Name : Santina Kennedy

Role: PR & Cultural Events at The Powerscourt Distillery

Tell me about your current role?

I work at The Powerscourt Distillery in a PR/ Events role. It’s very varied, and ranges from curating cultural events to organising collaborations with other brands, to supporting the sales team with in-house VIP visitors etc. I also work as coordinator for the Wicklow Food and Drinks Network – Wicklow Naturally. 

How did you first get into the drinks industry? 

My background is in food, I had my own food business – an award winning café for almost 10 years, before undertaking an MA in Gastronomy and Food Studies in TU Dublin. I was particularly interested in The History of Irish Food module and was working at The Powerscourt Distillery at the time. I became fascinated with how Irish Whiskey fits into the overall Irish food and drink story. Modules in Wine and Beverage Culture further ignited my interest, especially in Irish drink culture.  I developed a Food and Whiskey pairing tour which now forms the cornerstone of all of my work at The Powerscourt Distillery. I’ve always been passionate about using Irish produce and have extended that interest into developing cocktails using only Irish ingredients .  I really see the drinks industry as an integral part of the food industry – its all gastronomy. 

What is your favourite part about working in the industry?

I love so many things about it, the variety, the fantastic people I get to meet,  and the inspirational people I work with. But my favourite part is having the freedom to explore new ideas and create new experiences and events.  The Powerscourt Distillery have been really supportive of that. and I appreciate it. I’ve always worked hard but its great to able to work hard at something I really love.

 I suppose my favourite thing is that my job is my hobby! 

We’re meeting up for a wee drink after work – what are you having?

In my ‘dream after work drink’ I’m having a Manhattan somewhere sophisticated, (we make a lovely one at Powerscourt which Ive called  Brigids Cloak with our own Fercullen Whiskey, Valentia Island Vermouth and Beara Bitters.) 

The ‘reality after work drink’ is probably a Flat White to give me the energy to keep working for a few hours – I’m also the coordinator for the Wicklow Food and Drink network, Wicklow Naturally , so I usually have an after work event to go to; I am permanently in search of decent late opening coffee shops!

You can only have one drink for the rest of your life, what’s in your glass

Very difficult choice but I think I have to say Riesling. When I was a lot younger I worked in Germany in the Rhine area and I’ve loved Riesling ever since. I love the high acidity, its so good with so many foods. 

It’s Saturday night, what restaurant are you going to?

Very difficult choice again… but with close friends , the Killruddery Grain Store Supper Club is definitely a favourite. The cosy atmosphere, the buzz and the outstanding food mostly grown on their farm is everything I’m looking for. I’m really lucky that I live 5 minutes away. 

Is there a bucket list drink you want to try, or a dream drinks destination you’d love to visit?

I definitely want to learn more about Sherry, so Jerez is on the bucket list. I have only recently started to really appreciate the food and drink of Spain properly, and the variety between the regions. Food, drink and culture go hand in hand and I really want to experience more of this in Spain – so I’ll start with Jerez!

The most memorable experience of your career?

 I’ve always been a huge fan of Darina Allen so inviting her to The Powerscourt Distillery along with other delegates as part of the Food on the Edge tour last year was very memorable. I remember a moment during my presentation about why Irish food works so well with Irish whiskey …. thinking… ‘ is this really happening ? Am I really telling Darina Allen about Irish food? HaHa!!’ She was so encouraging too. 

One thing you’d like to see more of in the drinks industry?

One thing that I am really keen to see more of is a greater appreciation and availability of non- alcoholic drinks. Don’t get me wrong, I love alcohol! But at least 50% of the time I am the designated driver and there’s only so much sparkling water I can drink. There’s a huge variety of really high quality Irish n/a drinks out there in retail , but we need to start seeing them in bars.

Anyway … you know that saying … ‘Be the change you want to see …”  … I am actually working on something- if I could just get some time!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a career in the industry ?

My children are grown up now, so I feel qualified to give life advice as well as career advice!

I sum it up as 

Work Hard, Be Nice, Have Fun.

Work hard, do more than is expected and keep learning. Look at the gaps in your skill set and learn what you need to learn to get where you want to go.

Be nice – have empathy, and make genuine connections, we spend a lot of time at work so surround yourself with supportive people and support them in return.

Have fun – We work in a great industry with so many inspirational people. Enjoy it, be grateful and keep perspective. 

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