Worldwide whisky honour for Sullivans Cove distiller Patrick Maguire

Tasmanian distillery Sullivans Cove has added yet another honour to its ever-increasing haul, although this time it's for the man behind the multi-award winning whisky.

Patrick Maguire, who is head distiller for the boutique operation and considered one of the founders of the booming Tasmanian whisky industry, was overnight inducted into the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame.

One of only two Australians to receive this global accolade, the accomplished yet humble Maguire joins other Hall of Fame luminaries including famed whisky writer Michal Jackson, former Head Blender of Suntory Whiskies Dr Koichi Inatomi, Master Blender of Johnny Walker Dr Jim Beverage, and the founder of Australia’s first modern whisky distillery Bill Lark.

With only 50 members in its ranks, the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame recognises individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the whisky world.

Sullivans Cove now stands proudly on the global whisky stage

“It’s humbling to be included in such an incredible group of people from the world of whisky," Maguire reflected on receiving the award.

"When we were playing around with stills and barrels in the early days, I never would have imagined that I’d end up here. We just made the whisky we wanted to drink, and we’re so proud that other people from this industry around the world think that’s a thing worth celebrating."

Maguire has overseen production at Sullivans Cove since 1999 and his time with the distillery has seen it rocket to global prominence as a flagship for Australian spirits, winning two 'world's best single malt' titles at the World Whiskies Awards in 2014 and again in 2018 for its unique double-distilled drams brewed from 100% Tasmanian malted barley and Tasmanian mountain water.

David Flynn

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.