For a long time, bourbon was branded as “a man’s drink.” The imagery was rugged — men in flannel shirts, cigars, and campfires. But here’s the thing: bourbon’s history (and future) would look a whole lot emptier without the women who’ve shaped it.
From master distillers and blenders to brand builders and historians, women have always been behind the scenes — now, they’re front and center.
Let’s pour one out for the whiskey women who’ve changed the game, bottle by bottle.
The Early Days: Women Were There First
Before bourbon became big business, women were often the ones making it. In early America, distilling was a household craft — much like baking bread or canning fruit. Many women distilled whiskey for family use or local trade.
That tradition continued quietly through the 1800s, even as bourbon moved from farms to factories. During Prohibition, women like Mary Dowling risked everything to keep bourbon alive. She ran her distillery from Kentucky all the way to Mexico — keeping whiskey flowing when the law tried to shut it down.
So no, women didn’t just join bourbon. They’ve been here from the start.
The Modern Trailblazers
As bourbon rebounded in the late 20th century, women started making waves again — this time, on the labels and in the labs.
Let’s meet a few names every bourbon lover should know.
Marianne Eaves – Kentucky’s First Female Master Distiller Since Prohibition
When Marianne Eaves stepped into her role at Castle & Key, she made history. As the first female master distiller in Kentucky since the 1920s, she shattered a century-old ceiling — and did it her way.
Her background as a chemical engineer gave her a unique edge in blending science with artistry. She helped restore the historic Old Taylor Distillery, breathing new life into its legacy and showing the world that bourbon’s future could look different — and taste even better.
Since leaving Castle & Key, Marianne has launched independent projects and consulting ventures, continuing to innovate with transparency and authenticity.
Joy Spence – The Science of Flavor
Okay, yes — she’s technically rum royalty at Appleton Estate in Jamaica, but Joy Spence deserves a toast in any whiskey conversation. Why? Because she paved the path for women in master blending across all spirits.
Her precision, palate, and leadership inspired countless women in the bourbon world to step into roles once seen as “off-limits.” Joy showed the industry that blending isn’t just chemistry — it’s creativity.
Elizabeth McCall – Carrying the Woodford Legacy
At Woodford Reserve, Elizabeth McCall has risen from Sensory Scientist to Master Distiller — one of the youngest in the industry. She’s proof that bourbon isn’t just about heritage; it’s about curiosity and craft.
McCall’s scientific approach and refined palate have helped shape some of Woodford’s most elegant and balanced releases. Her journey is a blueprint for how the next generation of women are leading with both expertise and intuition.
Nicole Austin – Bringing Tennessee Whiskey to Life
When Nicole Austin took over as General Manager and Distiller at George Dickel, she transformed the brand from old-school to must-have. Her attention to detail and commitment to authenticity turned Dickel back into a contender in the whiskey conversation — especially with her Bottled in Bond releases, which earned rave reviews across the board.
Nicole’s straightforward, no-nonsense attitude has made her a fan favorite among collectors and casual drinkers alike. She’s a modern-day whiskey voice with both grit and grace.
Jackie Zykan – The Alchemist of Blanton’s and Beyond
For years, Jackie Zykan was the face (and nose) of Old Forester. As Master Taster, she developed a cult following for her blend precision and honest approach to flavor. When she announced she was leaving to start her own venture — Hidden Barn Whiskey — the bourbon world paid attention.
Jackie’s journey represents something bigger: a generation of women ready to take the reins, create their own brands, and tell their own stories.
The Women Behind the Scenes
Not every whiskey woman works in the distillery — some build the culture that keeps bourbon thriving.
Writers, historians, and educators like Maggie Kimberl, Peggy Noe Stevens, and Susan Reigler have helped preserve bourbon’s heritage while opening doors for the next generation.
Peggy Noe Stevens (yes, of that Beam family) also founded the Bourbon Women Association, an organization that celebrates women’s role in the bourbon community and fosters inclusivity across the industry.
It’s not just about distilling — it’s about storytelling, education, and advocacy.
How Women Are Changing Bourbon’s Future
Bourbon used to be a man’s club. Now, it’s becoming a community.
Women are influencing everything from tasting profiles to marketing strategies, making the industry more diverse, more approachable, and more innovative than ever before.
The rise of women in bourbon has also inspired more inclusive spaces — from tasting clubs and festivals to mentorship programs that bring new talent into the field.
The next time you enjoy a pour of something exceptional, chances are a woman helped make it happen somewhere along the line.
Final Pour
From the pioneers who kept the stills running to the modern masters crafting new classics, women have proven that great bourbon doesn’t care who’s behind the barrel — it just needs passion, patience, and heart.
So raise your glass to the whiskey women. The chemists, the distillers, the storytellers, and the dreamers who remind us that bourbon’s best days are still ahead.
Cheers,
—Nick
