Do we need to hold out for a designated day for female recognition to honor female contributors? A commemorative day offers a valid pretext, true, but we don’t need to wait to acknowledge the efforts of women and those identifying as female to the spirits world. Isn’t that so?
Upon making an appeal on social media to request the details of inspiring women who work in whisky, my email was inundated with suggestions, press releases and, very upliftingly, whisky professionals praising their peers. “Progress is being made at acknowledging ladies’ work for the efforts they put in,” distilling instructor and journalist observed, pointing out that master blender Nicol, who began her career decades ago, has just in recent times been in the spotlight. Likewise, whisky professional Maureen, who worked in whisky for more than 45 years, was honored by the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame as recently as 2020. “Additionally, there are more females enrolling in technical and scientific fields, which is often necessary in jobs including distilling and blending.”
Support from within the industry is essential for these female achievements, which is the context for the non-profit organization plays a role: this foundation, created in spring 2022, assists females in the spirits industry worldwide, and has the backing of the entire field. Its dedicated editorial output is a bulletin for lady’s achievements in the industry.
On the consumer side of things, are we observing more female participants, too? A few months ago, music star the famous artist was appointed as the new face of the famous distillery, which, though it was met with differing opinions from field insiders, emphasized a key fact: distilleries are appealing to a women drinkers right at the nascence of their drinking habits, to secure the distilled beverage fans of the future. That audience is growing, too: women now make up over a third of spirit consumers, up from only 15% in the past. I inquired the expert, founder of a wine and spirits consultancy, if she has observed an rise in her female clientele: “I have observed female interest grow, but distilled beverages remain ‘an exclusive space: appreciated by plenty, yet seldom invited into their collections,” she notes. “For many men, whisky has long carried heritage value – a father passing down a bottle, a toast at milestones – but females are commonly omitted from that tradition.”
Brewery visits, for example, which tend to be built around sporting activities, infrequently account for how other audiences, particularly ladies, desire to participate. “What explains the presence of limited releases for Father’s Day, for example, but without equivalent for moms?” the founder inquires. “The upcoming challenge is the retail environment, and to craft experiences with women in mind as well as men.”
Several Whiskies Shaped by Women
The Ten-Year Matured Spirit by Laphroaig Extra-smoky whisky from expert blender Sarah.
The Twelve-Year Black Label by Johnnie Walker Smooth, rich and produced by expert distiller Walker, JW’s first female master blender.
Eco-Friendly Spirit by Nc’nean This female-founded brand, founded by the entrepreneur Thomas, takes its name from the queen of spirits.
Historic Whiskey by Uncle Nearest Full of dried fruit flavors, and crafted by hereditary distiller expert Butler.
