Noel Sweeney, master distiller, Powerscourt Distillery.

Ballaghaderreen native recognised at Irish whiskey awards

BALLAGHADERREEN native Noel Sweeney was recognised by Drinks Ireland | Irish Whiskey at their Chairman’s Awards for his outstanding contribution to the Irish whiskey industry.

Drinks Ireland | Irish Whiskey is the representative association for the Irish whiskey industry.

The association’s Chairman’s Awards take place biennially and were awarded this year by outgoing chairman David Stapleton, founder of The Connacht Whiskey Company in Ballina. The awards recognise the people, distilleries and industry partners that have made an outstanding contribution to the development of the Irish whiskey industry and category.

Noel Sweeney is master distiller at Powerscourt Distillery in Wicklow. The Ballaghaderreen man started his career as quality control manager at Cooley Distillery in 1989. He rose through the ranks to become master distiller and blender of both Cooley and Kilbeggan Distilleries.

He played a leading role in the establishment of Drinks Ireland | Irish Whiskey.

In 2017 Noel was inducted to the World Whiskey Hall of Fame, and in the same year he joined Powerscourt Distillery, leading the development of what has become one of the most impressive new distilling operations in the industry.

Said chairman Mr. Stapleton: “I am honoured to present Noel with a Chairman’s Award. Noel represents the dynamism and ingenuity which is central to our industry. Throughout his prestigious career, he has contributed significantly to the revival of the Irish whiskey industry.”

Commenting on a tough year for the Irish whiskey industry, he added: “2020 has been a tough year for everyone – including the Irish whiskey industry. However, the industry has proven itself to be resilient in the past – and will do so again.

“After decades of decline in the 20th century, we have experienced a remarkable recovery. I am confident we will bounce back and see Irish whiskey distilleries across the country grow from strength to strength in 2021.”

Said Noel Sweeney: “Since I started in the industry, Irish whiskey has been turned on its head. As a master distiller I am proud to be part of an innovative wave that moved Irish whiskey beyond just triple distilled, non-peated expressions.

“We have since seen a rapid and exciting increase in new releases of interesting, high quality Irish whiskey, with much more to follow. Our industry is one of great resilience, ingenuity confidence, and creativity, and I look forward to a bright future for Irish whiskey.”