Recognition for Master Distiller at Northern Ireland's Old Bushmills

Colm Egan, Master Distiller at Northern Ireland's historic Old Bushmills Distillery, has been highly commended by judges in awards celebrating the stunning achievements of Irish Whiskey.

Mr Egan was recognised in the latest prestigious Icons of Whiskey Ireland Awards 2018 in the Master Distiller/Master of Blending category in the event, the results of which were announced in Dublin in November.

He has been Master Distiller at Old Bushmills, the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, for almost 16 years and has been at the heart of the development of a series of award-winning whiskey single malt and blends.

There was also a highly commended for the more recent Echlinville Distillery at Kircubbin in county Down in the Craft Producer of the Year category. Established in 2015, Echlinville is currently distilling its own whiskey, as well as two gins, Echlinville and Jawbox, and has plans for other spirits including vodka and rum.

Echlinville is producing the historic Dunville whiskey brand, once one of the best known in the US before Prohibition. Whiskey from external suppliers is casked and matured at the county Down distillery.

The awards are organised by the influential Whisky Magazine. This year was the first when Ireland was considered separately in the coveted awards. The editorial panel at Whisky Magazine was said to be overwhelmed by the interest and response to voting and nominating the winners.

By far the best selling publication about whisky, The Whisky Magazine celebrates the historic spirit in all its magnificent diversity. It is the only magazine devoted exclusively to whisky.