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Do we need to hold out for International Women’s Day to honor women? A commemorative day is a good excuse, admittedly, but it isn’t essential to pause to acknowledge the input of female and female-identifying individuals to the spirits world. Right?

When I put out a call on online networks to request the details of remarkable ladies who work in whisky, my email was inundated with names, publicity materials and, quite encouragingly, whisky professionals acknowledging their colleagues. “The industry is getting better at acknowledging ladies’ work for the efforts they put in,” whisky educator and writer noted, emphasizing that whisky expert Margaret, who began her career as early as the 1970s, has only recently been given attention. In a similar vein, Maureen Robinson, who had a career in spirits for over four decades, was inducted into the prestigious industry hall in the recent past. “There are also more women studying technical and scientific fields, which is usually a requirement in jobs including whisky production.”

Backing from the sector is essential for these ladies’ accomplishments, which is the context for the charitable initiative plays a role: this foundation, created in March 2022, assists females in the spirits industry globally, and has the endorsement of the broader sector. Its specialized content is a report for lady’s achievements in the industry.

In terms of customers, are we seeing more female participants, too? A few months ago, celebrity singer the famous artist was selected as the new face of the famous distillery, which, though it was met with differing opinions from sector experts, emphasized a key fact: distilleries are appealing to a female audience at the start of their beverage preferences, to develop the spirits enthusiasts of the future. These consumers are increasing, too: women now make up over a third of spirit consumers, increasing from only 15% in the past. I questioned the founder, creator of Cellar Atelier, if she’s noticed an increase in her female clientele: “I have observed women’s engagement deepen, but spirits often seem like ‘a separate domain: appreciated by plenty, yet rarely included in their purchases,” she comments. “In the case of gentlemen, distilled beverages have historically had generational meaning – an inheritance from a parent, a toast at milestones – but females are commonly omitted from that tradition.”

Brewery visits, for example, which are often designed for outdoor pursuits, seldom consider how different groups, notably females, want to interact. “What explains the presence of limited releases for Father’s Day, say, but without equivalent for moms?” the founder inquires. “The future step is the marketplace, and to craft experiences with females considered as well as men.”

Four Whiskies Shaped by Ladies

A Decade-Aged Single Malt from Laphroaig Extra-smoky whisky from expert blender Sarah.

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12-Year-Old Whisky Mellow, flavorful and produced by expert distiller Walker, the brand’s inaugural lady master.

Eco-Friendly Spirit by Nc’nean This female-founded brand, established by the entrepreneur Thomas, is named for the female deity of beverages.

Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey Full of dried fruit flavors, and made by multi-generational expert master blender Victoria.