On Thursday, May 24th Peter Mulryan the founder of Blackwater Distillery will go head to head to face off competition from 31 other finalists as he represents Waterford at the 20th annual National Enterprise Awards.

Earlier in the year, Peter took part in the countywide competition which saw a number of hugely successful Waterford based businesses vie for the opportunity to represent Waterford, and after a rigorous competition process, Peter was awarded the title by Mayor of Waterford Cllr. Pat Nugent.

Blackwater Distillery is Ireland’s most innovative distillery and home to Ireland’s most awarded gin: Blackwater No. 5 Gin. Since opening the business has gone from strength to strength and later this year they will open a new distillery in Ballyduff, West Waterford and start the production of Irish Whisky. 

Peter is one of Ireland’s foremost experts on Irish Whiskey. In 2014 he saw the market for spirits was changing, with a move away from multi-national brands towards more craft products. He also saw the popularity of gin growing in the US and UK and knew Ireland would be next and he felt the time was right to establish a micro-distillery.  Peter was joined by one of the company directors Kieran Curtin, and in early 2015, Blackwater No 5 Gin was released and the distillery was opened. Peter’s role is the creative director; while Kieran Curtin is the operations director; with CEO Caroline Senior project managing the new distillery build. 

Commenting on the upcoming nationwide competition, Richie Walsh, Head of Enterprise at the Waterford Local Enterprise said, “We are very proud to support Peter and his business not only for the National Enterprise Awards but to also have assisted Blackwater Distillery with mentoring support and a start-up grant in 2014. The success story of this company is hugely inspiring, Peter and his colleagues are one of the very few Irish distilleries to distil and bottle on site and control every part of the production chain, it is down to this level of quality control and attention to detail that their products are so successful and the business continues to grow. We would very much like to wish Peter ongoing success and the best of luck at the National Enterprise Awards on May 24th.”

The National Enterprise Awards celebrate the achievements of Ireland’s top small businesses and micro-enterprises from all parts of Ireland in a showcase of enterprise, innovation and ambition. The National Enterprise Awards were introduced in 1997 and recognise the contribution that small businesses make to the Irish economy. Aimed at companies that have received Local Enterprise Office supports to aid their growth, the National Enterprise Awards are facilitated through the network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices.

The National Enterprise Awards Final will take place in the Mansion House, Dublin on the 24th May 2018.