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Why wait for a designated day for female recognition to celebrate female contributors? A commemorative day offers a valid pretext, certainly, but there’s no requirement to delay to appreciate the efforts of women and those identifying as female to the drinks industry. Isn’t that so?

When I put out a call on digital platforms to solicit the information of inspiring women who are employed in the whiskey industry, my messages overflowed with recommendations, press releases and, most hearteningly, industry experts praising their peers. “Progress is being made at recognizing female contributions for the work they do,” distilling instructor and journalist commented, highlighting that master blender Nicol, who began her career decades ago, has just lately been given attention. Similarly, Maureen Robinson, who had a career in spirits for more than 45 years, was included in the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame just a few years ago. “Additionally, there are more ladies pursuing technical and scientific fields, which is often necessary in jobs including distilling and blending.”

Encouragement from professionals is vital to these ladies’ accomplishments, which is where the non-profit organization comes in: this charitable entity, founded in March 2022, assists women working in whisky globally, and has the backing of the wider industry. Its specialized content is a report for women’s wins in the sector.

On the consumer side of things, are we seeing more female participants, too? In the past several months, celebrity singer the famous artist was appointed as the new face of the well-known brand, which, though it was met with differing opinions from industry professionals, made something very clear: brands are targeting a women drinkers at the start of their drinking habits, to secure the spirits enthusiasts of the future. These consumers are increasing, too: ladies account for 36% of whisky drinkers, up from a mere 15% decades ago. I questioned the expert, founder of Cellar Atelier, if she’s noticed an rise in her lady clients: “I’ve seen female interest grow, but spirits often seem like ‘the other room’: respected by numerous, yet infrequently added to their assortments,” she notes. “Among male drinkers, whisky has long carried generational meaning – a legacy from previous generations, a toast at milestones – but ladies are frequently excluded from that story.”

Brewery visits, for example, which are often designed for sporting activities, seldom consider how alternative demographics, notably females, want to interact. “What explains the presence of limited releases for a paternal holiday, for example, but without equivalent for moms?” the expert questions. “The next frontier is the retail environment, and to design interactions with ladies as a focus as well as men.”

Several Whiskeys Shaped by Women

A Decade-Aged Single Malt from Laphroaig Distinctly smoky beverage from expert blender Sarah.

The Twelve-Year Black Label by Johnnie Walker Mellow, flavorful and created by master blender Emma, the brand’s inaugural lady master.

Eco-Friendly Spirit by Nc’nean This female-founded brand, established by the founder Annabel, derives its title from the female deity of beverages.

Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey All syrup and sultanas, and made by fifth-generation master blender Victoria Eady Butler.