Let’s rewind back to my trip to the whisky shops and another amazing woman whisky guru in Canada where we started discussing whisky shows and working at selective specialty whisky shops. I noticed that she seemed unhappy and really went into detail about her expectations in her role as a spirits specialist at the shop. Now this individual is absolutely amazing, knowledgeable and a fantastic presenter but at the shop she is seen as being “less” to the men. She stated that her salary is lower, she isn’t as respected by the customers and it’s not a healthy atmosphere which is terrible to hear from a person that I know to be quite positive and energetic. I have been around the whisky industry for almost ten years and have seen some positive changes, however there is still lots needed to change this perception that women are not as knowledgeable as men in whisky. I for one work with many
women and have several that have mentored or helped guide my own personal journey. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. So in case you haven’t really looked, there are remarkable females in front and behind the scenes: Brand ambassadors, master blenders, distillers, writers, judges, teachers and believe it or not spirit establishment employees that are shaping this industry. And here’s another fun fact for you to consider: The North American whisky category statistics clearly show that women make up 40% of the people who drink whisky, and I don’t mean in cute pink cocktails. So, it truly might be time for you to reconsider who is standing beside you with a glass of whisky in her hand and strike up an intelligent conversation that might just surprise you.
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the whisky explorer magazine
WINTER 2024
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