Brewer and distiller Adnams has announced the passing of its head distiller, John McCarthy. McCarthy died suddenly on Saturday 12 October at the age of 55.
The Suffolk brewery and distillery has paid tribute to McCarthy, who worked at Adnams for more than 20 years. Having joined as an electrical engineer, McCarthy’s interest in brewing and distilling grew, and he received certification in brewing and distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. Having led a project to turn a disused area of the brewery into a distillery, McCarthy became its head distiller (“I was the only one who knew how to turn it on!” he joked in an interview with Whisky Magazine in 2021).
McCarthy was the distiller behind the recipe for Adnams’ best-selling Copper House Dry Gin, released in 2010. He continued his work on spirits throughout his time at Adnams, collecting accolades including Best English Rye Whisky in the World Whiskies Awards 2024.
Jenny Hanlon, CEO, said: “We are all so deeply saddened to learn of John’s death. He was a wonderful friend, mentor, colleague — and an incredibly talented and devoted professional too. John had time for everybody and anybody — no matter how busy he was. He was one of those special people who really left an impression.
“His expertise and dedication undoubtedly transformed Adnams into a leader in the craft distilling movement. John’s passion for his craft and his belief in the power of community were truly inspiring. He will be deeply missed by all of us.”
Fergus Fitzgerald, production director, added: “It has been a privilege to work alongside John and to have seen his evolution from engineer to distiller. John loved the process and the art of distilling, and we were fortunate that he found that passion with us.
“John has left us with a wealth of stories and a library of wonderful spirits to toast him with, long into the future.”
Adnams said that McCarthy will be remembered for his "innovative approach and unwavering commitment to quality". McCarthy developed more than 30 gin recipes over his career, and was known as a champion of local grain, and making spirit that was "uniquely Adnams". He was also a member of the Worshipful Company of Distillers, the Gin Guild, and the English Whisky Guild.