Welcome to the Bourbon Women Community!
We believe there’s nothing more beautiful than a woman with her bourbon and this entire blog is dedicated to our adventures, news from our branches, educational and event opportunities, and job opportunities within our industry.
Meet The Makers: SIA Scotch Founder Carin Luna-Ostaseski
Carin Luna-Ostaseski is in a rare class of whisk(e)y brand founders: one of the few Hispanic women to found a Scotch brand. She also took an unusual path to start SIA Whisky in starting with a Kickstarter campaign! Oh, and she's also one of the only 6% of pilots in...
Meet The Makers: Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Inspector Perri Kostecki
Barrel inspectors ensure barrels can be resold and reused without issue. Meet Kentucky Bourbon Barrel inspector Perri Kostecki.
Meet The Makers: Blinking Owl Distillery Co-Founder Robin Christenson
Meet Blinking Owl Distillery Co-Founder Robin Christenson, whose vision included setting up a distillery in Southern California.
Honorable Mention Cocktails: Brown Sugar Grapefruit Sour
Grapefruit is a winter fruit, but it makes a great summer cocktail! Thank you to Katy McAvoy for submitting this to our amateur division in our 2021 NYPD Cocktail Competition! Brown Sugar Grapefruit Sour 2 oz Rabbit Hole Cavehill bourbon whiskey 1.5 oz fresh...
Meet The Makers: Waterford Distillery Agronomist Grace O’Reilly
An agronomist is a handy person to have on staff at a distillery, and Grace O’Reilly of Waterford Distillery in Ireland is up to the task!
Honorable Mention Cocktails: Watermelon Rye-Zing
Watermelon goes surprisingly well with whiskey, making for a refreshing summer cocktail combo. Thank you to Katie Mazur for submitting this recipe to our 2021 NYPD Cocktail Competition amateur division! Watermelon Rye-Zing 1/2 cup cubed watermelon 3oz Rabbit Hole...
Meet The Makers: The IX Bourbon Founder Brittany Penny
Brittany Penny is the Founder of The IX Bourbon, pronounced "The Nine," a project she dreamed up during sleepless nights with her newborn. She wanted to do something that not only honored the "firsts" achieved by African-Americans but also that would rise above the...
Honorable Mention Cocktails: Under The Kentucky Sun
Did you know that jams and jellies can make a great cocktail sweetener in a pinch? Use them in place of simple syrups if you don't have the time to make it ahead of time. Thank you to Adina L Ewaldz for this delicious cocktail recipe! Under the Kentucky Sun 1 1/2 oz...
Meet The Makers: Crooked Water Spirits CEO Heather Manley
Crooked Water Spirits Founder and CEO Heather Manley started with an idea: what if she could bring a unique spirit to market?
Honorable Mention Cocktails: Honey Cinnamon Old Fashioned
We had some fantastic Honorable Mentions from our amateur entries this year for Not Your Pink Drink! Thank you Carrie Cole for this Old Fashioned riff, which she says is "a sweet and spicy take on a classic cocktail." Honey Cinnamon Old Fashioned Rabbit Hole...
Meet The Makers: Skrewball Whiskey Co-Founder Brittany Merrill Yeng
Skrewball Whiskey Co-Founder Brittany Merrill Yeng knew you wanted peanut butter whiskey before you did, and now you love it.
Honorable Mention Cocktails: Peppercorn & Rosemary Pineapple Sour
Simple cocktails are great because of their simplicity, but sometimes you need to complicate things a little. Enjoy this sour submitted by Bardstown Bourbon Co. Regional Brand Ambassador Leslie Bryan! Peppercorn & Rosemary Pineapple Sour Muddled black peppercorn...
Flight of Rye and Cherry Pie
Bourbon Women love high proof spirits and this flight of Rye Favorites from Bourbon Women founding member Cynthia Torp gets even better with a food pairing of cherry pie.
Meet The Makers: Country Smooth Spirits Founder Lori Carcich
Country Smooth Spirits Founder Lori Carcich wants to see more women join the distilled spirits industry – and join Bourbon Women!
Honorable Mention Cocktails: Smoke Justis Mango Madness
If it grows together, it goes together, right? Well, it's definitely worth investigating. Mangoes and Bourbon don't exactly grow together, but in this cocktail they certainly go together! Check out this Honorable Mention cocktail recipe submitted to our NYPD Cocktail...
Jobs: Three Distilling Positions At New Riff Distillery
All positions are full-time, salaried, and available immediately. Benefits include 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Paid vacation, flexible sick and personal days included. Retirement plan includes 100% company-paid pension and 401K!...
Meet The Makers: Casa Lumbre Spirits Director Of Advocacy Camille Austin
Camile Austin wants the world to know that ancestral corn makes a great whiskey at Casa Lumbre Spirits in Mexico.
Honorable Mention Cocktails: Cold-Hearted Cadillac
The Bourbon Women Association just announced the finalists for our 2021 Not Your Pink Drink Cocktail Competition, sponsored by Rabbit Hole. We had a lot of great entries, but unfortunately only ten were chosen for the finals. But we wanted to share a few of the...
Cool Off with this Whiskey in a Tea Cup Cocktail for Summer
Sip on this refreshing warm weather toddy variation with Knob Creek bourbon and Earl Grey tea by Hillary Lake, a finalist for the Bourbon Women at the 2019 NYPD contest.
Meet The Makers: Lost Lantern Whiskey Co-Founder Nora Ganley-Roper
Lost Lantern Whiskey co-Founder Nora Ganley-Roper learned what consumers wanted from her time selling wine and spirits.
Meet The Makers: Cooper Spirits Marketing Manager Christy Pope
Years of bartending experience at some of America’s best whiskey bars prepared Christy Cooper for her career at Cooper Spirits.
Celebrate the Barrel with this Barrel-Finished Bourbon Flight
Experience firsthand the effects of secondary barrel-aging on bourbon made at the same distillery (and with the same mash bill) to explore the changes in aroma, flavor, and finish on bourbon whiskey.
Meet The Makers: Bently Heritage Assistant Distiller Chelsea Hendricks
From brewing to distilling to yarn-bombing, get to know Bently Heritage Assistant Distiller Chelsea Hendricks.
Meet The Makers: Cooper King Assistant Distiller Sophie Pashley
Sophie Pashley knew she wanted to make whiskey for a living and she refused to let sexism stand in her way.
Let BW Curry Your Favor with this Award-Winning Cocktail
This surprising combination of bourbon, apricot, lemon, and curry blew away the judges in this cocktail by Jessica Samara in the 2019 Not Your Pink Drink Award Contest. It’s a must-make for any bourbon lover.
Meet The Makers: Heaven Hill National Spirits Specialist Lynn House
Lynn House knows how to teach people about spirits, particularly whiskey, and also makes a great Mahogany Manhattan.
Meet The Makers: Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Inspector Schyler Crea
Schyler Crea inspects used barrels so they can go on to live a full life for decades to come.
Flight to Maine
This Maine whiskey flight from the Northeast introduces the taster to four bourbons made in the state and is a great introduction to the whiskies available in the Pine Tree State.
Meet The Makers: Bently Heritage Head Distiller Noya Gilmore
From ironwokrer to distiller, meet Noya Gilmore, Head Distiller at Bently Heritage Distilling.
Whiskey & Age: A Number Of Things Matter
How old is bourbon supposed to be? What happens in the whiskey barrel? Your maturation questions answered.
Meet The Makers: Milam And Greene Master Distiller Marlene Holmes
Marlene Holmes worked at the Jim Beam Booker Noe plant for 30 years before joining Milam & Greene.
Louisville’s Modern-day ‘Bourbonism’
There’s a lot of talk of ‘bourbonism’ in Louisville. Which of these great Louisville distilleries will you tour next?
Perfect Summer Rye Cocktail: Apple of My Rye
Sip on a refreshing apple rye cocktail with this mix of rye whiskey, apple brandy, root beer, and bitters that was a finalist for the Bourbon Women Not Your Pink Drink contest.
Meet The Makers: Westward Whiskey’s Erin Hayes
Bartenders have a unique understanding of the whiskey industry, and Erin Hayes’s skills have proven invaluable on the Westward Whiskey team.
Meet The Makers: Brown-Forman Retired Chemist Elmer Lucille Allen
Elmer Lucille Allen grew up during segregation and later worked as a chemist in the bourbon industry for more than 30 years.
Whiskey Explorer’s Flight
For the bourbon curious, this Whiskey Explorer’s Flight by Nicole Stipp introduces tasters to both bourbons and ryes and the effects barrel-finishing has on the flavor profiles of both types of spirits.
Meet The Makers: Old Forester Master Taster Jackie Zykan
When Jackie Zykan became Master Taster of the Old Forester brand, her supertaster status went pro.
Beyond Fermentation – How Yeast Contribute To Bourbon Flavor
Yeast produces esters, which give your bourbon those fruity, floral, and herbal notes that add to the complexity of the grain and barrel flavors.
Meet The Makers: Swilled Dog Co-Founder Brooke Glover
The only thing Brooke Glover loves more than making whiskey is her rescue dog, Lucy Pickles.
Single Barrel Basics: The Lure Of The Lone Barrel
What makes single barrel bourbons so special? Louisville “Bar Belle” Sara Havens takes us on a single barrel journey from rick house to bottle.
Job: Tenth Ward Distilling Head Distiller
Salary Range: $50,000-$60,000 and a year-end bonus based on experience Job Description- HEAD DISTILLER, TENTH WARD DISTILLING COMPANY Tenth Ward Distilling is a craft distillery, established in 2016, and located in the heart of downtown Frederick, Maryland. The...
Chocolate and Spice and Everything Nice: Bourbon Ball Cocktail
Spiced chocolate syrup and nutty Basil Hayden made a hot and heavy, decadent Bourbon Ball cocktail for Bourbon Women at the 2019 NYPD contest.
Meet The Makers: Tenth Ward Distiller Kay Bennett
“Find what fascinates you and use it to guide your path,” says Tenth Ward Distiller Kay Bennett.
Meet The Makers: Dinah Bird Of Baker Bird Winery Distillery
Watch This Space For Future Bourbon Women Events Baker Bird Winery and Distillery is the oldest commercial estate winery in the United States that has its original vineyard land. Along with that, it boasts the largest and oldest wine cellar in the US, is on the...
Multiple Jobs: Kentucky Artisan Distillery
Kentucky Artisan Distillery in Crestwood, KY is hiring for multiple positions. Accounting Assistant Apply Here Salary $14 - $16 an hour Job Type Full-time Part-time Qualifications High school or equivalent (Required) Microsoft Office: 1 year (Preferred) Administrative...
High Spirits Bourbon Flight
This flight with Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, and E.H Taylor comes with suggestions for food pairings for each spirit that bring out more than just the basic differences between the bourbons. It also explores how they change paired with complementary food.
Meet The Makers: Benay Shannon Of Restless Spirits Distilling
You might say Benay Shannon is the clean and legal version of Walter White.
Job: Plant Controller, Templeton Rye Distilling
Salary range: $120K to $140K, depending on experience Plant Controller, Templeton Rye Distilling Templeton, Iowa Apply Here Plant Controller | Templeton Rye Distilling | LinkedIn WHO IS TEMPLETON DISTILLERY? With over 100 years of history in Templeton, Iowa, our story...
Meet The Makers: Siponey Co-Founder Amanda Victoria
When Amanda Victoria left the corporate world, she knew she wanted to focus on whiskey education and helping the environment.
Must Mix Bourbon-Tiki Tipple – The Noe-Tai Required
Get your tiki bourbon fix with this Bourbon Women cocktail from our Not Your Pink Drink contest in 2019. With Knob Creek bourbon, Campari, peach simple, and a float or blackstrap rum it’s an explosion of tiki flavors in the spirit of bourbon country.
Meet The Makers: Frey Ranch Distillery Founder Ashley Frey
What’s it like running a modern farm-distillery?
Meet The Makers: Breckenridge Distillery Bar Manager Billie Keithley
When it comes to making cocktails, Breckenridge Distillery Bar Manager Billie Keithley says if you can eat it, she can make a cocktail out of it.
Alcohol Professor: What Recovery Looks Like for Whiskey Events
MAGGIE KIMBERL FEBRUARY 3, 2021 Throughout 2020, the pandemic claimed many businesses and jobs, and although the distilling industry has struggled, most distillers were able to maintain their businesses on a skeletal basis. Although a newly discovered $14,000 FDA fee...
Rye Dessert Flight
While we may be Bourbon Women, we appreciate any well-thought-out flight of whiskies, like this rye whiskey flight created by a former board member, Brittany Allison of Willett Distillery.
Multiple Jobs: Northwest Ordinance Distillery
Northwest Ordinance Distilling, a distilled spirits bottling facility, is looking to fill numerous employment opportunities. The facility is located in the heart of New Albany, Indiana at 707 Pillsbury Lane, site of the former General Mills Pillsbury Plant. Over 100...
Meet The Makers: Barrell Craft Spirits Single Barrel Manager Nic Christansen
Nic Christiansen started her career behind the bar, where she honed her love of trying whiskey straight from the barrel.
Beverage Dynamics: Interview: Bourbon Women Association President Maggie Kimberl
By Kyle Swartz - February 1, 2021 The Bourbon Women Association recently named its newest president in veteran spirits expert, speaker and journalist Maggie Kimberl. Founded in 2011, the association highlights and supports women in the world of whiskey. Kimberl moves...
Meet The Makers: Nearest And Jack Apprentice Tracie Franklin
Tracie Franklin’s path included encouragement from Dave Pickerell.
Spectrum News: “Bourbon Women” Celebrates 10 Years, New Leader
BY DAVID GUILDFORD KENTUCKY PUBLISHED 7:53 PM ET JAN. 22, 2021 KENTUCKY — In what has sometimes appeared as a boys club throughout history, the realm of bourbon aficionados is actually teeming with accomplished women. So says the incoming president of Bourbon Women....
Chili Pepper Mint Julep
This unique chili pepper riff on the Mint Julep combines the spiciness of poblano peppers with the refreshing aromas of mint and the cool feel of bourbon on ice. The chili pepper Mint Julep is a summer tipple with enough heat to keep you sipping in the summer heat all evening long.
Meet The Makers: Wild Turkey Brand Ambassador Joann Street
When Jimmy Russell’s Granddaughter, Joann Street, visited The Buddha of Bourbon at a trade show, she knew she wanted to join the family business.
Great Grains: What A Mash Bill Means For A Whiskey
Bourbon expert Susan Reigler teaches us the basics of mash bills in whiskey.
Founder Peggy Noe Stevens Featured On VinePair
words: VINEPAIR STAFF illustration: DANIELLE GRINBERG In this episode of “End of Day Drinks,” Peggy Noe Stevens discusses her organization Bourbon Women and what the bourbon industry needs to do to promote inclusion. After becoming the world’s first female master...
Meet The Makers: Assistant Distiller Stephanie Batty At New Riff
When Stephanie Batty first joined the team at New Riff it was to do event planning. She quickly realized she wanted to make whiskey.
Our New President, Maggie Kimberl, Featured in Louisville Business First
By Sarah Shadburne – Reporter , Louisville Business First Jan 14, 2021 Updated Jan 14, 2021, 10:27am EST Maggie Kimberl, a content editor with American Whiskey Magazine, has been selected as the new president of the Bourbon Women Association, she said. Kimberl began...
Welcome Members! This Is Your Space.
Welcome to the members-only content area of the Bourbon Women community blog!
We created this area as a benefit to our members. It will contain cocktail recipes, food pairing suggestions, and more, all carefully crafted or curated by Heather Wibbels, our Chair of the Board of Directors, also known as The Cocktail Contessa.
Meet The Makers: Master Distiller Alex Castle Of Old Dominick
Old Dominick Master Distiller Alex Castle grew up with dreams of working in distilling, even before she’d experienced beverage alcohol herself.
Bourbon Women & KDA Celebrate Groundbreaking Industry Champion
Christy Trout Van Tatenhove, Special Counsel to Kentucky’s Speaker of the House, received the seventh annual “Lois Mateus Networking Award” this week in honor of her distinguished contributions to Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and spirits industry. Bourbon Women...
Bourbon Women 3-Day Digital Conference: August 20-22
We are kicking off Women's Equality Week with a 3-day FREE digital conference - August 20-22! A top-shelf collection of spirits education right at your fingertips! This first ever and distinctively curated online series will keep you sipping with fellow Bourbon Women...
Bourbon Women Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council
Bourbon Women share in the grief and sorrow of the deaths of black Americans including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and many others who came before them. As an organization, we are actively seeking ways to improve inclusivity and elevate women of color, who have long...
NEW – Bourbon Women Face Masks
Express yourself with a unique face mask from Bourbon Women! Hand crafted by a local artisan, these masks will be the hit of EVERY social (distancing) gathering! Light weight burgundy cotton fabric with elastic ear bands. Bourbon Women logo and quote printed in white....
Bourbon Women Book Picks & Sips
Bourbon Women featured in a recent article on AlcoholProfessor.com - May 14, 2020 MIX UP A DRINK AND FIND A COMFY SPOT FOR A LITERARY SIPPING ESCAPE Sure, the consumption of alcohol in the home has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but do you know what else is...
Atlanta Branch Kick-off
Bourbon Women's newest Branch is celebrating its kickoff during Valentine's Day Weeked with a special event at ASW Distillery’s newest venture – The Exchange! Come share your love of bourbon with other like-minded Atlantians with a private tasting and light nibbles....
Michigan Branch Kick Off
The Michigan Branch of Bourbon Women is hosting their Kickoff event on January 26 at Charlie’s Still on Main, Milford Charter Township, Michigan. Branch Ambassador Carol Otto has lined up Beam Suntory, Markers Mark, Three Chord Bourbon and the Traverse City Whiskey...
North Carolina Branch Gearing Up
The North Carolina Branch of Bourbon Women will start hosting events in 2020. Branch Ambassadors Brenna Booker-Rouse, Christina Newcomb and Vienna Barger are working together to bring events to Piedmont Region. They are also encouraging their close neighbors in...
Bourbon Women Gift Membership
Is there a special bourbon loving woman in your life that would appreciate a Bourbon Women membership? Valentine’s Day is coming up and what could be more romantic than sharing a special bottle of bourbon and giving a membership in the nation’s only network for women...
Have a Spirited New Year’s Eve
The Roaring ‘20s are upon us and we have a feeling it is going to be a spirited New Year’s Eve — and by that, we mean bourbon! Nicole Stipp, Bourbon Women board member and co-owner of Trouble Bar in Louisville, Ky., shares some ideas for ringing in the new decade with...
Bourbon Women NEW Online Store
We are excited to announce the launch of the new Bourbon Women online store featuring our beautiful collection of apparel and home bar items. No matter where you sip your Bourbon, we'll help you do it in style! Click here to start shopping!
2019 Not Your Pink Drink Contest!
Announcing our annual cocktail contest, Not Your Pink Drink!
Our 2019 Bourbon Affair Opening Dinner
Check out photos from our recent dinner event at Ashbourne Farms.
SIP 2019: Member Discount
Are you an active member of Bourbon Women? Did you already know that your membership unlocks a very special discount for SIP 2019?! Active members will receive a $70 discount to full weekend tickets for SIP 2019. Please click here for instructions on unlocking your...
How-To: Using Our New Member Portal
Since our founding, we have striven to provide you with excellent events, adventures with bourbon & community with incredible folks throughout the industry. Please read below on how to make sure your membership is up to date. Check your membership status as soon...
Our Members Get Great Discounts with our Corporate Partners!
Our Partners help us bring you the best programming & inspiring events. Below are some of the discounts our Partners provide as an added benefit to Bourbon Women members! Art Eatables Bourbon Chocolates: We partnered with Art Eatables to create a special...
Professional Presence: An Inspiring Interview with our Founder, Peggy Noe Stevens
Adapted from a November 2018 Interview with Babes Who Hustle, our Founder, Peggy Noe Stevens shares some crucial career and life advice for women in the bourbon industry, or women who love bourbon! How would you say being a woman in your role has affected your...
Dessert In A Glass: Between the Sheets
Nutella + Whiskey = Heaven. Whether you make this one for a night out with the girls, or a romantic evening, you’ll love having a little extra chocolate sauce for whatever is on your menu for dessert. Besides, it’s a good reason to buy that jar of Nutella to have around the house in case of emergency.
Summer Travels, Made Fun: Suitcase Sazerac
Suitcase Sazerac 1 large Peychaud’s sugar cube (recipe below) 2 oz bourbon or rye 1 - 3 spritzes absinthe from an travel spray bottle Directions: Place the sugar cubes in the bottom of an old fashioned glass. Add just a splash of water & mix until the cube is...
The Bitter Manhattan: Dark Side
The Dark Side 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey (95 - 110 proof) .25 oz Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth .75 oz Amaro Averna 8 drops Woodford Reserve’s Sorghum & Sassafras Bitters 4 drops Bittermans Elamakule Tiki Bitters Garnish: Lemon Peel & Cocktail Cherry speer...
Bourbon Women in Garden & Gun: Should Bourbon Be Cask Finished?
Recently, the founder of Bourbon Women, Peggy Noe Stevens, appeared in Garden & Gun magazine to talk about cask finished bourbons. Some excerpts follow & the full article link can be found at the bottom of the piece. “It’s like a chef creating a great...
Bourbon Women Does NOLA
In March earlier this year, we headed down to the Big Easy for a smashing weekend and to enjoy the New Orleans Bourbon Festival. We had a special VIP lounge for Bourbon Women members who were in New Orleans and hosted a special panel discussion with female Master...
Bourbon Women Launches Texas Branch!
We are so excited to announce the expansion of Bourbon Women into Texas! Big thanks are in order towards Hope Parkinson and Samantha Olvera-Moreno of Garrison Brothers Distillery for leading the new chapter. “I’m incredibly excited to bring a branch of the prestigious...
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