In an effort to call attention to gender inequality within the whiskey sector, two female entrepreneurs introduced a special-edition whiskey on International Women’s Day. Simultaneously, a non-profit entity promoting the role of women in the whiskey trade was established. Jennifer Nickerson from Tipperary Boutique Distillery and Louise McGuane from JJ Corry Irish Whiskey paired up to initiate The Founders Irish whiskey, aiming to encourage more women to join the industry.
Over the past ten years, it’s estimated that the Irish Whiskey Association has injected €1.55 billion into the industry, contributing €686 million to the communal economy, and generating €770 million from domestic sales’ tax for the Irish Treasury, employing approximately 1,700 individuals. However, Nickerson and McGuane believe that merely 2-3% of the industry’s founders are women.
Despite the slight shift in trends with more women consuming whiskey, the industry in Ireland is still male-centric, Nickerson claims. At a recent trade show, she experienced first-hand how difficult it can be for women to break through in the sector, as visitors overlooked her in favour of consulting with her male contemporaries.
Nickerson lamented the discouragement of having their hard work belittled simply because of their gender, and voiced a desire to see more women visible in the Irish whiskey trade. Their limited-edition whiskey, The Founders, consists of a blend of single malt whiskey matured in Rioja casks from Tipperary Boutique Distillery and single malt whiskey blended by JJ Corry and matured in sherry casks.
Starting next week, a limited release of just 264 bottles will be available for purchase from the JJ Corry and Tipperary Boutique Distillery, each company releasing 132 bottles each. These bottles can be bought from the respective company websites, as well as from IrishMalts.com, James J Fox, and the Celtic Whiskey Shop.
In a separate development, a new not-for-profit organisation has been unveiled, aiming to champion the cause of women in the Irish whiskey sector. The initiative, Women in Irish whiskey, was inaugurated by Heather Clancy, brand manager at Grace O’Malley Spirits, and Anne-Marie Kelly, business development manager for O’Malley Ireland Spirits Trading Ltd/Good Spirits Bottling.
This organisation is committed to backing women and boosting gender diversity in the Irish whiskey industry. It sets out to provide networking opportunities, foster career progression, and instigate significant reform in the sector.
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