Breaking Barriers: Women Leading the Charge in the Spirits Industry
Men may have traditionally dominated the spirits industry, but innovators are striving to change the image of distillers. When it comes to dark, aged spirits, the challenge is two-fold, with women historically excluded as the makers – or even drinkers – of whisky, Scotch and Cognac.
The Modern Face of Whisky is striving for better. With a campaign to challenge the stereotypical image of whisky drinkers, the stock image library (created by OurWhisky Foundation) promotes the many faces of whisky enthusiasts. Challenging outdated stereotypes, a wealth of women and people of all genders, races and ages enjoying the spirit are featured in the collection.
Now, the industry is waking up to the talent of skilled artisans – recognizing the influence and continued dominance of female distillers and blenders. Bacardi is proud to have four female Maestros shaping the future of the industry and its drinks – Stephanie Macleod, Master Blender, DEWAR'S® Scotch whisky; Anne Brock, Master Distiller, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin; Nancy Duarte, Master Blender, SANTA TERESA® rum; and Agathe Boinot, Cellar Master, D'USSÉ® Cognac, whose appointment made her the youngest female cellar master of the world's major Cognac houses.
In 2024, Macleod was named Master Blender of the Year by the International Whisky Competition® for a sensational sixth consecutive time, and is celebrated in the DEWAR'S® 'Here's to the Story' marketing campaign, appearing in the advert as one of the inspiring storytellers and creative minds that has shaped the brand over the centuries.
'Perceptions are shifting, and now women can see the potential for a bright, exciting future career working with spirits. I'm very proud to play my part in that by nurturing future female talent in my team.' Stephanie Macleod, Master Blender Dewar's® Scotch Whisky
Beyond championing established artisans, Bacardi is also building bridges for access. In 2025, the brand will host two all-female cohorts of its pioneering 'Shake Your Future' program in India. The training is designed to help unemployed and underrepresented young adults build careers in the world of mixology. Classes help master bartending basics, covering subjects like mixology, flairing as well as complementary business areas such as personal branding, social media and communication.
The visibility of women at the top of drinks world is empowering the cohort industrywide. Today, over three quarters (76%) of women working in the beverage alcohol industry feel they can be their authentic selves at work and would encourage other women to pursue a career in the sector, according to research from Deloitte.1
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
HÄAGEN-DAZS® EXPANDS PARTNERSHIP WITH ALLIES IN ARTS TO CELEBRATE LGBTQIA2+S CREATIVES THROUGH NATIONAL MURAL CAMPAIGN
During Pride Month, Häagen-Dazs® debuts new work from three LGBTQIA2+S artists across New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco inspired by the art of slowing down WALNUT CREEK, Calif., June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This June, Häagen-Dazs® proudly continues its multi-year partnership with nonprofit Allies in Arts (AiA), celebrating Pride Month with a new nationwide mural campaign. In collaboration with three LGBTQIA2+S artists, the brand is unveiling large-scale, vibrant artworks in New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, each inspired by one of Häagen-Dazs' newest flavor launches: Salted Brown Butter Cookie ice cream and Salted Caramel Macadamia Bar. As part of the brand's larger 2025 campaign focused on celebrating life's slower moments, Häagen-Dazs® tapped three LGBTQIA2+S artists from Allies in Arts' creative network to interpret this ethos through large-scale murals. Each piece reflects the belief that true indulgence, like Häagen-Dazs ice cream, should never be rushed. It's a rich and sensory experience meant to be fully enjoyed. In New York City, Subin Yang reimagines an intimate moment of connection, incorporating soft textures that mirror the creamy, layered richness of the Salted Caramel Macadamia Bar. In San Francisco, Alice Lee captures a peaceful city escape drawn from the colors of the Salted Brown Butter Cookie carton. And in Los Angeles, Loveis Wise brings a vibrant, sun-soaked mural to life, channeling the Salted Caramel Macadamia Bar through warm tones and laid-back energy. These bold public artworks will debut throughout the summer in each artist's home city, offering passersby a chance to pause, indulge, and appreciate the beauty of the everyday. "This partnership with Allies in Arts brings together innovative flavors and creative and bold storytelling," said Rachel Jaiven, Head of Häagen-Dazs® Marketing. "It's exciting to see how each artist designed their mural this year to invite people to slow down, take in their surroundings, and enjoy a moment of creativity and indulgence." Originally launched through #ThätsDazs, Häagen-Dazs®' partnership with Allies in Arts highlights the brand's continued investment in rising creators and is now in its fourth year. Through this collaboration, the brand continues to provide well-paid creative opportunities while connecting art and community through flavor-forward storytelling. Like the careful crafting of its ice cream, Häagen-Dazs® sees mural-making as an intentional process—one that rewards patience, attention to detail, and a celebration of slowing down to create something truly special. "We're so grateful to Häagen-Dazs® for providing life-changing opportunities to our community of LGBTQ+ artists," said Drew Denny, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Allies in Arts. "Partnerships like this make our work possible." Each piece will be featured on a prominent outdoor display, with the following mural locations and flight dates: Los Angeles: W. 3rd St. & S. Orlando Ave: 8401 W 3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90048 - Flight dates: 5/21/25 - 7/20/25 New York City: Everit St. & Vine St: 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn NY 11201 - Flight dates: Flight dates: 5/22/25 - 7/20/25 San Francisco: Lombard St. & Buchanan St: 1897 Lombard St. San Francisco, CA 94123 - Flight dates: 5/26/25 - 7/20/25 For more information about Häagen-Dazs® and its ongoing work with nonprofit organizations like Allies in Arts through #Thät'sDazs and beyond, visit and follow @haagendazs_us on Instagram and TikTok. To learn more about Allies in Arts and their mission to uplift LGBTQIA2+S creatives, visit To support LGBTQ+ artists through Allies in Arts, please consider donating here. And follow each of the artists on Instagram: Loveis Wise (@loveiswiseillu) Subin Yang (@subinie94) Alice Lee (@byalicelee) About Allies in Arts:Allies in Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to support artists who are women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA2+S — all of whom are underrepresented individuals in creative industries. Artists from our communities face barriers as a direct result of race, gender, sex, and sexual orientation. We seek to break down those barriers by awarding grants, curating exhibitions and screenings, and connecting artists with the decision-makers who can hire them. Founded in 2015, Allies in Arts is queer and trans-led, with flagship programs like @transanta, a mutual aid campaign that supports over 9,000 queer youth, run by trans designer Kyle Lasky, and Transchool, a paid educational initiative for young trans writers. As long as there is discrimination, we need Allies. Let's even the odds. Together. About Häagen-Dazs®:The HÄAGEN-DAZS® trademark is used under license. ©HDIP, Inc.Häagen-Dazs® was founded by Rose and Reuben Mattus in 1960 on a mission to transform simple flavors and the finest ingredients possible into an extraordinary ice cream experience. True to tradition, the brand is committed to using only high-quality ingredients in crafting the world's first luxury ice cream that can be enjoyed by all. Today, the Häagen-Dazs® brand offers ice cream, non-dairy frozen dessert, sorbet and bars in more than 65 flavors available around the globe. In the US, Häagen-Dazs® operates under Froneri, an ice cream-focused joint venture Nestlé created in 2016 with PAI Partners. In the U.S., Froneri operates as Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, based out of Walnut Creek, CA. Media Contact:The Door - An Idea Househaagendazs@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Häagen-Dazs® Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Hypebeast
3 hours ago
- Hypebeast
ZAMAERA, Damien Mirza and Roshan Light Up Kuala Lumpur at Road to FAM
The night was electric in Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown as Malaysia's own rap powerhouse,ZAMAERA, took center stage for the latest stop in the sold out 'Road to FAM' series. In a city brimming with music, the event—held at the intimate yet pulsing Over & Above venue—proved that Southeast Asia's next wave of artists is more than ready to claim their place on the global stage. Presented byFuture Asian Music (FAM)andLevi's®, 'Road to FAM' is a city-hopping music showcase that's been turning heads across the region. After packed-out shows in Manila and Singapore, the energy arrived in KL on May 21, where ZAMAERA headlined a night that blended hip hop, R&B, and denim culture into something uniquely Malaysian. ZAMAERA, who first made waves with her viral anthem 'Helly Kelly,' didn't disappoint. Decked out in a custom Levi's® look by local labelUGLY PRETTY—think layered denim corset, miniskirt, and a blazer-trench hybrid—the rapper owned the stage. Her setlist was a masterclass in crowd work, weaving together fan favorites like 'Big Fish' and new drops like 'Jumper' with the kind of energy that had the whole room moving. At one point, she even invited fans to dance with her on stage—a move that turned the packed venue into a full-on dance floor. The evening's vibe was set by local DJs Damien Mirza and Prav, who warmed up the crowd with hip hop and R\&B mixes that had people grooving long before ZAMAERA's first beat dropped. And in a nod to the city's creative community, Levi's® also teamed up with graffiti artistCloakwork, turning the event into more than just a concert—it was a night of style, music, and culture coming together in one sweaty, joyful room. For ZAMAERA, the look she wore wasn't just about fashion—it was a statement. 'She owns her identity unapologetically, and I wanted her outfit to reflect that strength and fearlessness,' said UGLY PRETTY, the designer behind the piece. The message? You don't just have to make music to make waves. The 'Road to FAM' series isn't just about the live shows, either. Each stop is being captured in a mini-documentary series that'll dig into the artists' roots and creative journeys. And with the final show set to close out in Jakarta with RAMENGVRL, there's plenty more to come. It's clear that FAM and Levi's® are tapping into something real: a community-driven platform that celebrates emerging talent and builds bridges between local scenes and global ears. If the Kuala Lumpur show was any indication, the future of Asian music isn't just bright—it's blinding. Learn more about the series
Eater
5 hours ago
- Eater
3 Houston Restaurants to Try This Weekend: June 6
Each week, we'll provide a trusty list of recommendations to answer the most pressing of questions: 'Where should I eat?' Here are three places to check out this weekend in Houston. And if you need ideas on where to drink, here's our list of the hottest places to get cocktails in town . For fun bar food: Good God, Nadine's 33 Waugh Drive, Heights There's something about the name of this new bar that makes me chuckle. Its owners say they named and modeled their new Heights watering hole after a sometimes over-the-top, eclectic auntie, one who I imagine never ceases to beguile those who know her well, but is also inviting and hospitable despite her quirks. The bar similarly offers a warm and welcoming vibe, with a spacious bar area and patio, and a bevy of drinks that include some tropical and fruity twists that bode well for the hot months. Most noticeably, the dishes aren't too precious to dig into with your hands, just as it should be when it comes to bar food — and, to put it plainly, this is a bar where you grub. Inspired by co-owner Billy Trainor's travels and time in Taipei and chef Kyle Wiebe's own upbringing, Good God, Nadine's offers mostly shareable plates that make ideal, filling complements to an afternoon or night out drinking with friends. The bar's dips are something to behold: The guacamole, possibly the most unique version I've encountered in Houston, is hidden under a layer of spices, sesame, and shiso crunch. There's also baked goat cheese, sourced from Dapper Goat Dairy, punctuated with lavender honey and roasted grapes and served with focaccia made in-house; a hot and cheesy crab dip that's heavy on the Old Bay; a refreshing red fish agua chile verde with green papaya and mango, and an incredible cast-iron cornbread that's topped with a slightly sweet, slightly sour cultured butter with smoked trout roe and chunks of pickled turnip for crunch. Happy hour is also a great deal: Come before 7 p.m. and score the hefty smash burger with Cajunnaise for $7 and an order of snacky, hand-cut beef tallow fries for $3. This place makes drinking fun again. For great food with a whole vibe: Chopnblok 507 Westheimer Road, Montrose While many diners are likely familiar with Chopnblok's West African food stall in the bustling food hall in Post Houston, I'm confident in saying you haven't gotten the full experience until you've visited its standalone restaurant in Montrose. Where the Post Houston location offers a glimpse of West African cuisine in a modern, fast-casual setting, the Montrose outpost is the actual realization. Diners are treated to an extended menu featuring highlights like deviled Scotch eggs reimagined with spiced turkey and suya beef skewers with a side of yaji spice for dipping and pickled red onion for a bright contrast. The comforting Blok Pairings, bowls featuring a flavorful mashup of West African ingredients, each offering a slightly different experience. There's the hearty buka, a beef short rib red stew with rice, beans, and sweet plantains; the Liberian- inspired Greens + Tings, made with roadside steak and stewed plantains; the Black Star, which pairs ikoyi shrimp and yassa curry; and the diner-favorite Golden, a combination of smoky jollof jambalaya, curry, chicken, seasoned vegetables, and plantains. The cocktails, created by Alexis Mijares, the consulting mixologist and owner of Botonica, also lean into West African cuisine. The Dodo Old Fashioned features a spiced plantain syrup and a dehydrated plantain as a garnish, while the Redbush Sidecar showcases a chocolate rooibos-infused cognac with orange liqueur, lemon, and crème de cacao. The vibe here is also unmatched, with warm and moody lighting, colorful decor with African prints, and nods to women and African and African American culture, including a shelf of books curated by Kindred Stories, Third Ward's Black woman-owned bookstore. With Houston's diverse communities and massive Nigerian population, this is a restaurant the city so rightfully deserves. For a live-fire dining experience that breathes Texas: Credence 9757 Katy Freeway, #170, Memorial Here's another restaurant you must visit at least once to get your Houston dining education, but don't be surprised if you leave already planning your next visit. Chef Levi Goode (yes, that Goode) stepped outside his family restaurant group last summer to open his first solo venture in Memorial: a restaurant that pays homage to Texas cuisine and whose dishes all contain at least one component that touches the fire. Credence's open kitchen operates like a stage, giving diners a full view of the custom-made 12-foot-wide hearth and wood-fire oven that burns Texas woods and coals to prepare some of its central dishes. There's a fire-roasted seafood tower and a version of pan de campo, Texas's official state bread, which is cooked in a cast-iron skillet over live coals. Diners can also catch glimpses of live-fire action as the restaurant's whole Sweetwater duck for two slow-roasts over the hearth before it's served tableside with heirloom dirty rice. The menu includes steaks grilled over mesquite and Post Oak woods, half-chickens, hearth-roasted tuna, pasta dishes like housemade black truffle linguine, and fancy cart service for salads and desserts. Don't leave without trying the deviled crabs on the half-shell, which drip with an irresistibly smoky tomato butter, and the coconut cream pie made with toasted coconut, shaved chocolate, and a burnt meringue. For a special treat at the night's end, dip into Credence's snazzy sister speakeasy, Sidebar, for a cocktail and live music. Sign up for our newsletter.
