Category Archives: Women

Pip Goowin – CEO of Palliser Estate

Palliser Estate is one of my favorite wineries. It’s located in Martinborough, New Zealand, about 1.5hrs drive from Wellington. It’s a small estate focused on sustainability, hard work, and excellent wines, and it’s presided over by Pip Goodwin; a local herself, having grown up in the Wairarapa area.  Having spent over ten years in theContinue reading “Pip Goowin – CEO of Palliser Estate”

Maureen Robinson – Master Blender for Diageo

Diageo is the world’s biggest whisky producer (although they provide other drinks, as well) with over 200 brands under their umbrella. Maureen Robinson has been working in the whisky industry, and with Diageo, for over 40 years. She is Diageo’s Master Blender and oversees Single Malts, blends, as well as their yearly Special Releases, whichContinue reading “Maureen Robinson – Master Blender for Diageo”

Jancis Robinson

We’ve been hearing a lot about women in the spirits industry (Leslie Gracie, Peggy Noe Stevens, Dr. Rachel Barrie), so this month I wanted to highlight one of the biggest names in the wine industry – Jancis Robinson. A prolific wine writer, journalist, and cellar advisor to Queen Elizabeth the 2nd, Ms. Robinson became theContinue reading “Jancis Robinson”

First Lady of Scotch

Dr. Rachel Barrie has worked in the whisky industry for nearly 30 years, is one of only a few women master blenders in the world, has been inducted into the Whisky Hall of Fame, and is the Keeper of the Quaich. In 1991, Dr. Barrie started as a research scientist at The Scotch Whisky ResearchContinue reading “First Lady of Scotch”

Peggy Noe Stevens: World’s First Female Master Bourbon Taster

Peggy Noe Stevens is a trailblazer for women in the whiskey world. Having worked in the bourbon industry since the ‘80s, she is the world’s first female Master Bourbon Taster, founded The Bourbon Women Association in 2011, created her own company, has been inducted into several Halls of Fame, and even taught Julia Child aContinue reading “Peggy Noe Stevens: World’s First Female Master Bourbon Taster”

Lesley Gracie: Master Distiller, Hendrick’s Gin

I love gin. I also love highlighting the women who work in wine and spirits. Here’s a look at one of the most popular brands in the world and the woman that crafted it. Hendrick’s Gin, owned by William Grant and Sons (owners of Glenfiddich Scotch Whisky), was launched in 1999 and broke the ginContinue reading “Lesley Gracie: Master Distiller, Hendrick’s Gin”

Women, Whisky, Winners

Last week brought the results of the 2020 International Whisky Competition® – one of the industry’s most socially followed and professional events. Lauded as “The Olympics of whisky competitions” by Master Distiller Jim McEwan, IWC was founded in 2010 and usually takes place in Las Vegas (2020, however, was held in Estes Park, CO dueContinue reading “Women, Whisky, Winners”