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Why wait for International Women’s Day to celebrate female contributors? An annual observance serves as a fine reason, true, but there’s no requirement to delay to acknowledge the contributions of women and those identifying as female to the drinks industry. Isn’t that so?

Upon making an appeal on online networks to request the information of motivating females who are employed in the whiskey industry, my messages overflowed with recommendations, media announcements and, quite encouragingly, spirits specialists commending their contemporaries. “Progress is being made at acknowledging ladies’ work for the tasks they accomplish,” distilling instructor and journalist commented, pointing out that whisky expert Margaret, who began her career as early as the 1970s, has just lately been given attention. Likewise, Maureen Robinson, who worked in whisky for almost half a century, was included in the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame just a few years ago. “Moreover, we see more women studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which is typically needed in roles such as whisky production.”

Encouragement from professionals is crucial to these ladies’ accomplishments, which is the context for the OurWhisky Foundation is involved: this foundation, established in recently, supports females in the spirits industry worldwide, and has the support of the entire field. Its focused publications is a report for women’s wins in the field.

In terms of customers, are we seeing more female participants, too? A few months ago, celebrity singer Sabrina Carpenter was selected as the new face of the famous distillery, which, though it got varied responses from sector experts, made something very clear: companies are focusing on a lady consumers from the very beginning of their consumption patterns, to secure the whisky drinkers of the future. These consumers are increasing, too: women now make up a significant portion of distillery patrons, increasing from a mere 15% decades ago. I inquired the founder, head of a wine and spirits consultancy, if she has seen an increase in her lady clients: “I have noticed women’s engagement deepen, but distilled beverages remain ‘a separate domain: respected by numerous, yet seldom invited into their collections,” she says. “For many men, whisky has long carried heritage value – a father passing down a bottle, a celebration during important events – but women are often written out of that narrative.”

Brewery visits, for example, which are often designed for clay shooting or fishing, seldom consider how other audiences, especially women, wish to engage. “Why do we see exclusive versions for Father’s Day, for instance, but without equivalent for moms?” the founder inquires. “The upcoming challenge is the commercial sector, and to design interactions with females considered in addition to males.”

Several Spirits Influenced by Females

A Decade-Aged Single Malt from Laphroaig Distinctly smoky beverage from master distiller Dowling.

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12-Year-Old Whisky Smooth, rich and created by expert distiller Walker, the brand’s inaugural lady master.

Eco-Friendly Spirit by Nc’nean This female-founded brand, started by the entrepreneur Thomas, takes its name from the female deity of beverages.

The 1856 Expression from Uncle Nearest All syrup and sultanas, and crafted by multi-generational expert Victoria Eady Butler.