Irish Section: Distillery Visit & Early Careers Network Talk

By the Irish Section

Join us at the first Irish section event of 2025! We’ll begin with a tour of the Titanic Distillery in Belfast. Afterward, enjoy a bite to eat and take part in an early careers network discussion at the distillery’s event space with Alex Thomas (Master blender at Bushmills Distillery), Bernard Sloan (Founder & MD at Whitewater Brewing Company), Emma Millar (Distiller at Hinch Distillery), and Willy Mayne (Founder of Bullhouse Brew Co.)

After the event all attendees are welcome to continue the discussion at the Bullhouse Brewpub (Bullhouse East Brewery & Bar, 442-446, Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 1HJ) for more networking.

Speakers:

Alex Thomas – Master Blender – Bushmills Distillery

• Master Blender, Alex Thomas joined Bushmills in 2004, qualifying as a distiller and blender in 2012 and was appointed master blender in November 2021.

Bernard Sloan - Managing Director - Whitewater Brewing

• Bernard moved home to Attical, near Kilkeel and diversified his 5th generation family farm into a craft brewery and has successfully achieved a 2-million-pound investment in the Whitewater Brewing Company.

Emma Millar - Distiller – Hinch Distillery

• Emma joined Hinch in September 2020 with significant experience in distilling gin and whiskey in the Scottish borders. Emma has always been passionate about food and drink and has an MSc in Brewing & Distilling from Heriot Watt University.

Willy Mayne – Founder - Bullhouse Brew Co

• Willy Mayne got the taste of good beer on a trip to the USA and began homebrewing after on the farm he grew up on outside Belfast. Willy then launched Bullhouse Brew Co comprising of Brewery on a 6000 sq ft industrial estate in south Belfast & Bullhouse East Belfast’s first permanent brewery taproom.

Parking at Titanic Brewery

• Parking available on site but please carpool where possible.

Schedule:

• 15:45 - Arrive on site & drinks reception
• 16:00 - Safety Brief & Tour
• 17:30 - Finger Food and Networking
• 18:00 - Early Careers Network Talk
• 20:30 - After talk discussion in the Bullhouse Bar (Bullhouse East Brewery & Bar, 442-446, Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 1HJ)

Why you should attend:

1. Tour Titanic Distillery
2. Network with industry members
3. Gain a better understanding of career paths in the brewing and distilling industry

Tickets: FREE for IBD members and IBD exam candidates. By registering, you are expressing interest in attending the event. Your ticket will only be confirmed once the event organiser sends you a confirmation email.

Please note that the event is for age 18+ only. If disability access required, please advise in advance.

Register Your Interest by 12th January 2025 at 4pm.