OurWhisky Foundation

“Whisky’s core consumer is male, so we need to focus our marketing on them. It’s a choice; it’s the same reason we market our pink drinks to women.” Our founder Becky Paskin’s recent conversation with a senior leader of a major whisky producer set off alarm bells. There may be uncertainty on the horizon in 2025, with temptation to scale back DE&I initiatives and focus on whisky’s traditional male consumer, but that would be a huge mistake. Don’t abandon female whisky drinkers, she warns. Read her full opinion piece below. https://lnkd.in/eC2VmrfQ #ourwhiskyfoundation #inclusionmatters #womeninwhisky #ifyoucanseeheryoucanbeher #unwomen #marketing #whisky #whiskey

As a new year approaches, bringing with it expectations for a brighter, more equitable future, we asked women in the whisky industry: what are you hoping for in 2025? Read their responses in the article below. #ourwhiskyfoundation #womeninwhisky #dei #womeninstem #whisky #whiskey Terri L. Stefanie Holt Melita Kiely https://lnkd.in/erNyz4W9

It was a wonderful end of year surprise to discover The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada had made the OurWhisky Foundation a charitable recipient of its Giving Spirit programme, with a generous donation of £1,000. Founders Kelly and Rob Carpenter very kindly donated the proceeds of Cask No. 53.464 Hebridean Hamper to our foundation, to aid our mission to support women in whisky around the world. To-date, the Canadian membership organisation has given away over $19,000 to various charities through special bottlings. Without generous donations and support we simply would not be able to provide our services that are often described as ‘life changing’. Please get in touch if you’re interested in finding out how you can also support the OurWhisky Foundation in 2025 and beyond. #ourwhiskyfoundation #smws #smwscanada #nonprofit #womeninwhisky #whisky #whiskey

“It has reminded me why I love the world of whisky so much.” In establishing the OurWhisky Foundation’s mentorship programme we set out to primarily match women in whisky with personally selected mentors to help them reach their goals. One added benefit is that the programme has flourished into a global community of whisky professionals cheering one another along. We’ve created a space for women to network, learn, support one another and ultimately thrive. This community has become the root of the ‘better environment’ we are nurturing for the future. Thanks to Rosemary Gallagher for highlighting our vital work in the Scotsman’s whisky supplement last week, and to Siobhan Sellers and Jennie Norrish for sharing their personal experiences of the programme. You can read the full feature here: https://lnkd.in/eMhb4ux3 Please get in touch to find out how you can work with us in 2025, and beyond. #ourwhiskyfoundation #womeninwhisky #whisky Becky Paskin

“I used to feel completely alone, like I was the only woman in whisky. This experience has opened my eyes and given me a sense of place, a sense of belonging. It made me feel like I have a future here.” Physical therapist-turned distillery operations manager, Rebecca Murphy of Two Trees Distilling Co. in North Carolina joined our mentorship programme to enhance her business acumen and connect with others. After being paired with Rebecca Harris, co-founder of Catoctin Creek, and finding a new community of like-minded women in whisky, she hasn’t looked back. Read more about Rebecca’s journey, and her advice for others following her footsteps. https://lnkd.in/eTe68WGC

As Bar Convent Berlin’s official education partner, the OurWhisky Foundation curated a diverse schedule of tastings, panel discussions and workshops for over 330 Embassy visitors, covering everything from innovative blending techniques and distillation styles through to media bias and sexism. These were the eight biggest lessons we learned by participating in one of Europe’s biggest bar shows. https://lnkd.in/ev7s-wPc

The universal challenges of female likeability, progression and the authority gap are applicable to many industries, not least whisky. It’s why we’ve handpicked six inspirational Ted Talks that provide different perspectives on the importance of gender equality in the workplace. Regardless of your gender, take time today to absorb at least one of these eye-opening presentations that provide real-world tips and advice. After all, dismantling the patriarchy is everyone’s responsibilty and for the benefit of all. https://lnkd.in/ephEkmNb #genderequality #tedtalks #equality #ourwhiskyfoundation

330+ guests, 32 whiskies and cocktails across 11 seminars – all in just 3 days! The OurWhisky Foundation’s Whisk(e)y Embassy at Bar Convent Berlin was an absolutely epic introduction for us to the ‘Glastonbury of Drinks Shows’. Thank you to everyone who stopped by one of our talks and tastings, especially all our fantastic speakers and sponsors who made the magic happen. Huge congratulations to the Bar Convent team for hosting an incredible exhibition and having us plus our hard-working neighbouring bar team from COLLAB Bar, lead by Chloe Merz. With a diverse schedule of DE&I workshops, tastings and panel discussions, our aim was to help all visitors improve their knowledge in more ways than one. Because whisky education should be about more than just the spirit - it’s about the people who make and enjoy it too. Quyen Ha Thomas Plaue Charlie McCarthy Deborah Stewart Cressida Lawlor Racheal Vaughan Jones Chris Tanner Ana Hinz Andrew Meissner Charlotte Coyle Alex Wolpert Kyra Elton Francisco Rosa Ali Reynolds Bastian Heuser Sienna Jevremov Melita Kiely Alexandra Irving #ourwhiskyfoundation #barconventberlin #whisky #whiskey

✨Shining a spotlight on whisky in bars 🥃✨ As the official education partner for Bar Convent Berlin (14-16th October) we’re excited to host three days of curated educational talks all about our favourite spirit. From casks to stills and careers to bar trends, topics will be explored on stage by bartenders, educators, brand ambassadors and our host, Becky Paskin, in Hall 11.1 at Messe Berlin. Find out what’s on in the article below (thanks for the coverage The Spirits Business & Georgie Collins). https://lnkd.in/eiAXdStk

Starward Whisky’s new head distiller Carlie Dyer initially moved to Melbourne, Australia to pursue a career in wine. But as she tells Millie Milliken, she never expected to fall in love with whisky. In our latest interview for The Cut, the New Zealander explains how she transitioned from grape to grain, why a fascination with flavour led her to explore whisky blending, and how her career has been paved by the women who came before her. https://lnkd.in/eEGEdpi8 #carliedyer #starward #whisky #australianwhisky #ourwhiskyfoundation #ourwhisky #distilling #womeninstem