Sliabh Liag’s James Doherty new IWA Chair

James Doherty, Managing Director of Sliabh Liag, has been elected as the new Chair of the Irish Whiskey Association, the all-island representative body promoting, protecting and representing Irish whiskey both in Ireland and globally.

James has been Vice Chair of the IWA since 2020 and succeeds John Quinn, Global Brand Ambassador with Tullamore DEW.

“The consistent growth of the last decade and the wealth of new entrants means we need to keep enhancing the collegiate nature of the industry, protect its integrity at an international level and find new ways to promote our sustainability agenda,” said James, speaking about his election, “Irish whiskey is an all-island economy that brings with it unique value that should be celebrated particularly in 2023.”

Helen Mulholland, Master Blender at Sazerac of Ireland/Lough Gill Distillery, was elected IWA Vice Chair.

She became the first woman to be inducted into the International Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame and leads Sligo’s Lough Gill Distillery team. Helen is also responsible for the selection and management of the casks for Athrú single malt whiskey, while nurturing Sazerac’s global portfolio of Irish whiskeys including Paddy and Michael Collins as well as new product development.

“Throughout my time in the industry, global volumes of Irish whiskey have increased sevenfold and the number of distilleries on the island of Ireland has grown from three to more than 30,” said Helen in taking up the reins, “My priority as Vice Chair at the IWA will be to protect the integrity of the Irish Whiskey category as well as continuing its global promotion.”

IWA Director William Lavelle added, “I look forward to working with James and Helen as the Irish Whiskey Association continues to address the significant challenges facing our industry, particularly in the areas of supply chain, international trade and the impact of Brexit while embracing the equally significant opportunities offered by increased global demand for Irish whiskey.”

William Lavelle also thanked the outgoing Chairman John Quinn for his outstanding contribution over the past two years stating, “John was instrumental in leading the development and implementation of the Irish Whiskey Association’s landmark new Sustainability Roadmap which was launched in May, as well providing exceptional leadership as our Association set-out a new five-year strategy.”