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Is it necessary to wait for International Women’s Day to applaud women? A special date is a good excuse, admittedly, but there’s no requirement to delay to appreciate the input of women and those identifying as female to the beverage sector. Isn’t that so?

After issuing a request on digital platforms to ask for the information of motivating females who have careers in distilling, my email was inundated with names, media announcements and, very upliftingly, industry experts commending their contemporaries. “Progress is being made at acknowledging ladies’ work for the work they do,” whisky educator and writer noted, pointing out that blender Margaret Nicol, who entered the field as early as the 1970s, has just in recent times been in the spotlight. In a similar vein, whisky professional Maureen, who had a career in spirits for over four decades, was included in the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame as recently as 2020. “Additionally, there are more ladies pursuing Stem subjects, which is typically needed in positions like spirit creation.”

Backing from the sector is crucial to these women’s success, which is the reason the OurWhisky Foundation is involved: this foundation, created in March 2022, supports females in the spirits industry globally, and has the support of the wider industry. Its focused publications is a bulletin for lady’s achievements in the sector.

Regarding drinkers, are we noticing more lady enthusiasts, too? A few months ago, celebrity singer the famous artist was selected as the recent representative of the famous distillery, which, though it got varied responses from industry professionals, highlighted an important point: companies are focusing on a women drinkers at the start of their beverage preferences, to cultivate the spirits enthusiasts of the future. These consumers are increasing, too: females currently represent a significant portion of distillery patrons, up from only 15% in the past. I questioned the expert, founder of a wine and spirits consultancy, if she has observed an uptake in her women customers: “I’ve seen women’s engagement deepen, but spirits often seem like ‘the other room’: admired by many, yet rarely included in their purchases,” she says. “For many men, distilled beverages have historically had family significance – a father passing down a bottle, a ritual at key moments – but ladies are frequently excluded from that story.”

Brewery visits, for example, which are often designed for outdoor pursuits, infrequently account for how other audiences, especially women, wish to engage. “What explains the presence of exclusive versions for a paternal holiday, for example, but lacking a maternal counterpart?” the expert questions. “The upcoming challenge is the marketplace, and to create events with women in mind in addition to males.”

Four Whiskeys Influenced by Women

The Ten-Year Matured Spirit by Laphroaig Distinctly smoky beverage from senior blender Sarah Dowling.

The Twelve-Year Black Label by Johnnie Walker Smooth, rich and produced by Dr Emma Walker, JW’s first female master blender.

Eco-Friendly Spirit by Nc’nean This woman-led company, started by the entrepreneur Thomas, derives its title from the female deity of beverages.

Historic Whiskey by Uncle Nearest Rich with sweet notes, and made by multi-generational expert expert Butler.