FORMAT
A narrator will guide us and help shape the story as we interview our cast, dig into the history of distilling, move through our locations, and transition to each topic we will cover. We will conduct individual sit-down interviews with our leading ladies, include some day-in-the-life activities that show our audience exactly what their job entails, as well as archival footage.
We'll sit down with women such as...
Marianne Eaves, the first female Master Distiller in Kentucky; Forbes "30 Under 30" honoree
Jackie Zykan, the first woman in Old Forester’s 150-year history to have her name on a bottle.
Victoria Butler, the first female African-American Master Blender in history.
Tracie Franklin, co-founder of the inclusive and educational whiskey marketing company, WHERSKY; whiskey educator, marketing consultant, public speaker, bartender, and first selected apprentice for the elite apprenticeship with the Uncle Nearest and Jack Daniels Initiative.
The one and only, Peggy Noe Stevens, who became the world’s first female Master Bourbon Taster and is one of only nine women inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame.
In addition to these groundbreaking women, we will also talk to female Master Tasters, Assistant Master Distillers, as well as diversity and inclusion consultants within the spirit world.
Don't be afraid of what you have yet to learn. Don't let it stop you from taking opportunities and taking risks.
Marianne Eaves
TOPICS + THEMES
HISTORY
The history of women’s involvement in distilling spirits and why they were entrusted with this art form throughout the ages. We will also examine why this information has been lost over time.
FOR THE LOVE OF WHISKEY
Each of these women chose this profession in whiskey and bourbon because of their love for both. We'll discuss what made them fall in love with it, what their particular job entails, how they are changing the landscape of bourbon and whiskey, and what the world of this profession means to them.
SEXISM
The issue of sexism these women have had to face while working in this male dominated field, how that has that effected their journey and how we can help future generations of women have a seat at the whiskey table
COMMUNITY
We'll bring all our female cast together for an evening of community. We'll be a fly on the wall as these women talk openly about their experiences, challenges, triumphs and the direction the industry needs to take for an equal future.
WHISKEY WAS NEVER JUST A MAN'S DRINK: A HISTORY IN HOOCH
Did you know...
Women are credited for creating the very first beer in Mesopotamia around 4000 B.C when they fermented barley into a beverage. It was theorized to be the most feminine drink and was gifted by Goddess’s Ama-Gestin and Ninkasi.
In the Fourth Century, Maria Hebraea, an alchemist, was written about and credited with building the very first distilling apparatus, which is still used today in parts of Europe for making brandy and whiskey.
Catherine Spears Frye Carpenter, a two-time widow with 12 children, created the very first sour mash recipe in 1818 - the basis for whiskey.