Hall of Fame

Growing up in the heart of Ireland’s barley-growing country, Colum was born to be a whisky maker. Today, he has what he calls his “dream job” in charge of the Old Bushmills Distillery on the rugged north coast. After graduating from the University of Limerick with a degree in production management, Colum embarked on a career in the beverage industry and began studying every aspect of the whisky-making process. On a chance visit to Bushmills, he fell in love with the history and heritage of the distillery. Driven by a strong determination to get involved, it wasn’t long before he gained a position at the Old Bushmills Distillery, progressing under the tutelage of its former master distiller. In 2002, he became one of the youngest master distillers of Bushmills Irish whiskey to date. Colum heads the small team of whiskey makers at the Old Bushmills Distillery, where he is responsible for all stages in the creation of its spirits. Inventive by nature and with a gritty Irish spirit of adventure, Colum takes the lead in the development of innovative new whiskeys at Bushmills. It’s his role to ensure that Bushmills’ centuries-old reputation for crafting quality whiskeys is known and maintained across the world. He travels the globe to educate and entertain whiskey lovers and introduce them to the distillery’s portfolio of triple-distilled single malt Irish whiskeys and blends. He has become a recognised voice of Irish whiskey, playing a major role in encouraging its appreciation around the world.