For the life of me, I’ve never been able to get my wife to join me in a whiskey. Whiskey is one of those things that I happen to love, but my wife never will and I’m okay with that. But, and I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking this, it would be a huge mistake to think that there aren’t women out there who love whiskey. Love it – love it.
In fact according to Heather Greene, author of “Whiskey Distilled: A Populist Guide to the Water of Life,” and one America’s first female whiskey sommeliers, women make up nearly 40 percent of whiskey customers in the United States. And women are not just sipping, mixing and drinking it, but they’re making it too. Historically women have played a huge role in the founding, owning and managing of distilleries across America.
In his book, “Whiskey Women: The Untold Story of How Women Saved Bourbon, Scotch, and Irish Whiskey,” author Fred Minnick, writes it’s really about women returning to their roots.
“Today women have advanced from bootlegging to taking on major leadership roles in the whiskey industry — among the most renowned, Brenne’s Allison Patel, Bowmore’s Rachel Barrie and Dewar’s Stephanie MacLeod,” said Minnick. “The future of whiskey is in the hands of women, from both the leadership ranks as well as the consumer ranks.”
These are the fun facts that make the monthly “Women Who Whiskey” dinner/whiskey pairing event so much fun and truly important. It’s held on the first Wednesday of every month in the Barrel Room at Gamlin Whiskey House. It’s geared toward helping women learn more about whiskey – often considered a “man’s drink” — but is open to all (21+).
In the past, events have involved learning to make your own bitters, Irish whiskey and Irish dancing, cocktail and cupcake pairing, and much more. Tickets are always $60 and include gratuity, dinner and whiskey pairings.
The next Women Who Whiskey is April 6 and features special guest Jackie Zykan (ambassador for Old Forester) who will be talking about some of her favorite spring cocktails.
Click here if you’re interested in learning more about the event or to purchase tickets.
