Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: What is your role in The Sexton brand?

Alex Thomas: I am proud to be the Master Blender of The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey. My primary role is to craft The Sexton’s unique flavour profile while also acting as the brand’s caretaker. I’ve been in the whiskey industry for over 20 years, and I take great pride in being a guiding light for other women in a traditionally male-dominated field. My fascination with the maturation process and deep understanding of cask selection have helped shape The Sexton into what it is today. It’s my job to ensure that each batch of The Sexton is carefully blended, offering a distinctive and memorable flavour.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How have you influenced the flavour profile of The Sexton?

Alex Thomas: My influence comes from my dedication to experimentation and craftsmanship. After years of working with wood and studying the maturation process, I realised how important Sherry casks are to creating the rich, layered flavours that define The Sexton. I’ve worked hard to find the right balance between the sweet Sherry influence and the toasted European oak. This creates a smooth, approachable whiskey with depth and complexity. One of the first batches I laid down over 11 years ago had something special about it, so I made sure to let it rest a little longer to develop a truly unique flavour. This liquid has come to life in our recently launched GTR exclusive 11-Year-Old Single Malt, an expression that achieves a perfect balance of dried fruits, dark chocolate, nuts, subtle oak notes and a signature finish of rich fruit cake, offering a depth of flavour unlike any other.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: What’s your philosophy behind the development of The Sexton?

Alex Thomas: My philosophy revolves around pushing the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making while still honouring the rich heritage of the craft. I’m all about experimentation, especially when it comes to cask selection, and I’m not afraid to challenge conventional practices. With The Sexton, I wanted to create a whiskey that was rich in character, yet still approachable, and that would stand out in the modern whiskey scene.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Can you describe your journey to becoming a Master Blender for The Sexton?

Alex Thomas: My journey started at a local timber merchant, where I developed a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. Growing up just 15 minutes from The Old Bushmills Distillery, I always dreamed of working there and in 2004 this dream became reality as I began working alongside some of Ireland's top distillers. My fascination with the aging and maturation process grew, so I began experimenting with various cask types. By 2012, I had received my distilling diploma, and my desire to create something truly unique led me to develop The Sexton as an entirely new expression in Irish whiskey.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: What makes your approach to blending unique in the industry?

Alex Thomas: My approach is rooted in passion, creativity, and a deep understanding of wood and cask influence. Unlike many blenders, I spent years experimenting with Sherry casks to find the perfect flavour balance. My time in Spain sourcing the best casks deeply influenced my work. I believe whiskey is an evolving liquid that can be transformed through careful, intentional blending. My attention to detail and willingness to break from tradition has allowed me to carve out a unique place for myself in the whiskey industry.

How do you feel about being one of the few female Master Blenders in the industry?

Alex Thomas: Being one of the few female Master Blenders is a real honour, and I embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with it. There are fewer women in top roles in whiskey-making, but I’m proud to contribute to the industry’s evolving landscape. For me, being a female Master Blender is a responsibility to break barriers, promote inclusivity, and inspire others to follow in my footsteps. I believe diversity is incredibly important, and having women in the industry brings fresh perspectives that benefit the whiskey-making process.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: What advice do you have for women entering the whiskey industry?

Alex Thomas: My advice is simple: be persistent, believe in your craft, and don’t let traditional barriers stop you. I encourage women to follow their passion and pursue their goals with confidence. The industry is changing, and women are making a huge impact.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: What’s your vision for the future of The Sexton brand?

Alex Thomas: My vision for The Sexton is to keep pushing the boundaries of what Irish whiskey can be. I’m always experimenting with new cask types and techniques, and I’m particularly excited about the recent launch of The Sexton 11-Year-Old Single Malt. I want to maintain the brand’s core identity while continuing to innovate and offer consumers an approachable yet complex whiskey experience. I’m also excited to expand The Sexton’s global presence and bring my creations to whiskey lovers around the world.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How will your approach to blending continue to influence The Sexton moving forward?

Alex Thomas: My approach to blending will continue to shape The Sexton as we move forward. As I explore new cask types and techniques, my commitment to creating complex yet approachable whiskey will remain at the heart of everything we do. I believe in the importance of patience and the natural evolution of whiskey, and that’s something that will guide The Sexton for years to come. Each new expression will always offer something unique and memorable.