Dave McCabe Made Master Blender At Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers, producer of Jameson, Powers and Redbreast, today announces the appointment of Billy Leighton to Master Blender Emeritus as Dave McCabe steps into his predecessor’s role as the new Master Blender at Irish Distillers.

Billy will remain at the business supporting Irish Distillers’ brands as Master Blender Emeritus following an incredible 47-year career at Irish Distillers. Billy originally started as a trainee accountant, in the then Irish Distillers owned Old Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim. He then moved into production, working in a variety of roles across bottling, warehousing, maturation and blending before being appointed Master Blender at Midleton Distillery in 2004.

As blender, Dave McCabe has spent several years working closely with Billy gaining experience, knowledge and an in depth understanding into the art of blending. Dave joined the business in 2010 and held several roles, including Irish Whiskey Academy Tutor, International Whiskey Ambassador and Process Technologist, before being appointed Blender in 2018.

Leighton said, “I have spent most of my working life at Irish Distillers, and I am truly grateful for the opportunities my job and this business has afforded me. While I will be stepping down from the Master Blender role, I will not be stepping away from the business and I look forward to embracing my Master Blender Emeritus role, working with brand teams on special launches. I would like to take this time to wish a much-respected colleague and friend, Dave McCabe, the very best as he takes the Master Blender baton and I look forward to continuing to work with him. Dave and I have worked closely together for years and really enjoy our collaborations.  I’ve seen first-hand his passion, expertise and knowledge that will ensure he is a fantastic Master Blender. Our whiskeys are in great hands.”