Founder of Lost Irish Whiskey and longtime spirits sales leader joins Boatyard Double Gin to help drive continued U.S. growth
July 8, 2026 (New York, NY) — The Boatyard Distillery, producers of the award-winning Boatyard Double Gin crafted in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, announces the appointment of Tim Herlihy as National Sales & Advocacy Manager, a US based role supporting market development. His appointment reinforces the brand’s continued investment in expanding its presence across the U.S. market, in close collaboration with Banfi Wines & Spirits and its national distributor network.
“There is tremendous momentum behind Boatyard, and Tim’s appointment reflects our commitment to investing in the opportunities ahead,” says Declan McGurk, Managing Director at The Boatyard Distillery. “His enthusiasm, relationships, and proven track record in the industry make him a natural fit for our team, and we are excited to have him represent the brand across the U.S. market.”
With more than 15 years of experience in the spirits industry, Herlihy brings extensive background in premium brand building, Irish spirits, and U.S. market penetration. Throughout his career, he has helped scale leading beverage alcohol brands through roles at William Grant and the Cooley Distillery, where he contributed to significant growth within Irish whiskey sales.
He also founded Lost Irish Whiskey, which launched across 31 U.S. states and more than 20 countries worldwide. In addition to his commercial accomplishments, Irish born and raised Herlihy is also the co-author of From Barley to Blarney: A Whiskey Lover’s Guide to Ireland.
“Boatyard Double Gin is entering an exciting phase of growth, and it’s a privilege to be part of the next stage of its U.S. expansion,” says Herlihy. “As someone passionate about Irish hospitality, cocktails, and premium spirits, I have always admired Boatyard’s commitment to quality, authenticity, and sustainability. I look forward to helping share the story of this incredible distillery and spirit with more bartenders and consumers across the U.S.”
In his role at Boatyard Double Gin, Herlihy will help lead the brand’s continued growth strategy in the U.S., with a focus on expanding distribution, strengthening on-premise partnerships, and increasing visibility among bartenders, trade professionals, and consumers. In addition to his role with Boatyard Double Gin, Herlihy will continue to lead Lost Irish’s growth in the US and beyond.
His experience building premium Irish spirits brands and longstanding industry relationships will support Boatyard as it continues to grow its footprint in key markets nationwide.
“Having a dedicated sales resource embedded in the market meaningfully elevates how we show up day to day,” says Jennifer Engel, Chief Commercial & Strategy Officer at Banfi Wines & Spirits. “It improves consistency, strengthens execution across key accounts, and ensures the brand is present where it matters most. With Tim working alongside our team and distributor partners, we’re able to drive more impactful, real-time engagement in-market and accelerate commercial growth.”
About The Boatyard Distillery
The Boatyard Distillery is situated on the banks of Lough Erne, County Fermanagh in the North West of Ireland. The distillery takes its name from the disused Boatyard that it’s built on, making it unique as a distillery as visitors can arrive just as easily by boat as they can by car. The first legal distillery in Fermanagh since 1890, The Boatyard Distillery was founded by Joe McGirr, with the aim of crafting a gin so perfect for martinis that it would be poured in all the world’s best bars and restaurants. The juniper-led spirit is certified organic, crafted from eight local botanicals and incorporates juniper at both the start and finish of the production process. The first bottle of Boatyard Double Gin was sold in 2016 and since then the company’s flagship spirit has gone on to pick up a long list of awards and accolades all over the world. In 2023, Boatyard became the first B-Corp certified distillery on the island of Ireland, rewarding the company’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility in everything they do. For more information, visit https://www.boatyarddistillery.com
About Banfi
Banfi is a premium wines and spirits company founded in 1919 in New York City. Now in its third generation of family ownership, Banfi is led by Proprietor and CEO Cristina Mariani. The crown jewel of the portfolio is Castello Banfi, the award‑winning vineyard estate in Montalcino, Tuscany, home to the Castello Banfi – Il Borgo luxury hotel, Michelin‑starred dining, and a best‑in‑class hospitality program that delivers an authentic Tuscan experience rooted in sustainability and innovation. Banfi’s portfolio also includes an ownership interest in leading organic wine brand Natura, along with agency partnerships representing Brother’s Bond Bourbon, Boatyard Double Gin, Alexander Valley Vineyards, and Viñedos Orgánicos Emiliana.
