Here's to the Women
There’s a fair amount of international drinks days in March, but this month we’ve decided to focus on March 8th – International Women’s Day.
One day isn’t really enough time to herald all the amazing Women who have made history. The ladies who fought to change the world and the ones simply doing their jobs, but hey ho. To narrow the scope a little, we will be focussing on those working in the drinks industry. On trade can be a brilliant place to work, but despite best efforts it remains a male dominated area. But it wasn’t always that way. The history of distilling starts in the hands of Women.
In its early days distilling was a woman’s job, considered equal to cooking. The first Alembic still was created by Mary/Maria the Jewess and despite the intention to create gold rather than alcohol, the stills invention was integral to the evolution of a liquid gold. The middle ages saw a steep decline in Female Distillers, especially during the witch crazed 1200’s. When being caught with spirits would see you burnt at the stake for witchcraft. Then came the industrial revolution, everything that could be became mechanised. Distilling moved out of the home, into the city and became a man’s job.
But luckily the pendulum is swinging back in favour of Female Distillers. There are too many amazing women making fantastic spirits these days to mention them all so we’ve highlighted a few of our favourites.
We can’t speak about inspirational women in the industry and not mention the accomplished Joy Spence. The very first female master distiller in the whole of the spirits industry. Starting her career as a research and development chemist, she was promoted quickly up the ranks due to her impressive talent of identifying and differentiating smells. Using this skill to blend countless award-winning rums for Appleton Estate. Spence’s achievements aren’t limited to blending rum, she is also the first woman to receive the Jamaica Prime Minister Medal for Science and Technology. A true trailblazer and one focussed on furthering female growth within the industry. The perfect person to showcase on International Women's Day.
Next up is Dr Rachel Barrie. Even in 2023 whisky is still, subconsciously seen as a man’s drink. Our female creator Dee has lost count of the times her whisky gets placed in front someone else at the bar. But Dr Barrie is pushing back at this stereotype, even by her presence in the category. With over 30 years of experience within the whisky industry and such distilleries under her belt as Ardbeg and Bowmore she sits easily at the top of her field. In interview it’s clear Dr Barrie is just as warm and interesting as the liquor she creates, passionately discussing both the rich and varied flavours found in whisky and the need for more women creating it.
Last but not least is Maria Teresa Lara Lopez, the first female master distiller in Mexico. She joined Casa Herradura in 1987 as a lab manager and quality controller. Spending the next 20 years rising through the company to become master distiller in 2009. Women high-up in the production of tequila were few and far between, Lopez turned a few heads. But despite this she took the role in her stride and has helped pave the way for those behind her.
To all the women in the drinks industry, past, present and future. We salute you!
