Trailblazing Inishowen businesswoman Laura Bonner has been crowned as the Handcrafted Spirits Business Leader of the Year 2023 in Western Europe.

Laura Bonner from Greencastle, is the co-founder and CEO of Muff Liquor Company.

No stranger to international accolades, Laura said it was an honour to accept the award from Acquisition International in their International Businesswoman Awards 2023.

“I was truly over the moon to have been nominated for this award and I’m absolutely honoured to have won,” she said.

“Massive congratulations to all of the amazing winners, and thank you again.”

The Muff Liquor company was inspired by Laura’s Grandfather Philip Mc Clenaghan who was a potato farmer and it’s named after the village Muff in Co Donegal, Ireland. In 2018, Laura decided to follow in Philip’s footsteps and legitimise the production of potato-based spirits alongside her Manchester-based business partner Tom Russell. Muff Liquor Company now comprises an award-winning range of potato gin, vodka and whiskey.

The company launched its Irish whiskey, gin and vodka in Australia in March with the support of some major celebrity investors.

Actor Russell Crowe, singer Ed Sheeran, comedian Jimmy Carr and Irish star Ronan Keating are all backing the premium spirits company.