Master distiller Brian Nation moves on from Irish Distillers

Jameson whiskey maker Irish Distillers has named Kevin O’Gorman as master distiller at its production facility in Midleton, taking over from Brian Nation.

Kevin O’Gorman has taken over from Brian Nation as the new master distiller of Midleton Distillery.

O’Gorman takes on the role this week from Brian Nation, who joined Irish Distillers in 1997 and has served as the distillery’s master distiller since 2013. Nation has moved on to the US, where he is set to take on the lead role at a startup distillery.

Nation said: “As I step down from the position of Master Distiller, I am struck by what an incredible honour it has been to hold this role. I have been fortunate to work with a fantastic team at Midleton for the past 23 years and have experienced enormous change, development, and innovation, from the recent expansion of our distillery to the development of new distillate styles in the Micro Distillery.

Conor McQuaid, chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers, said: “We are immensely grateful for everything Brian has done for Irish Distillers, and the entire Irish whiskey category, and we wish him all the very best in his future endeavors as he passes the baton to Kevin”.

As part of his new role, O’Gorman will be responsible for the Pernod Ricard-owned whiskey company’s brands which include Jameson, Powers, Redbreast, and Midleton Very Rare. He will be charged with ensuring the quality of all new pot and grain distillates at Midleton, as well as supporting future innovation.

“Since starting my career in Irish Distillers in 1998, I have been lucky to learn from masters like Barry Crockett and Brendan Monks about the intricacies of the whiskey production, from grain to glass,” O’Gorman said.

“Of course, Brian Nation and I have also worked very closely together on distillation and maturation for the past 10 years and he will be missed by all his friends at Midleton Distillery. I am excited to use my experience to drive the sector forward by producing innovative new whiskeys that will delight whiskey fans over the coming years.”

McQuaid said: “Kevin’s exceptional leadership and talent as Master of Maturation has impressed the whiskey world ever since he took on the role in 2007. I am looking forward to working closely with Kevin as he drives the constant pursuit of excellence and innovation that has been exemplified by the entire team in Midleton for centuries.”

Nation added: “I am delighted to see Kevin take on the role of Master Distiller. I know that, under his leadership, the quality and reputation of Irish Distillers’ portfolio will continue to flourish long into the future.”