International drinks group, Quintessential Brands today announced the establishment of The Dublin Liberties Distillery and the appointment of a senior executive team to lead its €10 million investment in developing a new whiskey distillery and visitor centre for its established portfolio of Irish whiskey brands.
Renowned Irish whiskey distiller Darryl McNally has been appointed General Manager and Master Distiller, while experienced industry figures Sinead O’Frighil and Colin O’Neill have been appointed Marketing Director and Chief Financial Officer of The Dublin Liberties Distillery respectively.
The team, who will be based in Quintessential Brands Dublin office, will oversee the construction and operation of a new distillery at Old Mill Street in the heart of the Liberties which was traditionally the centre of whiskey distillation in Dublin. The site has full planning permission and a unique natural spring water source to be used in the distilling process. The distillery will also feature a unique visitor experience and enable the development and growth of The Dublin Liberties Distillery’s collection of Irish whiskey brands including The Dublin Liberties Whiskey and The Dubliner.
Commenting on the appointments, Quintessential Brands CEO Warren Scott said, “The new leadership team at The Dublin Liberties Distillery represents the best of the best in the whiskey business with proven track records for delivering results. The team brings extensive industry knowledge and expertise which will help us create a dynamic, brand-led business with a working distillery at its heart. The appointments reflect the clear vision we have for The Dublin Liberties Distillery and paves the way for us to become one of the leading whiskey producers in the country.”
Darryl McNally has been appointed General Manager and Master Distiller at The Dublin Liberties Distillery. One of the most respected distillers in Ireland, Darryl brings a wealth of experience to the role. Previously, he was Operations Manager and Master Distiller at Bushmills Distillery where he worked for 17 years having responsibility for day to day operations, distilling and supply chain and, as Bushmills’ Distiller, for all whiskeys produced. He is a member of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling and won the “Worshipful Company of Distillers Award” in 2010 for the highest average mark across all three professional exams.
Sinead O’Frighil has been appointed Marketing Director at The Dublin Liberties Distillery, bringing a wealth of experience in brand development and spirits marketing. Sinead previously worked as Global Trade Marketing Manager for Jameson over four years working across brand development in its US, UK and Global businesses. Joining Quintessential Brands in 2012, Sinead led the growth and development of Greenall’s The Original London Dry Gin internationally. Sinead will be responsible for the management of The Dublin Liberties Distillery’s portfolio of Irish whiskey brands, as well as the creation of the brand home and visitor experience. Sinead studied Commerce & Spanish at University College Dublin and holds a post grad diploma in International Business Development.
Colin O’Neill has been appointed Chief Financial Officer at The Dublin Liberties Distillery. He was previously the Finance Director designate for William Grant & Sons, Ireland, responsible for all financial management, including the Irish Whiskey operations of Tullamore Dew. Colin is a member of the Institute of Chartered of Accountants Scotland and received first class honours from Strathclyde University in Accounting and Finance.
Ends
For further information:
Donnchadh O’Neill
Tom Delaney
Gibney Communications
t. +353 1 661 0402
ABOUT QUINTESSENTIAL BRANDS
Quintessential Brands owns an award-winning portfolio of world-class spirit brands, which is powered by a strong entrepreneurial vision and passion for innovation, backed by centuries of handcrafted distilling expertise.
Quintessential Brands Group was established in 2011 with the acquisition of G&J Distillers, the UK’s foremost gin distillery, which evolved from Thomas Dakin’s original 1761 operation and now produces an unrivalled quality gin selection. In Ireland, Dublin Liberties Distillery is our home of modern Irish whiskeys and First Ireland Spirits in Abbeyleix crafts award-winning Irish creams. Our French hub, L&L France, creates fine French fruit liqueurs, cognacs, brandies and vodka.
For more information, please contact the communications team at Quintessential Brands by e-mail: [email protected]
