For generations, whiskey has been marketed as a symbol of rugged masculinity poured into heavy glasses and sipped in dark-paneled bars. But that image no longer reflects reality.

Over the past decade, the whiskey industry has experienced a notable transformation, with women increasingly taking on pivotal roles and reshaping the landscape of this traditionally male-dominated field. In the 1990s, women constituted only about 15% of whiskey consumers. However, recent data indicates a significant shift, with women now accounting for approximately 36% of whiskey drinkers—a figure that continues to rise.

This surge in female consumers parallels a growing presence of women in key industry positions. Notably, women now hold 48% of global senior leadership roles at companies like Brown-Forman, a leading entity in the whiskey sector.

Despite these advancements, challenges persist. A 2021 report revealed that women accounted for just 36% of individuals represented in whiskey marketing, highlighting an ongoing disparity in brand representation. Nevertheless, the increasing involvement of women as both consumers and leaders signifies a positive trend toward greater inclusivity in the whiskey industry.

From brand founders to master distillers, a growing number of women are shaping the future of whisk(e)y—here are some of the most influential figures leading the charge today.

Allison Parc, Brenne Whiskey

Allison Parc went from the ballet stage to the whiskey world, forging a path few could have predicted. As the founder and president of Brenne Whiskey, Parc is touted as having created the world’s first French single malt aged in both new French Limousin oak and cognac casks. Her vision was shaped by a fascination with terroir, a concept commonly discussed in wine but rarely applied to whiskey. While building an import/export portfolio of craft spirits, she discovered a third-generation cognac producer distilling single malt whiskey. Recognizing its potential, she invested her own savings to refine and expand the operation. In 2012, she cycled through Manhattan delivering the first bottles of Brenne Estate Cask, which sold out within two months. Today, her whiskey is distributed in 35 states and France. She has won multiple World Whiskies Awards and is the only three-time recipient of Whisky Magazine’s World Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year.

Anna Axster and Wendelin von Schroder, Lodestar Whiskey

Anna Axster and Wendelin von Schroder built Lodestar Whiskey to challenge long-held perceptions. As entertainment industry veterans, they developed a love for whiskey but felt existing brands failed to speak to them as female consumers. Even ordering an old-fashioned at a bar sometimes drew unwarranted reactions. When the pandemic halted the music industry, they saw an opportunity to reshape whiskey’s image. Lodestar blends American single malt with high-rye bourbon, creating a spirit with notes of citrus, caramel and baking spice. Beyond flavor, the brand is dedicated to fostering inclusivity, aiming to welcome drinkers who may have previously felt excluded.

Elizabeth McCall, Woodford Reserve

Elizabeth McCall never planned to work in whiskey. She earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology, expecting a career in therapy. Instead, she became a sensory scientist for Brown-Forman, using her expertise in human perception to refine whiskey profiles. She started in quality control, washing dishes and setting up tasting panels, before expanding her role to global production oversight. Previous master distiller Chris Morris saw her potential and mentored her, leading to her appointment as Woodford Reserve’s assistant master distiller in 2018. She became master distiller in 2023, overseeing new product development for one of the most respected bourbon brands.

Emma Walker, Johnnie Walker

Emma Walker made history as Johnnie Walker’s first female master blender in 2021. Leading a team of 12 whisky makers, she ensures that every blend reflects the brand’s signature bold flavors. With a background in organic chemistry, she built her expertise across multiple stages of whisky production, from fermentation to maturation. Her role gives her access to over 10 million casks of maturing Scotch whisky, allowing her to craft innovative blends while maintaining Johnnie Walker’s legacy.

Kate Douglas, Keeper’s Heart Whiskey

Kate Douglas blends tradition with experimentation at Keeper’s Heart Whiskey. With degrees in food safety and fermentation science, she developed a passion for distilling early in her career. She previously worked as head distiller at Old Elk, crafting award-winning blends alongside master distiller Greg Metze. Now at Keeper’s Heart, she oversees quality control and explores innovative finishing casks and new recipes. She believes whiskey’s future lies in continuous innovation, whether through grain selection, barrel aging, or unique proofing techniques. Her expertise bridges Irish and American distilling traditions.

Kate Mead, Wyoming Whiskey

Kate Mead helped build Wyoming Whiskey from the ground up. As co-founder, she played a direct role in designing the distillery and shaping the brand. A lifelong rancher and conservationist, she has spent decades preserving the landscapes that define both Wyoming Whiskey and her home state. She was instrumental in launching partnerships with the National Park Foundation to support land conservation efforts. Outside of whiskey, she dedicates her time to the Mead family ranches and serves as a founding board member of the Grand Teton National Park Foundation. Her influence extends beyond distilling, reinforcing the connection between whiskey and the land that produces it.

Melinda Maddox, Old Elk

Melinda Maddox took an unconventional path to whiskey. With a background in bartending and hospitality, she first gained recognition in mixology, winning cocktail competitions before transitioning into production. She joined Old Elk in 2019 as beverage director and quickly moved into production management, overseeing blending, bottling and new product development. In 2024, she became the brand’s first master blender, creating award-winning expressions like Cigar Cut, which earned gold medals at major spirits competitions.

Rachel Barrie, The Benriach Distillery

Dr. Rachel Barrie has spent nearly three decades shaping the world of Scotch whisky. As master blender for Benriach, she oversees the development and refinement of the distillery’s diverse whisky styles, from classic and peated to triple-distilled expressions. A trained chemist, she began her career at the Scotch Whisky Research Institute before moving into production roles at Glenmorangie, Bowmore and Laphroaig. She became a master blender in 2003 and has since tasted over 150,000 casks, an expertise that earned her induction into Whisky Magazine’s Hall of Fame. In 2018, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Edinburgh, becoming the first female Scotch whisky master blender to receive such recognition. Last year, she joined the ranks of the Keepers of the Quaich, a distinction reserved for those who have made a lasting impact on the industry.

Victoria Eady Butler, Uncle Nearest Whiskey

Victoria Eady Butler carries a family legacy. The great-great-granddaughter of Nearest Green, the first known African American master distiller, she leads Uncle Nearest Whiskey as its master blender. She initially worked in law enforcement before joining the brand, where she quickly rose to prominence. Her first curated batch sold out immediately and won multiple international awards. She became the first person to win Master Blender of the Year back-to-back at the American Icons of Whisky Awards. She also oversees the Nearest Green Foundation, which funds scholarships for Green’s descendants.