Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard has announced that Barry Crockett, master distiller of Jameson Irish Whiskey, is to retire, bidding a fond farewell to the Midleton Distillery in Cork after 47 years; 31 of which he spent as master distiller. Brian Nation, who has been mentored by Barry Crockett for the last 10 years, will take over the role of master distiller.
During his time as master distiller, Barry has seen the success of Irish whiskey, and in particular Jameson, grow on an unprecedented scale. In 1984, Barry developed the distillery’s award-winning flagship blend, Midleton Very Rare, and in 2011 over-saw the launch of the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton. Launched to rejuvenate the popular style of whiskey to its former glory, the pinnacle of the range, Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy, marks the first time since John Jameson that an Irish Distillers product has been named after a master distiller.
During his time as master distiller, Barry has seen the success of Irish whiskey, and in particular Jameson, grow on an unprecedented scale. In 1984, Barry developed the distillery’s award-winning flagship blend, Midleton Very Rare, and in 2011 over-saw the launch of the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton. Launched to rejuvenate the popular style of whiskey to its former glory, the pinnacle of the range, Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy, marks the first time since John Jameson that an Irish Distillers product has been named after a master distiller.
