Our Mission
Bourbon Women is THE organization for women who are passionate about Bourbon culture, women and the promise of adventure when the two are combined.
As an independent forum bringing women of all walks of life together over a glass of bourbon, our focus is to:
- Initiate, cultivate & inspire deep meaningful relationships.
- Encourage the development of women personally, professionally and courageously, supporting members in their journey to become the best versions of themselves.
- Provide a safe inclusive environment for fun, discovery and learning.
Letter from our Founder
From one Bourbon Woman to another,
It was more of a pent-up feeling. Knowing for my entire life that I watched women enjoying bourbon, yet the industry did not recognize this market. As a Master Bourbon Taster it felt awkward to me, conducting tasting programs around the world where women sat in the back of the room and only asked questions afterwards. Working both inside and outside of the industry, a quest began to design the perfect platform to start the conversation with women, not a commercial sales pitch and advance their interest in spirits. And that is exactly what we did. We first reached out to YOU to start the conversation. And, we thank you. Read More…
Leadership
Heather Wibbels
Managing Director
Former Chair of the Board
Takes Her Bourbon
Whatever I’m in the mood for, cocktails, neat or on the rocks.
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
Mixing drinks and fostering for the Kentucky Humane Society
Margaret Horlander
Chair of the Board
Takes Her Bourbon
I love a well-made sour or old fashioned, but will take my bourbon however I can get it.
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
Hosting dinner parties (when there isn’t a pandemic in town!)
Steffani Scheurich
Vice Chair
Takes Her Bourbon
In an Old Fashioned
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
Sailing
Carol Otto
Treasurer
Takes Her Bourbon
On the rocks
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
On an airplane, a Harley Davidson, or a golf course
Deb Copeland
Secretary
Takes Her Bourbon
Neat, occasionally rocks, with two cubes plus twist of lemon. My cocktail is a Manhattan
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
In the garden, reading, golf
Carol Ormay
BW Branch Liaison, Director of Operations
Takes Her Bourbon
Neat or with light ice or in a Cocktail Contessa Concoction
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
Reading or golfing
Peggy Noe Stevens
Founder & Chair Emeritus
Takes Her Bourbon
On the rocks with one big ice cube, or a Black Manhattan always UP!
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
Creating culinary magic in the kitchen and gardening
Sarah Bryant
Director
Takes Her Bourbon
One large rock 😉
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
I love being outside when the weather permits. A good run or a bike ride.
Alicia Burton
Director
Takes Her Bourbon
Neat or however it’s poured in my glass
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
Kayaking and traveling
Felicia Corbett
Director
Takes Her Bourbon
Neat, With a Side of Rocks
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
Crafting Cocktails and Cultivating Fun Whiskey Experiments
Erica Fields
Director
Takes Her Bourbon
On the rocks. Her favorite cocktail is a Manhattan, up.
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
Being active in the theatre and arts scene in Louisville
Nicole Fitzpatrick
Director
Takes Her Bourbon
with a splash of sweet tea and an orange slice
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
Reading a good book or a magazine, exploring new happenings in Louisville or any city – love to travel, and spending time with family & friends.
Sarah Hackman
Director
Takes Her Bourbon
Older and on the rocks
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
Reading or cooking
Eulalia House
Director
Takes Her Bourbon
Neat, but won’t say no to on the rocks or in a cocktail
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
Reading
Eboni Major
Director
Takes Her Bourbon
In a tasting glass at 20% ABV for scientific purposes lol. Or on the rocks.
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
Doing some yoga, playing with her Goldendoodle, or antiquing for unique glassware
Kristy Offitt
Director
Takes Her Bourbon
Neat or in a cocktail
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
Reading, traveling or solving employment law related challenges.Â
Kim Rice
Director
Takes Her Bourbon
Any way it’s being served!!
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
making sure the food supply is safe, supporting her favorite charity, gardening, enjoying her backyard with her four legged and two legged family!
Trina Summers
Director
Takes Her Bourbon
Neat, on ice, or in a Manhattan straight up
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
Enjoying the outdoors, camping, hiking, boating, and gardening
Hamilton Thiersch
Director
Takes Her Bourbon
Neat
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
Traveling, playing tennis
Cynthia Torp
Director
Takes Her Bourbon
Over a round ice cube
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
Cooking, gardening or hiking
Susan Reigler
Advisory Board Member, Past President
Takes Her Bourbon
Neat, with a rock, in a cocktail. Depends on the bourbon!
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
Playing one of my brass instruments or reading.
Kerri Richardson
Past President
Takes Her Bourbon
Full proof, neat
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
Developing communications strategies for public and private sector clients; playing with my two young daughters; scrolling for antique silver servingware
Maggie Kimberl
Past President
Takes Her Bourbon
However you’re serving it
When Not Sipping, You’ll Find Her
Browsing vintage vinyl with her two boys or tending her homegrown tomatoes
Want to Start a Branch?
Want to bring Bourbon Women to your city? Our Branch Ambassadors donate time, event planning skills & their networks to start a branch in their city.
Get Us In Your Inbox!
Love what you’re reading? Want to get more involved? Want to drink more bourbon? Sign up for our newsletter & be the first to know everything we’re up to. Cheers!