The classic image of a distiller is a man with a beard, but that picture has never been the full story. Women have been the quiet force behind spirits for centuries, from running stills during Prohibition to perfecting family recipes. The legacy of Mary Dowling proves that women have never been strangers to the world of whiskey; their stories were just rarely told. Today, women are stepping out of the shadows and taking their rightful place as owners, masters, and innovators. To support female owned distilleries is to help correct the historical record. It’s an acknowledgment of the past and an investment in a future where everyone’s contribution is celebrated.
Key Takeaways
- Support innovation, not just a brand: Choosing a female-owned distillery means you’re investing in unique flavor profiles, meticulous craftsmanship, and a more creative and dynamic spirits industry.
- Create demand with simple actions: You can make a significant impact by asking for these brands by name at your local bar, sharing your favorites online, or visiting a distillery in person.
- Finding female-led brands is easier than you think: Use online directories, social media communities, and industry organizations to discover your next favorite bottle and learn the powerful stories behind the spirits.
What is a Female-Owned Distillery (And Why It Matters)
When you picture the world of whiskey, you might imagine a history dominated by men. But that picture is incomplete. Women have always been a part of whiskey’s story, from the earliest distillers to modern-day innovators. A female-owned distillery isn’t just a business with a woman at the helm; it’s a statement. It represents a reclaiming of that history and a bold step toward a more inclusive and creative future for the spirits industry.
Supporting these distilleries is about more than just gender parity. It’s about embracing new perspectives, flavors, and stories that enrich the entire whiskey landscape. These women are often master distillers, savvy entrepreneurs, and community builders who are deeply connected to their craft. They’re carrying on legacies, like that of Mary Dowling, and creating new ones for the next generation. By choosing to support them, you’re investing in a more dynamic, innovative, and authentic industry.
What Qualifies as Female-Owned?
A business is generally considered female-owned when one or more women hold at least 51% of the ownership. This means they have the controlling interest and are involved in the management and daily operations. While the definition is straightforward, the reality is that these distilleries are incredibly rare. In 2022, less than 8% of craft distilleries in the United States were woman-owned. This small number highlights a significant gap in a traditionally male-dominated field and shows just how much ground there is to cover. Every bottle you purchase from a female-owned distillery helps close that gap.
Shaking Up a Traditional Industry
Women are changing the conversation around whiskey by introducing new techniques, unique flavor profiles, and a more collaborative culture. Many of the women leading today’s top distilleries are known for their willingness to push boundaries and ask, “What if?” They aren’t afraid to experiment with different grains, unique barrel finishes, or unconventional aging processes. By taking creative risks, these women are not just making their mark—they are building on the legacy of trailblazers like Mary Dowling, proving that the boldest moves often lead to the most rewarding results.
Their Impact on Local Communities
Female-owned bourbon brands often come with powerful stories of resilience, determination, and a deep-seated passion for their craft. These aren’t just faceless corporations; they are businesses built on personal narratives and a genuine love for making exceptional spirits. The contributions of women, from historical figures to today’s industry leaders, are central to the story of American whiskey. When you support these distilleries, you’re not just buying a bottle of whiskey; you’re becoming part of a story and championing a business that often has deep roots in its local community.
Why Support Female-Owned Distilleries?
Choosing a bottle of whiskey is about more than just what’s inside. It’s a vote for the kind of industry you want to see—one that’s creative, inclusive, and full of character. When you support a female-owned distillery, you’re backing a business that is often built on a foundation of passion, resilience, and a fresh perspective. These women are not just participating in the spirits world; they are actively reshaping it, bringing new ideas and a collaborative spirit to a traditionally male-dominated field.
This shift is about more than representation. It’s about the tangible impact these leaders have on their products, their teams, and their communities. They are entrepreneurs, innovators, and storytellers who are crafting exceptional spirits while building businesses with intention. By seeking out their bottles, you’re not only discovering some of the most exciting whiskeys on the shelf but also contributing to a more diverse and dynamic industry. It’s a simple choice that makes a real difference, connecting you to the story behind the spirit and the people who pour their hearts into making it.
Discover Unique Flavors and Innovation
Many of the women leading today’s distilleries are known for their willingness to push boundaries and ask, “What if?” This curiosity leads to incredible innovation. They are experimenting with unique grain combinations, pioneering new aging processes, and creating flavor profiles that challenge our expectations of what a spirit can be. This isn’t about changing things for the sake of it; it’s about a relentless pursuit of flavor and quality. By exploring different barrel finishes and mash bills, they produce spirits with incredible depth and complexity. When you try one of our whiskeys, you’re tasting the result of that creative freedom and dedication.
Champion Sustainable Practices
Female-owned distilleries are often deeply connected to their local communities, and that connection shows in how they do business. Many prioritize sustainable sourcing, create inclusive hiring practices, and actively support other local entrepreneurs. This community-first mindset means they are not just building a brand; they are building a legacy of positive impact. Choosing their spirits means you’re supporting a business model that values people and the planet. It’s a way to ensure your purchase contributes to a healthier, more equitable local economy, where success is shared and the community grows stronger together.
Prioritize Craftsmanship Over Volume
For many female distillers, the goal isn’t to be the biggest—it’s to be the best. They are often in the business of taste, not volume, focusing on meticulous craftsmanship over mass production. This approach allows for an incredible attention to detail at every step, from selecting the perfect grains to making the final cut. Like Mary Dowling herself, who rebuilt her empire on a reputation for quality, these women are driven by a passion for their craft. This dedication is something you can taste in every sip, offering a more personal and thoughtfully made spirit that tells the story of its creator.
Celebrate Collaboration and Rich Stories
Women in the distilling world are building a culture of collaboration over competition. By sharing their journeys, they are making the world of spirits feel more welcoming and accessible for everyone. They are creating communities through organizations like the Bourbon Women Association, where enthusiasts can connect and share their passion. When you support these brands, you become part of that story. You’re not just buying a bottle; you’re celebrating a legacy of resilience and joining a movement that champions shared success and opens doors for the next generation of distillers.
How to Find Female-Owned Distilleries
Ready to explore spirits from some of the most creative minds in the industry? Finding female-owned distilleries is easier than you might think. Women have always been a part of making spirits, but now more of them are taking the lead as owners and master distillers. With a little searching, you can find incredible bottles and support the women who are defining the future of the craft. Here are a few straightforward ways to start your search.
Use Online Directories and Maps
One of the simplest ways to find female-owned distilleries is by using dedicated online resources. Websites and blogs focused on the spirits industry often curate lists and interactive maps that you can filter by ownership. These directories take the guesswork out of your search, pointing you directly to distilleries in your area or in a place you plan to visit. As more women become distillery owners, online resources like the Distillery Trail are constantly updated, making them a reliable tool for discovering your next favorite spirit. A quick search can reveal hidden gems right in your own backyard.
Connect on Social Media
Social media is a fantastic place to discover new brands and connect with the people behind them. Start by following your favorite female-led brands (like us!) and see who they’re celebrating. Many distilleries use their platforms to highlight other women shaping the spirits industry. You can also search for hashtags like #WomenInWhiskey, #FemaleDistiller, or #WomenOwnedDistillery to find a community of makers and enthusiasts. It’s a great way to see new releases, learn about brand stories, and get a feel for the personality behind the bottle before you buy.
Attend Local Tastings and Fairs
There’s nothing quite like meeting a distiller and hearing their story firsthand. Local tasting events, craft fairs, and farmers’ markets are perfect opportunities to do just that. These events allow you to sample different spirits and learn directly from the women who make them. It’s a personal way to connect with the craft and find unique products that you might not see on the shelves of a large liquor store. Checking your city’s event calendars or following local food and drink publications can help you find events where you can support local businesses and their creators.
Check Industry Organizations
For a more focused approach, look to the organizations dedicated to championing women in the spirits world. Groups like the Women’s Cocktail Collective or Women of the Vine & Spirits often feature member directories and promote brands founded by women. These organizations work to shine a light on people who are often overlooked in the distilling business. Exploring their websites can introduce you to a wide network of talented distillers and provide resources for learning more about their contributions. Following organizations like Women in Distilling is a great way to stay informed and support the industry’s leading women.
How You Can Support Women in Distilling
Making a real impact is easier than you might think. Supporting women in the distilling industry goes beyond just buying a bottle; it’s about championing their stories, creating demand, and investing in a more inclusive future for spirits. Whether you have five minutes or a whole weekend, you can take simple, actionable steps to lift up the incredible women shaping the world of whiskey. By being intentional with your time and money, you help ensure their innovative spirits and rich legacies continue to thrive. Here are a few practical ways to show your support.
Buy Directly and Give Thoughtful Gifts
One of the most direct ways to support female distillers is to purchase their products. When you buy a bottle online or from the source, more of your money goes straight to the creators. Think about these spirits when you’re choosing a gift for a birthday, holiday, or housewarming. Giving a bottle from a female-owned distillery isn’t just a present; it’s a story. You’re sharing the legacy of a trailblazer and introducing someone to a brand built on passion and resilience. By taking creative risks and honoring history, these women are crafting exceptional spirits that deserve a place on your bar cart and your gift list.
Share Your Favorites on Social Media and in Reviews
Word-of-mouth is incredibly powerful, and in our digital world, that often means sharing online. If you try a whiskey you love from a female-led distillery, post about it! A quick photo on Instagram, a mention in your stories, or a thoughtful review on a retailer’s site can make a huge difference. Women-owned brands often have powerful stories of determination, and by sharing them, you help make the world of bourbon feel more welcoming and accessible. Tag the brand, describe what you enjoyed about the spirit, and let your friends know what you’re drinking. Your personal recommendation can be the spark that encourages someone else to discover their new favorite distiller.
Visit a Distillery and Attend Events
There’s nothing quite like seeing the passion and process up close. If you have a female-owned distillery nearby, plan a visit for a tour or tasting. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the people behind the spirit, hear their stories firsthand, and support their local business. Many distilleries also host special events, workshops, or tasting sessions. Websites like Women in Distilling are becoming a helpful resource for anyone who wants to find and support brands led by women, often sharing stories and news about distilleries you can visit. Making that personal connection turns a simple drink into a memorable experience.
Ask for Their Spirits at Your Local Bar or Shop
Your voice creates demand. The next time you’re at your favorite cocktail bar or browsing the aisles of your local liquor store, ask for a spirit from a female-owned distillery by name. If they don’t carry it, your request signals that there’s interest. Bartenders and store managers pay attention to what customers are asking for, and your inquiry could be the reason they decide to stock a new brand. With dozens of woman-owned distilleries across the country, you can use a distillery directory to find a few names to keep in mind. This simple act helps put these incredible spirits on the map and in more glasses.
Back Educational Programs and Workshops
Supporting women in distilling also means investing in the industry’s future. Many female founders are committed to fostering a more collaborative and innovative culture, introducing new techniques and unique flavor profiles. Look for brands that are involved in mentorship opportunities, host educational workshops, or partner with organizations that provide resources for aspiring distillers. When you support these brands, you’re not just buying a product; you’re contributing to a movement that empowers the next generation of women to make their mark. It’s a way to ensure the industry continues to grow in exciting and inclusive directions.
Organizations That Champion Women Distillers
If you’re looking to support women in the spirits industry, you’re in luck. A growing number of organizations are dedicated to celebrating, connecting, and promoting female distillers and brand owners. These groups provide essential resources that help women build their businesses and make it easier for all of us to find and enjoy the incredible spirits they create. From professional networks to consumer-facing directories, these organizations are changing the landscape of the industry for the better.
Essential Industry Networks
Women have always been a vital part of bourbon’s history, even when their stories went untold. The incredible legacy of Mary Dowling, the “Mother of Bourbon,” is a powerful reminder of the resilience and ingenuity women have brought to distilling for generations. Today, industry networks are making sure current and future female leaders have the support they need to thrive. These groups connect women across the industry, offering mentorship, professional development, and a space to share knowledge. They help members build relationships, find collaborators, and gain the visibility needed to secure leadership roles, ensuring the industry’s future is more inclusive.
Educational and Skill-Building Programs
Diverse leadership creates better whiskey. As more women enter the field, they introduce fresh perspectives, innovative techniques, and unique flavor profiles that push the entire industry forward. Educational programs are key to fostering this growth. Organizations offer workshops and courses on everything from the technical side of distilling to the nuances of marketing and brand building. These programs equip women with the practical skills and confidence to launch their own brands or take on new challenges within existing distilleries. By investing in education, these groups are helping to cultivate a new generation of distillers who are crafting some of today’s most exciting award-winning whiskeys.
Distillery Trails and Promotional Platforms
Want to plan a road trip or find a new favorite bottle? There are now platforms specifically designed to help you discover distilleries run by women. The website Women in Distilling, for example, features a blog that shares the stories behind female-founded brands, along with a map and directory to help you find them. These resources make it simple to explore spirits from women-owned companies in your area or across the country. They put the spotlight on smaller, independent producers you might not otherwise find, making it easy to support them directly. Next time you’re looking for a new spirit, check out one of these directories to find a bottle with a great story behind it.
Community and Advocacy Groups
Community is everything. Advocacy groups like the Bourbon Women Association create welcoming spaces where both industry professionals and passionate consumers can connect over a shared love for spirits. By sharing their journeys, female founders make the world of bourbon feel more accessible and inviting for everyone. These organizations host tastings, events, and discussions that celebrate the contributions of women while also advocating for greater representation. They work to change the industry’s culture from the inside out, ensuring that the stories of trailblazers like Mary Dowling are not just remembered but are also joined by a chorus of new voices shaping the future of whiskey.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the “female-owned” distinction so important? Isn’t good whiskey just good whiskey? You’re right, great whiskey stands on its own merit. The distinction matters because for generations, the spirits industry has been so one-sided that women’s contributions were often ignored or erased. Highlighting “female-owned” isn’t about creating a separate category; it’s about correcting an imbalance and celebrating the talented entrepreneurs who are shaping the industry’s future. It’s a way to consciously support a more diverse, creative, and inclusive world of spirits.
Does whiskey from a female-owned distillery taste different? While you can’t taste gender in a glass, you can absolutely taste a unique point of view. Many women leading distilleries today are known for pushing creative boundaries, whether through innovative barrel finishes, unique grain combinations, or a meticulous focus on craftsmanship over volume. This willingness to experiment often leads to spirits with incredible depth and character. You’re tasting the result of a passion for the craft, not just a formula.
I thought distilling was historically a man’s job. Is this a new trend? That’s a common misconception, but women have been at the heart of distilling for centuries. From running stills at home to managing massive operations during Prohibition, their roles were essential, even if their stories weren’t always told. Trailblazers like Mary Dowling prove that women have always been a powerful force in American whiskey. The recent rise in visible female ownership isn’t a new phenomenon, but rather a reclaiming of that long and resilient history.
What if there aren’t any female-owned distilleries near me? Even if you can’t visit a distillery in person, you can still be a huge supporter. Many brands, including ours, can ship directly to your door, allowing you to explore their spirits from anywhere. You can also become an advocate in your own community. The next time you’re at your local liquor store or cocktail bar, ask them if they carry any spirits from female-owned distilleries. Your request signals that there’s a demand, which is one of the most powerful ways to get these bottles onto more shelves.
Besides buying a bottle, what’s the most impactful way I can support this movement? Your voice is an incredibly powerful tool. When you find a spirit you love from a female-led brand, talk about it. Post a photo on social media, leave a positive review on a retailer’s website, or simply tell a friend what you’re drinking. These personal recommendations help build awareness and share the story behind the bottle. It’s a simple, no-cost way to champion the craft and help others discover their next favorite distiller.
Justin Pakdaman is the Marketing Director for Mary Dowling Whiskey Co., where he leads brand storytelling, digital strategy, and consumer engagement. Justin has years of experience building premium spirits brands.