Second generation distiller and founder of Killara Distillery Kristy Lark-Booth discusses being held to different standards, building a community of women in Australian distilling, and being proud of how far she has come.

Our monthly news roundup for May brings with it a new class and chairwoman for the Council of Whiskey Masters, Spirited Awards Top 10 Nominations aplenty, female representation in a whisky documentary, a new women-centric initiative from Diageo India, and more. 

Women’s role in whisky history is undeniable, but many of them have only been discovered in recent years. Heather Storgaard explains why and how stories of whisky women need to be told for the benefit of the industry’s future.

As we mark another World Whisky Day (17th May) OurWhisky Foundation founder Becky Paskin hopes that now more than ever we come together and celebrate our very human industry.

The OurWhisky Foundation has revealed the 2025 cohort of 44 women and non-binary individuals to be selected for its re-launched mentorship programme

Our monthly news roundup for April sees a myriad of ways in which women are being recognised in the whisky industry. From a new book showcasing women in production, to awards, promotions and more, it’s been a good month for women in whisky.

The OurWhisky Foundation has launched the OurWhisky Foundation Community, a first-of-its-kind digital platform designed to connect whisky industry professionals around the world.

Former head of Diageo World Class & Advocacy Marissa Johnston has seen first-hand how women behind the bar have been underserved by whisky brands. Our executive director explains why and how the industry should support female bartenders to help whisky as a whole thrive.

Distilling was a career Emma Millar never knew was a possibility. Nearly a decade later, she’s a senior distiller for Northern Ireland’s Hinch Distillery. She wants more young people to know that making whisky is an option.

The first instalment of our monthly news roundup, March brought with it exciting new roles for women in whisky, impactful fundraising initiatives and progressive DE&I policies from breastfeeding to the menopause.

Despite being one of the year’s biggest gifting opportunities, Mother’s Day is still under-served by whisky brands and retailers. Johanna Derry Hall asks brands, marketeers, buyers and journalists why mums miss out.

Bar entrepreneur Simo Simpson is one of whisky’s most outspoken feminist male allies. He explains how he thinks the industry has changed in the 15 years since he started – and the small changes he’s made to make his businesses more inclusive.

From her beginnings as a tour guide to working in commercial, Hazel Macleod’s career in whisky wasn’t a planned one. Now a whisky specialist for Woven Whisky, she’s using the skills she learned on the Atonia Programme to overcome self doubt, fight negativity, and eradicate the need for the term “women in whisky”.

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate women and tackle gender inequality. However we need to move beyond echo chamber panel discussions and performative Instagram posts if we’re to make any kind of difference, writes Becky Paskin.

From hiding their baby bump in photographs and from potential clients, to fearing they’d lose respect for taking maternity leave, pregnancy is an especially nuanced experience that women in whisky still navigate. Bethany Whymark asks those who’ve been through it how it has changed the way they work.

Heaven Hill’s European brand ambassador for craft premium spirits portfolio, Kyra Elton, always felt a little out of place in whisky. Now, she wants to advocate for others, continue to educate herself, and share her story.

With a background in theatre, Illinois market manager for Koval Distillery, Angela Salinas, has often felt she doesn’t belong in whisky. She explains how a life-changing moment with her mentor and grounding experiences with her fellow acorns have made her feel seen.

From wine to whisky, Moet Hennessey Argentina sommelier Natalia Grego has carved out her dream communications role. She explains how nailing down her goals made her focus on her whisky future to become an Atonia’s Acorn.

The OurWhisky Foundation has renamed its world-renowned mentorship programme as the Atonia Programme, and is now accepting applications from individuals based in Great Britain and Ireland.

Marissa Johnston, former global head of Diageo World Class & Advocacy, has joined the OurWhisky Foundation as executive director, marking a significant new chapter in the non-profit’s journey.