The Sexton’s Master Blender Alex Thomas strikes the perfect balance
From intuitive experimentation to challenging tradition, Master Blender Alex Thomas has created a distinctive 11 Year Old Single Malt that brings a modern approach to Irish whiskey for the travel retail market
When Master Blender Alex Thomas first laid eyes on what would become The Sexton 11 Year Old Single Malt, she recognized the extraordinary potential resting in those early batches. It was this intuition that led her to set aside this particular liquid for additional aging, a decision that has resulted in a whiskey of remarkable depth and character.
“I knew there was something special about this liquid and felt it would be best left resting for another few years to develop a stunningly unique flavor profile,” says Thomas. “This new 11 year old expression strikes the perfect balance of dried fruits, dark chocolate, nuts, subtle oak notes and a signature finish of rich fruit cake, offering a depth of flavor unlike any other. It is truly something to savor.”
This latest expression represents not just a premium addition to The Sexton portfolio, but also embodies Thomas’s approach to whiskey making – one that values experimentation, intuition and pushing creative boundaries.
Experimentation meets intuition
For Thomas, whiskey development is a creative process driven by constant exploration and innovation. Her approach to crafting The Sexton 11 Year Old exemplifies this methodology, combining technical expertise with a willingness to experiment.
The Sexton 11 Year Old Single Malt, a travel retail exclusive with a rich amber hue that promises notes of dried fruits, dark chocolate, nuts, and subtle oak, culminating in a signature fruit cake finish worthy of savoring
“My creative process is rooted in constant experimentation and a passion for innovation. I’m always seeking new opportunities to explore different woods, seasonings, and cask profiles,” Thomas explains. “Whiskey’s delicate and complex nature really lends itself to this type of experimentation, and I find that pushing boundaries is key to developing something truly unique."
This spirit of exploration was particularly evident in the development of the 11 Year Old expression, where Thomas focused on achieving the perfect harmony between various elements.
“With the 11 Year Old expression, I focused on finding the right balance by experimenting with various cask types to see how they would interact with the whiskey. This intuition-driven approach, paired with a willingness to embrace new ideas, played a pivotal role in shaping the final product.”
Harmony in every drop
For Thomas, achieving the perfect balance in whiskey involves a delicate interplay of elements that must come together in precise harmony. The 11 Year Old expression exemplifies this equilibrium.
“The perfect balance in The Sexton 11 Year Old is achieved when the rich flavor of the distilled spirit, the depth of the European oak, and the beautiful influence of the Oloroso sherry that once filled the cask unite in perfect harmony,” explains Thomas.
The gleaming copper stills where Irish whiskey magic happens, transforming carefully selected ingredients into The Sexton's distinctive spirit through a delicate balance of tradition and innovation
This harmonious balance doesn’t happen by accident. It requires patience, precision and an unwavering attention to detail – qualities that Thomas has brought to her role as Master Blender.
“At The Sexton, we pride ourselves on giving each cask the time it requires, ensuring that the whiskey we release is at its very best. It’s about patience and attention to detail, allowing the whiskey to evolve naturally and achieve the perfect balance of flavours.”
Crafted for travel retail
The introduction of The Sexton 11 Year Old Single Malt to the global travel retail market was a deliberate choice, designed to offer something extraordinary to travelers seeking unique products they can’t find elsewhere.
“With The Sexton, we continue to push boundaries and challenge conventional expectations of a single malt. For this release, I wanted to craft something truly special for Global Travel Retail, capturing the essence of The Sexton Original while amplifying the impact and flavor from the sherry-soaked barrels,” Thomas says.
She recognizes that travel retail consumers have distinct preferences and expectations, often looking for products that tell a story or offer an experience beyond what’s available in domestic markets.
The Sexton distillery illuminated against the night sky, where age-old techniques meet modern methods to create premium Irish whiskey that honors heritage while pushing creative boundaries
“Travel retail consumers often seek unique and rare offerings – items they can’t easily source elsewhere, similar to what The Sexton represents,” Thomas says. “The Sexton 11 Year Old Single Malt provides a modern, approachable take on Irish single malt, designed to captivate both seasoned whiskey enthusiasts and those new to exploring the category. It’s an exciting and distinctive offering, tailor-made for our travel retail audience.”
Challenging conventions
Throughout her career, Thomas has found joy in challenging traditional whiskey conventions, particularly around how whiskey should be consumed. Her approach has helped make the category more accessible to a broader audience.
“One of the most exciting traditions I’ve enjoyed challenging is the idea that whiskey must be enjoyed in a particular way, typically neat or with minimal alterations. In my role, I’ve embraced the evolving approach to whiskey enjoyment, recognizing that there’s no longer a ‘right’ way to drink it,” says Thomas. “This change has opened up whiskey to a broader audience, particularly through cocktails, which have played a huge role in breaking down the old idea that whiskey should only be sipped neat.”
This openness to new ways of enjoying whiskey has created opportunities for discovery and connection with consumers who might otherwise have dismissed the category entirely.
“I love seeing people who once thought they didn’t like whiskey have their perceptions transformed when they try it in a way that suits their palate. That moment of discovery is always exciting to witness, and it’s something I’m proud to be part of as we push creative boundaries in the industry.”
Advancing diversity
As a woman in a historically male-dominated industry, Thomas has witnessed significant change in the whiskey world and continues to champion diversity and inclusion.
“The whiskey industry has traditionally been very male-dominated, but I’ve seen significant evolution over the course of my career,” Thomas explains. “Today, I’m fortunate to have many female peers who have become both colleagues and friends, and I’m honoured to play such a key role within the industry. Personally, I’ve felt warmly welcomed and supported in my role, as well as by the industry as a whole.”
Thomas is committed to fostering an industry where diverse perspectives are valued and where the next generation of female whiskey makers can thrive. She says, “I strongly believe in promoting diversity and inclusion, especially in nurturing the talents and passions of women in the category. There are many remarkable female trailblazers I’ve had the privilege to learn from, and I hope that my own journey will inspire others. My advice to women looking to follow a similar path is to stay passionate, persistent, and confident in your abilities. There is a place for everyone in the industry, and the more diverse perspectives we have, the richer the industry will be.”
The Sexton 11 Year Old Single Malt exemplifies Thomas’s unique approach to whiskey making – one that honors tradition while embracing innovation. With its distinctive flavor profile and travel retail exclusivity, it stands as a testament to her skill as a Master Blender and her vision for the future of Irish whiskey.
