Since the beginning of time, humans have been making and consuming alcohol. Often viewed as a predominantly male industry, history shows that females are the true brewing powerhouses. Archaeology traces women in brewing back to 7000 BCE ,and their impact on the progression of the trade is unmistakable.
Today, women are leading breweries and distilleries in every capacity – from ownership to master distiller – to the top. Here are the 10 best female-led breweries and distilleries to check out around the world.
Bombay Sapphire
Dr. Anne Brock of Bombay Sapphire — Photo courtesy of Hype Photography, Stuart Freeman
The case could be made that one of the most recognizable brands in premium spirits is leading the gin-dustry by employing wavemaker Dr. Anne Brock.
Having earned a PhD in organic chemistry from Oxford University, Brock is one of the few female Master Distillers in the gin category as well as the very first at Bombay Sapphire. Responsible for overseeing production of every single bottle of Bombay Sapphire sold around the world, her passion for mixology allows Brock to even better excel at her role.
Using a unique vapor infusion method in the distillation process, Brock and her team are able to capture the natural flavors of the botanicals in a taste that has been perfected since 1986.
Two Birds Brewing
Danielle Allen and Jayne Lewis of Two Birds Brewing — Photo courtesy of Two Birds Brewing
A trip to the West Coast of the U.S. inspired this pair of Aussie friends to launch the first female-owned brewery in Australia. Driven by a love of fine food and spirits, Danielle Allen and Jayne Lewis opened Two Birds Brewing with a philosophy centered around a topic that all women can relate to: balance.
Both in beer and in life, the duo crafts the types of palate-pleasing, balanced brews they would want to drink not just in the celebratory moments of life, but also the “my plate is pretty full right now” scenarios.
J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey
Louise McGuane of J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey — Photo courtesy of MRS REDHEAD PHOTOGRAPHY
After traversing the globe for her career in the spirits industry, Louise McGuane returned to her family’s farm on the western coast of Ireland. She came back with an idea on how she might be able to blend her professional knowledge with agriculture, while also preserving the land for generations to come. And blend she did.
In 2015, McGuane launched J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey, officially resurrecting the art of whiskey bonding, the practice of sourcing high-quality whiskeys, then aging and blending on-site. McGuane and her team are the first bonders in more than 50 years and the only all-female Irish whiskey company in the world.
Bombshell Beer Company
Michelle Miniutti, Jackie Hudspeth and Ellen Joyner of Bombshell Beer Company — Photo courtesy of RightHereinHollySprings.com
What do you get when you combine three female home brewers on a mission to change the perception that craft brewing is only for men? Bombshell Beer Company.
Ellen Joyner, Michelle Miniutti and Jackie Hudspeth wanted to create quality, easy-to-drink beer, so they joined forces to fulfill the belief that quality practices produce quality product. Crisp lagers amber ales and specialty seasonal brews. such as Basic AF Pumpkin Pi Session Wheat Ale. comprise the taproom lineup, available for consumption seven days a week at their Holly Springs, North Carolina location.
Macchu Pisco
Melanie and Lizzie Asher of Macchu Pisco — Photo courtesy of Macchu Pisco
In 2006, Maryland resident and Harvard MBA-grad Melanie Asher, with her sister Lizzie at her side, unveiled Macchu Pisco, a naturally-made, grapes-based spirit inspired by their Peruvian heritage. Made entirely from the quebranta grape, Macchu Pisco is distilled in a copper pot in the southern region of Peru during a harvest that begins at the end of February and wraps in May.
In 2020, the company implemented new technology that tests every grape (1,000 per bottle) to ward off pesticide sprays in a continued effort to produce clean products for consumers.
Cervecería Malteza
Jessica Martínez of Cervecería Malteza — Photo courtesy of Ricardo Araujo
When Jessica Martínez won an amateur brewers competition on her first shot, it was the catalyst she needed to launch her own microbrewery, Cervecería Malteza, in Mexico City.
Her winning brew, dubbed Morrigan, is a strong Scotch ale that combines sweet and roasted flavors, and has become the standalone favorite amongst her offerings.
Though Martínez has faced scrutiny as a female brewer, she believes it doesn’t matter who makes the beer, so long as it’s a quality beverage for consumers.
Free Will Brewing Co.
Hannah Gohde of Free Will Brewing — Photo courtesy of Hannah Gohde
Hannah Gohde never imagined that her passion for craft beer and a roommate who shared her love of homebrewing would lead her to her dream position at Free Will Brewing Co. The BJCP-certified brewer and events coordinator credits her success in the role to having the unique capability of keeping a pulse on the actual product, while sharing the brand with the public.
One of her crowning achievements? Using her palate to blend and finesse Olly, a 5-year foudre and barrel-aged sour brown ale that has won multiple accolades from World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival.
Fou-Dre
Chanel Turner of Fou-Dre — Photo courtesy of Jati Lindsay
Chanel Turner recognized a gap in the spirits market when she would go out with friends and could not find a vodka smooth enough for her to drink without a chaser. Frustrated, she created one.
With the launch of Fou-Dre, a fruit-infused vodka with pomegranate and ginger notes, Turner became the first African-American woman to start her own vodka line at just 25 years old. Using a patented distillation process in which all harsh-tasting congeners (substances produced during fermentation) are removed from the spirit, the final product is a vodka smooth enough to be consumed on its own.
Scarlet Lane Brewing
Eilise Lane of Scarlet Lane Brewing Company — Photo courtesy of Scarlet Lane Brewing Company
From the moment Eilise Lane tasted the coconut stout, brewed by Tonya Cornett at Bend Brewing Company, she was hooked. Her husband purchased her a homebrewing kit, she obtained a degree from the American Brewers Guild, and in 2014, Scarlet Lane Brewing was born.
As CEO and Head Brewer, Lane credits her love affair with stout (and the craft) to that one day at Bend Brewing. Her Dorian Stout, available in varietals like oatmeal and coconut, has become the brewery standout.
But what’s with the names? All of Scarlet Lane’s brews – Vivian Red IPA to Eirik Bloodaxe – are inspired by literary characters, a nod to Lane’s passion for reading.
Appleton Estate
Joy Spence of Appleton Estate — Photo courtesy of Appleton Estate
Peek behind the curtain of Appleton Estate’s authentic Jamaican rum and you’ll find Joy Spence at the helm. The first woman to be appointed Master Blender in the spirits industry, Spence joined the company in 1981 as Chief Chemist.
She has worked for over 35 years at the company, blending her passion for science with time-honored rum-making traditions to produce the brand’s core rum varietals. In 2017, she was awarded the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander by the Jamaican government in recognition of her dedicated promotion of Jamaica’s rum industry.