The spirits industry is a dynamic, fast-growing field full of opportunities, from distilling to marketing and everything in between. If you’ve ever wondered how to blend your passion for spirits with a fulfilling career, here’s how to make your mark. These are some of the most common tips we hear when we’re talking to successful women in the industry.
Bourbon may be tasty, but at its core it’s a manufacturing business – and it needs all the supporting roles and expertise of any agricultural business that also sells products to consumers.
1. Know Your Niche
The spirits industry is vast. Whether your interests lie in production, sales, marketing, or hospitality, defining your niche is crucial. Love storytelling? Brand management might be your calling. Fascinated by science? Distilling could be your path. Research roles and find your fit.
Even attorneys, accountants, HR or architects can specialize in whiskey and spirits. Your current business speciality may be just what is needed for a certain size and type of distillery. So many women already work in fields critical to the spirits/whiskey industry, sometimes it just takes a new perspective on how you might fit in the field.
2. Start with the Basics
Understanding the craft is essential. Enroll in industry courses, attend tastings, and dive into the history and science behind spirits. Certifications like WSET, Bourbon certifications, Spirits or sommelier programs for whiskey are valuable credentials that set you apart. Any role typical of consumer products, sales, production or manufacturing could be of use to distilleries.
3. Build Your Network
The spirits industry thrives on connections. Attend industry events, join organizations like Bourbon Women or the American Distilling Institute, and engage with professionals online. Your next opportunity or connection might come from a conversation over a shared pour.
4. Gain Experience at Any Level
Don’t wait for the perfect job—start wherever you can. Entry-level positions like brand ambassador roles, tasting room staff, or marketing internships are great ways to learn the ropes and prove your dedication. But if you’re established in your current field and enjoy it, think about networking with individuals at distilleries that might be ready to hire for someone in your role – or may not know they need that expertise!
5. Hone Your Craft
Whether it’s blending flavors or crafting compelling campaigns, or educating consumers, your craft matters. Stay curious, innovate, and refine your skills. Passion and expertise are key to standing out in this competitive field.
6. Be Ready to Adapt
The spirits industry evolves constantly, with trends like craft cocktails, sustainability, unique finishing types, and interesting flavor profiles shaping the market. Stay informed, be flexible, and embrace change to keep your career on the cutting edge.Visit small craft distilleries as you travel and find out what the smaller distilleries are experimenting with. Innovation often comes from smaller, less well-established craft distilleries.
7. Embrace the Hustle
Like a well-aged bourbon, success in the spirits industry takes time. Hard work, persistence, and a commitment to learning will keep your career maturing beautifully. But don’t be afraid to move to a new position, company or role if you haven’t found your sweet spot yet. The whiskey world is evolving as fast as everyone else. If the fit isn’t right where you are, look for a new place to grow.
A Toast to Your Future
From distilleries to distribution, the spirits industry is brimming with opportunities to combine creativity, science, and business. By staying passionate, prepared, and open to learning, you can craft a career as bold and dynamic as the spirits you love.