushmills team in 2004 and since then she has spent over 17 years honing her craft, particularly fascinated by the maturation phase of the whiskey making process.

This interest, and her initial experiences, led to experimentation and ultimately, her development of The Sexton Irish Single Malt which broke the rules of traditional single malt whiskey by creating an unexpected yet more approachable taste profile.

Succeeding Helen Mulholland in November 2021, Alex Thomas said: "It is a privilege to be appointed as Master Blender for Bushmills Irish Whiskey. The Old Bushmills Distillery is a very special place and I'm excited to explore my passion for developing new whiskeys and experimenting with different casks and flavours, while still maintain 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."

Now, as Master Blender for Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Alex takes inspiration from the North Coast of Ireland and is passionate about creating a premium portfolio of whiskeys – each one a Singular Tale in its own right – that everyone can enjoy. She uses the wisdom and experience she has inherited from those who have preceded her, while cutting her own path and helping lead the way to Irish whiskey's new era.

Alex is immensely proud of the worldwide appreciation of Bushmills triple-distilled Irish whiskey and, as one of the few women making a mark in the whiskey industry, looks forward to adding her piece to the legacy.