Karen Walker
International Women’s Day: Stories of Inspiring Women
Peat Smoke and Spirit: A Portrait of Islay
Scotch whisky’s boom: industry viewpoint
Whisky Women & Int’l Women’s Day: Part 2
Inspirational Whisky Women for Int’l Women’s Day
This Friday, I am asking all of you to do just one thing: raise a dram to an inspiring woman in your life.
You see, it’s International Women’s Day – the one day of the year where all women get celebrated in all of their glory and during which more awareness is raised by global charities (such as the fantastic The Girl Effect) about the disparity still faced by young girls and women in all countries.
In honour of the day, I went to the whisky world to ask some of the fantastic Whisky Women two simple questions: what whisky inspires you and what woman inspires you?
The responses have been inspirational and I have had so many I want to share that the piece will be spread over two parts.
I hope the stories and responses below hit a chord with you. Be sure to read to the end to find out about a great competition with Bowmore to celebrate!
Angela D’Orazio: Master Blender, Mackmyra Swedish Whisky:
So many! Most of the time I fall in love with single cask of whisky. Last week, I found a bunch of wonderful 1st-fill 3 year-old smoky quarter casks here in the Bodås mine. Oh my god! Then there is Bruichladdich, Kilchoman, Ardbeg, an older Tomintoul and Glengarioch – rich in aromas and style with great fruitiness. Or Compass Box, Penderyn, Amrut… but the list is long.
Inspiring or not, women in the business are few. Martine Nouet is an inspiration with her lovely food pairings. A pioneering whisky lady of the past, Bessie Williamson at Laphroaig, must have been a strong business woman at times when there were even fewer woman than today.
Outside of the business it’s easier: the late Nina Simone [...]
A chilly night warmed by Berrys’ Whisky
Drams of 2012: Part 1
It frightens me to write this post. It really does. How – I wonder – is 2012 almost nearing its end?
The year has gone so quickly and the drams have kept on coming. As such, I thought I’d look back at this year of whisky greatness to choose my favourite drams of the past 12 months.
While most lists put together the top 5 or top 10, I’m going somewhere in between and choosing my top 7 drams.
But the question is, do you agree?
I want to know if you’ve tried these drams (or if you’re keen to) and – if the former – what you thought of them. Did you taste others that beat these ones? Get in touch on Twitter (@themisswhisky), in the Comment section below or on email at info@misswhisky.com – and let me know what drams really rocked your 2012.
Without further adieu, here are my first four favourite drams (in order of when this year I sampled them):
Dram #1. – Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy: 46%:
I managed the chance to try this whiskey twice this year – once at an Irish tasting with The Whisky Exchange back in March, and the second time at a dinner (again with The Whisky Exchange) in September. It really stands out in my mind as a perfect all-rounder and a showcase as to why whisky (or, in this case, whiskey) doesn’t only have to come from Scotland to be dram good.
The first time I sampled it, I said the following:
“This was an exceptionally interesting dram to me, especially because it was near the end of the tasting when I find my nose and tastebuds numbing slightly. Notes of citrus fruit, black pepper, lime, crunchy Granny Smith [...]
Tea for two and two for whisky with Auchentoshan
Laura C Hay
“For me to be working on the other side of the world but for the same company I started with is a huge honour. Every day I wake up and feel like I am in a dream!” – Laura C Hay
Laura C Hay is a brand ambassador with Chivas Brothers in Australia, where she has been based for 18 months. Previously, she was based at The Glenlivet, a few doors down from where she grew up, and has worked in the industry for 10 years.
In this interview, she speaks about the loneliness of working in the middle of nowhere, the great friends she’s made in the whisky industry and why she’s glad she didn’t give up on her whisky dreams to work for ASDA.
How did you get involved in working in whisky?
In March 2002 when I moved home after college – home being three doors along from The Glenlivet distillery. I was sure I was going to end up working in Walkers shortbread factory, but instead I took a job as a tour-guide at The Glenlivet Visitor Centre. Wisest move I have ever made.
My passion for whisky first came from the production side. I wanted to know everything…I read so many books that I found around the distillery. I was also so privileged to work and live around people who had been in the industry for years. They answered any questions I had. They told me amazing stories about years gone by and how everything has changed. I found it fascinating!!
Was there a particular dram that really made you fall for whisky?
I’ve tried so many whiskies over the years it is really hard to pick one that stands out. However if [...]