Latest news with #HelenMulholland
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Sligo based Hawk's Rock Distillery announces first release since recent re-brand
The Sazerac Company, one of the world's largest distilled spirits companies, is celebrating the release of its inaugural Irish whiskey from Hawk's Rock Distillery: Garavogue 20 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey. Crafted by Master Blender Helen Mulholland, the first female Master Blender in Irish Whiskey history, this new-to-world whiskey brand embodies Sazerac's dedication to world class distillation, aging and blending. Named after the Garavogue River that flows through Sligo town, Garavogue Whiskey is a bridge between past and present, honouring the rich traditions of Irish whiskey while embracing innovation and discovery. Every small-batch release under the Garavogue name will be limited and experimental in nature, exploring different ages, maturation techniques and possibly even different types of Irish whiskey. For its inaugural and limited release expression, Garavogue 20-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey offers a rare take on traditional Irish Whiskey with both unexpected and familiar flavours due to its unique maturation involving multiple types of casks. Double-distilled and initially aged for a minimum of 14 years in ex-bourbon American oak casks, the whiskey was then transferred into a variety of unique finishing casks including French Muscat, French Sauternes, Spanish Pedro Ximénez Sherry and Barbadian Rum casks for further maturation. The result is a 94-proof whiskey with aromas of vanilla, warm peach, and spun sugar from the Sauternes cask influence, while floral and raisin notes from the Muscat and Sherry casks emerge on the nose. On the palate, vanilla and citrus sweetness complement buttery ripe apples, while fresh fruit flavours from the rum cask create a prominent sweet finish. 'The current trend is for whiskey to have a rich sherry finish, but Garavogue is purposefully different,' says Master Blender Helen Mulholland. 'We believe that complexity and subtlety can work hand in hand. ADVERTISEMENT 'It is unusual for a whiskey to be blended with this number and variety of casks, but just as the river ebbs and flows, the flavours create a wonderful blend as they weave together in this 20-year-old single malt.' Release #1 is housed in a distinctive reversed crescent shape bottle with a blue label reflecting the Garavogue River's influence including subtle wave patterns that mirror the motion of water. The label also features imagery and coordinates for the Hazelwood House Windmill – an enduring landmark on the grounds of Hawk's Rock – in tribute to the historical figures who lived and worked along the Garavogue's banks. 'We hope that Garavogue Whiskey invites Irish Whiskey fans to linger, explore and uncover the hidden stories of Sligo,' remarks Jess Scheerhorn, Vice President at Sazerac. 'The Garavogue River shaped this beautiful landscape for millenniums, and Garavogue Irish Whiskey aims to shape new experiences, connections and traditions – one sip at a time.' Garavogue Whiskey will be available at a suggested retail price of €199 (700ML) in limited quantities through Sazerac's distributor networks across the United States, Ireland, United Kingdom and Duty-Free. A limited supply will also be available for purchase directly via Legacy de Forge, a new Sazerac branded global platform powered by Blockbar for purchasing some of the world's most coveted bottles. Please visit for more information. Garavogue Whiskey is the first release from Sazerac's recently rebranded Hawk's Rock Distillery, which is named after a prominent outcrop in the Ox Mountains known for inspiring Nobel Prize winning poet William Butler (W.B.) Yeats, who called Sligo his 'spiritual home.' In April 2025, Hawk's Rock owner, Sazerac Company, announced the renaming of Hawk's Rock Distillery from Lough Gill Distillery, referring to the name change as a reflection of the company vision for the future – blending curiosity, innovation and respect for Sligo's heritage. For more information, please visit
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Buffalo Trace's Parent Company Debuts Garavogue, A Game-Changing Irish Whiskey
Garavogue In Sligo, Ireland, a short stretch of river called the Garavogue flows from Lough Gill to the sea. It's not long or dramatic, but it's central—threading past the town's stone bridges and through its history. The river gave the town its rhythm. Now it gives its name to something new: a whiskey that feels both rooted and restless. Garavogue 20-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey is the first release from Hawk's Rock Distillery, the newly renamed site formerly known as Lough Gill. It's also the first Irish whiskey launched under the ownership of the Sazerac Company, which acquired the distillery in 2021 and quietly let time, wood, and weather do their work. And while there's plenty of buzz around the rebrand and rollout, the most interesting thing about this whiskey isn't what's on the label. It's what's in the glass—and how it came to be there. Helen Mullholland When Helen Mulholland joined the Hawk's Rock team, she was already a legend in the world of Irish whiskey. The first woman to ever hold the title of Master Blender in the industry, she's spent over three decades defining what Irish single malt can be. But Garavogue? This was something else entirely. 'Never in my lifetime have I created a whiskey like this,' she said during a recent media tasting. 'As a blender, you're taught to be restrained, to find balance. This—this was about letting go a little.' She began with what she calls the 'canvas'—a whiskey that had spent 14 years aging in ex-bourbon barrels. 'That bourbon gives it honey, vanilla, a beautiful face to start playing with,' she said. From there, she started layering. Not just one or two finishing casks, as is common in high-end Irish whiskey, but five—each one pulling the liquid in a different direction, without letting it fall apart. And somehow, it didn't. Hawk's Rock Distillery The final whiskey is built from an ensemble of barrels that don't usually share the same stage. After its time in bourbon casks, the whiskey was portioned into: These casks weren't used sequentially—they were finished separately, then blended. Each component remained visible in the final pour, like instruments in a well-mixed track. 'We don't want to mask anything,' Mulholland said. 'You should be able to pick them out. And when you come back to the glass, it should give you something new.' Garavogue By the time Mulholland stopped tinkering, Garavogue had passed through more cask types than most brands would touch in a decade. 'It wasn't the plan,' she admitted. 'We kept adding. We kept layering. And the more we did, the more it worked.' It wasn't about flash or novelty. It was about balance—a word she used repeatedly during the tasting, but not as a euphemism for safe or predictable. In this context, it meant building a whiskey that could hold tension. Something sweet but not cloying. Complex but not chaotic. A whiskey that could evolve in the glass, or even just in the mood of the person drinking it. 'It's balanced,' she said. 'But it's layered. It changes. It's emotional.' Garavogue The final product is bottled at 47% ABV, unfiltered and without artificial coloring. It's strong enough to stand up to a splash of water—'which I encourage, if you like,' said Mulholland—but soft enough to sip neat. 'If someone poured Coke in it, they might get a look of concern,' she joked. 'But ultimately, it's your bottle.' The design of that bottle nods back to the river that inspired it. Its reversed crescent shape and wave-textured glass recall flowing water, while the label includes the coordinates for Hazelwood House Windmill, a local landmark visible from the distillery grounds. It's a small touch, but one that ties the liquid inside to the place it came from. Garavogue River Garavogue is being billed as Batch No. 1, which, according to Sazerac VP Jess Scheerhorn, is more than marketing language. It's a signal. 'This isn't a one-off,' he said. 'We're making a statement not just about what we can do, but where we're going.' Future Garavogue releases might not be 20 years old. They might not even be single malts. What they will be, according to Mulholland, is 'curious.' That seems to be the thread running through this entire project: a willingness to follow the whiskey wherever it wants to go. 'It's balanced. But it's layered. It changes in the glass. It's playful, it's serious, it's emotional,' said Mulholland. 'I just wanted to create something that would make people come back to the glass again and again.' For now, Garavogue 20-Year-Old will roll out in limited quantities starting in June 2025, priced at $199 (700ml). It will be available through select retailers in the U.S., Ireland, the U.K., and Duty-Free, as well as on Legacy de Forge, Sazerac's new digital platform for rare and collectible spirits. And once it's gone, it's gone.
Belfast Telegraph
30-04-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
US drinks giant launches revamped Irish distillery – with Co Antrim woman as master blender
Sazerac, which owns Fireball whisky and several award-winning distilleries around the globe, has transformed the former Loch Gill distillery into Hawk's Rock Distillery. The US giant is behind the Buffalo Trace distillery in Kentucky and Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac in Cognac, France, as well as Paul John Distillery in Goa, India. President and CEO Jake Wenz spoke of his pride at the new vision taking shape in Sligo. He said: 'The renaming of Hawk's Rock Distillery marks a new, yet familiar, frontier for us. 'Sazerac is known for its balanced approach to honouring tradition while embracing change in constant pursuit of crafting the world's best spirits at our distilleries in America, India, Canada and France. 'Our mission holds true for Ireland, and we are excited to reveal how we are blending time-honoured traditions with bold innovation to advance the art of Irish whiskey-making.' Hawk's Rock will continue to produce and age Irish whiskey under the watchful eye of master blender Helen Mulholland, formerly of Bushmills, on the 100-acre site in Sligo which includes the historic landmark of Hazelwood House. The company says the name change reflects Sazerac Company's 'vision for the future of Irish whiskey' including 'the art and science of blending, innovation and respect for Sligo's rich heritage'. The distillery is named after a prominent outcrop in the Ox Mountains which inspired Nobel Prize-winning poet William Butler Yeats' play, At the Hawk's Well. Sazerac says Hawk's Rock Distillery aims to become a 'global hub for Irish whiskey, while offering a gateway to explore the rich traditions of Sligo and the surrounding region.' Helen Mulholland, who was the first female master blender in Irish whiskey history, is leading the team. She also serves as chair of the Irish Whiskey Association and is a Whiskey Hall of Fame inductee. Helen and her team are behind the creation and blending of Hawk's Rock's innovative new-to-world Irish whiskey brands, the first of which will debut in June. Mr Wenz added: 'This rebrand is just the beginning for Hawk's Rock Distillery. 'Throughout the changes, our vision remains the same – creating a track record for the aging and blending of award-winning whiskeys – and this name change brings us one step closer to bringing that vision to life.' Sazerac Company acquired Lough Gill Distillery in 2022, and said it was drawn to 'by its historical significance and the cultural richness of Ireland'. Since acquisition the team has upgraded and tripled its warehouse capacity, expanded production and has significantly modernised the distillery. While currently closed to the public during renovations, Sazerac has received planning permission to develop a future visitor experience on-site in Sligo, part of which will include Hazelwood House. The company has hired a Grade 1 conservation architect from Howley Hayes Cooney Studio in Dublin to oversee its restoration. The phased delivery of this plan is currently in the works with Sazerac saying they 'look forward to welcoming visitors in the future'.
Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Name change marks a new dawn for Sligo distillery, while plans to develop visitor experience progress
Leading global spirits company Sazerac, which owns and operates award-winning distilleries and homeplaces worldwide including Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky; Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac in Cognac, France; and Paul John Distillery in Goa, India, announced the renaming to Hawk's Rock earlier this week. Hawk's Rock will continue to produce and age Irish Whiskey under the watchful eye of Master Blender Helen Mulholland on the over 100-acre site located at Hazelwood, which includes the nationally listed historic landmark Hazelwood House. The distillery is currently closed to the public during renovations, but it has been confirmed that Sazerac has received planning permission to develop 'a future visitor experience' at the site. The name change reflects Sazerac Company's vision for the future of Irish Whiskey – the art and science of blending, innovation and respect for Sligo's rich heritage. Named after a prominent outcrop in the Ox Mountains that inspired Nobel Prize winning poet WB Yeats' play 'At the Hawk's Well', Hawk's Rock Distillery aims to become a global hub for Irish Whiskey, while offering a gateway to explore the rich traditions of Sligo and the surrounding region. 'The renaming of Hawk's Rock Distillery marks a new, yet familiar, frontier for us,' says Sazerac President and CEO Jake Wenz. 'Sazerac is known for its balanced approach to honouring tradition while embracing change in constant pursuit of crafting the world's best spirits at our distilleries in America, India, Canada and France. "Our mission holds true for Ireland, and we are excited to reveal how we are blending time-honoured traditions with bold innovation to advance the art of Irish whiskey-making.' Leading the Hawk's Rock distillation team as Master Blender is Helen Mulholland, the first female Master Blender in Irish Whiskey history, Chair of the Irish Whiskey Association and a Whiskey Hall of Fame inductee. She and her carefully-selected team have been entrusted with leading the creation and blending of Hawk's Rock's innovative new-to-world Irish whiskey brands, the first of which will debut in June 2025. Sazerac Company acquired Lough Gill Distillery in 2022, drawn by its historical significance and the cultural richness of Ireland. Since then, the team has upgraded and tripled its warehouse capacity, expanded production and is modernising the distillery, ensuring continued growth while maintaining its commitment to quality. 'This rebrand is just the beginning for Hawk's Rock Distillery,' says Wenz. 'Throughout the changes at Hawk's Rock, our vision remains the same – creating a track record for the aging and blending of award-winning whiskeys – and this name change brings us one step closer to bringing that vision to life.' While Hawk's Rock Distillery is closed to the public during renovations, Sazerac has received planning permission to develop a future visitor experience in Sligo. To ensure an honest restoration of Hazelwood House, Sazerac has hired a Grade 1 Conservation Architect from Howley Hayes Cooney Studio to lead its restoration. The phased delivery of this plan is being established, and Sazerac looks forward to welcoming visitors in the future. For more information, please visit
Forbes
23-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Sazerac's Irish Distillery Finally Has A Name: Hawk's Rock
Hawk's Rock Distillery Back in 2022, Sazarac, the company behind iconic brands including Buffalo Trace and Last Drop Distillers made headlines when it purchased Lough Gill, an Irish Whiskey distillery near Sligo. We haven't heard much about the acquisition in recent years; however, today the brand is revealing the distillery's new name and teasing what it has in store for its future. Going forward, the distillery will be known as Hawk's Rock Distillery, a nod to the nearby Ox Mountains and the dramatic outcrop that inspired W.B. Yeats' 1917 play At the Hawk's Well. The rebrand comes alongside ongoing renovations and a larger strategy to position the distillery—and the region—as a global player in Irish whiskey. 'The renaming of Hawk's Rock Distillery marks a new, yet familiar, frontier for us,' says Sazerac President and CEO Jake Wenz. 'Sazerac is known for its balanced approach to honoring tradition while embracing change in constant pursuit of crafting the world's best spirits at our distilleries in America, India, Canada and France. Our mission holds true for Ireland, and we are excited to reveal how we are blending time-honored traditions with bold innovation to advance the art of Irish whiskey-making.' Hawk's Rock Distillery Sazerac's decision to name the distillery after a local geological feature reflects a broader effort to tie its whiskey to the landscape and cultural heritage of Sligo. The 100-acre site includes the 18th-century Hazelwood House, a listed historic landmark, and sits near the wooded shores of Lough Gill, a lake immortalized in Yeats' poetry. But the vision isn't entirely pastoral. Since acquiring the site, Sazerac has tripled warehouse capacity and expanded production, signaling a clear intent to scale. The distillery is currently closed to the public, but plans are underway for a visitor center in the years ahead. Helen Mulholland At the helm of Hawk's Rock Distillery is Helen Mulholland, a figure whose name is already etched into the modern history of Irish whiskey. Now Master Blender at Sazerac Ireland, Mulholland's appointment represents more than just an experienced hire—it signals a serious commitment to quality, continuity, and innovation. Mulholland began her career at Bushmills, where she spent nearly three decades and became the first woman to hold the title of Master Blender in Irish whiskey. During her tenure, she helped define the brand's luxury single malts and premium blends, known for their layered complexity and cask-driven character. Her work helped elevate Irish whiskey's profile globally at a time when the category was still rebuilding. In 2020, she became the first woman to receive the Drinks Ireland-Irish Whiskey Association Chairman's Award for her contributions to the category. She was also the first woman inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame. Her expertise now guides Sazerac's Irish whiskey portfolio—including legacy brands like Paddy and Michael Collins—as well as the new whiskeys being developed at Hawk's Rock. Her role isn't limited to production; it's also strategic. She oversees innovation, leads blending and maturation decisions, and shapes the sensory identity of what Hawk's Rock will become. Mulholland also currently serves as Chair of the Irish Whiskey Association, another first for a woman in the industry. Having previously served as vice-chair, she stepped into the role in 2024 with a focus on protecting the integrity of the category and championing its international growth. Her leadership arrives at a moment of both opportunity and pressure for Irish whiskey. With global demand rising and new producers entering the space, the category is evolving quickly. Mulholland's deep technical background—and her track record for pairing tradition with innovation—make her uniquely suited to guide Hawk's Rock through its formative years. In addition to her production responsibilities, she is also a member of The Last Drop Distillers Assembly, an international forum of expert blenders, distillers, and flavor architects. It's a fitting parallel to her work in Sligo, where she's helping shape the identity of an emerging brand while contributing to the broader conversation around what Irish whiskey can be. Hawk's Rock Renaming a distillery is rarely just a cosmetic move. In this case, it's part of a larger shift in focus: from small-scale production to international relevance, from a local name to one with literary and cultural resonance. 'This rebrand is just the beginning for Hawk's Rock Distillery,' says Wenz. 'Throughout the changes at Hawk's Rock, our vision remains the same – creating a track record for the aging and blending of award-winning whiskeys – and this name change brings us one step closer to bringing that vision to life.' The first expressions from Hawk's Rock are set to debut in June 2025.
