IRISH DISTILLERS PERNOD RICARD

BARRY CROCKETT is retiring from the Midleton Distillery in Cork after 47 years – the last 31 of which he spent as Master Distiller.  BRIAN NATION, who has been mentored by Crockett for the last ten years, will take over the role of Master Distiller.  At the age of seventeen, Crockett began learning his craft as apprentice to his father and Midleton Master Distiller, Max Crockett, eventually succeeding him in 1981.  During his time as Master Distiller, Crockett saw the success of Irish whiskey, and in particular Jameson, grow significantly.  In 1984, he developed the award-winning flagship blend from the Distillery, Midleton Very Rare, and in 2O11 oversaw the launch of the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton.  whisky advocate recently honored Crockett with its Lifetime Achievement award. To mark Crockett’s retirement, he will be honored in September at “The Housewarming” – a special event that will be held in Midleton to officially launch the new expansion amongst other things.