Newest Whiskey Makers Aren’t in the Good Ol’ Boys’ Club

Meghan Ireland entered college with a strong interest in chemistry, but it wasn’t until her freshman year in chemical engineering that she realized that passion could lead her somewhere unexpected: whiskey. After reading about a woman who had transitioned from chemical engineering into whiskey distilling, Ireland saw a clear path for herself. While many of her classmates pursued careers in plastics or pharmaceuticals, she set her sights on the spirits industry.

Today, Ireland serves as the chief blender for Vermont-based WhistlePig, part of a growing wave of women stepping into leadership roles in an industry long dominated by men. Despite the progress, women in whiskey still face skepticism. Some report being questioned about whether they even enjoy the product they work with. Becky Paskin, a journalist from the UK and founder of the OurWhisky Foundation, recalls being asked that very question while judging a tasting event. She noted that whiskey continues to carry strong gender expectations—both in who drinks it and who produces it—more so than most other foods or beverages.

Historically, whiskey has often been portrayed as a man’s drink, associated with dimly lit rooms and traditionally masculine settings. But experts say that narrative overlooks the essential role women have played. According to bourbon historian Susan Reigler, the earliest known distillation device is credited to Maria Hebraea, an alchemist from the second century. In earlier eras, distilling was commonly part of women’s work, alongside brewing, medicine-making, and household management.

In her role at WhistlePig since 2018, Ireland has been responsible for maintaining the consistency of its whiskey while also pushing creative boundaries with experimental releases. One of her standout projects, Boss Hog VII, earned recognition for its distinctive finishing process using Spanish oak and Brazilian teakwood barrels.

Other women are also forging new paths in the industry. Judy Hollis Jones, after a long career as a senior executive in the food sector, launched her own whiskey company in Kentucky in 2019. She found that entering the whiskey business felt familiar in one respect: she was often the only woman in the room. Jones has also pushed back against stereotypes about who whiskey drinkers are, emphasizing that enthusiasts come from all walks of life—not just the traditional image often associated with bourbon culture.

As more women take on influential roles and even start their own brands, they are helping reshape both the industry and its audience, bringing fresh perspectives to a centuries-old craft.

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