Women & Whiskey: Stop Mansplaining Me

In this episode, Sangeeta Lakhani, Executive Director of Service!, A Relief Organization for Hospitality Workers returns to tell us about the upcoming expansion of Service!

Some things just go great together like champagne and caviar, pretzels and beer and whiskey and cigars. In this episode, Amy, Lanessa and Leigh Ann chat via Zoom with Christy Pruitt-Haynes, Founder and Operator of The Sip and Smoke Experience. Christy is a Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist, Executive Bourbon Steward and Certified Bourbon Professional who hosts both private events and public seminars evangelizing the joys of pairing cigars with whiskey. Check out her website: thesipandsmokeexperience.com. You can also find Christy on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram.

Grant Gorham joins me to talk about the newly launched Ohio Distillery Tour. Check it out at ohiodistillerytour.com or at womenandwhiskeypodcast.com/check-it-out

Amy, Wendy and Leigh Ann taste through two bottles of Old Elk; one from their Cigar Cut series and the other from their Cask Finish series. These bottles were generously gifted to us by Melinda Maddox, Master Blender. The Cigar Series Punch Cut had us feelin' all the feels and the Cognac Cask Finished left us wanting more. (Full disclosure — we may have had a drink or two before we recorded this tasting.) If you have questions or comments, email us at whiskeywomen5@gmail.com or message us on Instagram at women_whiskey

In this episode, Amy, Wendy and Leigh Ann chat remotely with Stephanie Anderson, Regional Sales Manager with Rock Town Distillery in Little Rock, Arkansas. Stephanie generously sent a bottle of their Column Still Collection, Single Barrel Bourbon that was a collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Company. Rich, Sweet and Floral this bottle did not disappoint. Learn about Rock Town and Stephanie's bold journey in the spirits industry.

On this Valentine's Day, I bring you a podcast episode about a love project that turned into a small business. Nakia Bell, aka Sober Bourbon Girl, started her bourbon journey as an anniversary gift for her husband. That gift evolved into a huge social media following on YouTube, @soberbourbongirl, along with a website, soberbourbongirl.com, with merch coming soon.

Barrel pickin' is no easy task especially when you're given 24 amazing choices but the crew at Women & Whiskey podcast are up to the challenge. In this episode, follow along as we choose 8 barrels of Weller Full Proof for the OHLQ Exclusive Liquor Program.

Need holiday gift ideas? We've got you covered! From holiday cocktails to great gift ideas, we've got a gift idea for everyone. Visit our website www.womenandwhiskeypodcast.com for merch, etc

In this episode, Amy and I chat with Melinda Maddox, Master Blender at Old Elk Distillery. From Bartender to Blender, Mel shares her journey in the spirits industry, stepping out from behind the stick to become Old Elk's award-winning Blender. Support female musicians too… click here to learn more about the band Snarls: takethistoheartrecords.limitedrun.com/produc…-burst

In this episode I chat via Zoom with Diana Hancharenko, founder and operator of Belle of the Barrel Whiskey Tasting Experiences. Diana creates curated whiskey tastings for beginners, experts and everyone in between. Book a holiday party, corporate retreat or just a fun night with family and friends at belleofthebarrel.com

In this episode, we chat with Nicole Volk, M.S., a PhD Candidate at The Ohio State University about her thesis work that focuses on the whiskey industry. She spent time at various distilleries in Kentucky to research how the whiskey industry could be an integral part of educating adults about agricultural. Distilleries just might be the key to reconnecting consumers to where their food, and whiskey, comes from. Stick around after our chat with Nicole to hear about new releases from Middle West Spirits and Maker's Mark.

In this episode, we chat via Zoom with Judy Hollis Jones, Co-Founder of Buzzard's Roost whiskey. Born out of a barrel pick for clients and friends, Judy and her partner Jason Brauner decided to create their own whiskey brand. Setting their whiskey apart by focusing on wood science, they have successfully created an impressive line-up of whiskeys to please any palate.

This episode was recorded for our sister podcast "If This Bar Could Talk" but It's so special, I decided to share it with W&W listeners. I hope you enjoy. Danielle Goldtooth, a Native American mixologist, Zooms in from New Mexico to share her mission to reconnect Americans to their food and honor the farmers, ranchers and agriculturists who provide it. Danielle, along with her husband Allen (who is a chef), and their business partner host pop-up dinners in the Phoenix area featuring as many foraged and locally-sourced ingredients as possible — and educate their guests about creating sustainable food and drinks. Danielle believes that hospitality can change the world… and we agree. You don't want to miss our conversation with this truly amazing person.

In this episode, I travel to Lynnville Tennessee to visit Big Machine Distillery. Devin Walden has been on a fast track to success in the spirits industry since she was 22 years old. Now 30, her hard work and tenacity has paid off becoming the Master Distiller at Big Machine. From tattoo artist to Master Distiller, her journey is the perfect blueprint for anyone looking to advance in the Spirits Industry.

In this episode, Amy and Wendy interview Jane Bowie, co-founder of Potter Jane Distillery. Jane, along with neighbor and former co-worker Denny Potter left their jobs at Maker's Mark to pursue their dream of opening their own distillery. Listen as Jane describes their plan to make a whiskey their way.

In this episode, recorded in the private dining room at Vaso in Dublin, Ohio, Beth Burrows, Senior American Whiskey Ambassador at James B Beam, walks us through a tasting of A. Overholt Rye Whiskey a stunning rye made in the old style "Monongahela Mash". It's not an exaggeration to say that we were all blown away by the flavors in this whiskey. This is a long one but hang in there to learn about 22 second hugs, 6 second kisses, the many uses of breast milk and so much more!

In this episode, Heather Wibbels aka Cocktail Contessa zooms in from Louisville, KY to talk about her amazing book "Bourbon Is My Comfort Food", The Bourbon Women's Guide to Fantastic Cocktails at Home. In honor of Derby Day, I mixed up the perfect mint julep to sip as Heather tells us about the storied history of the cocktail. Heather's amazing book is filled with beautiful photography, interesting cocktail history plus pro tips and, of course, wonderful bourbon cocktail recipes. Her book is a must-have for any cocktail enthusiast.

Sang and Letha, two of the three founders of Service! stop in to talk about their first annual fundraising gala on Thursday May 16, 2024 at High Line Car House from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. This event is not just a fundraiser but also a way to show gratitude to the hard-working hospitality workers in our community. Buy a table, a single ticket or make a donation to support this amazing organization and the work they do in our community.

In this episode, we chat with Gia Lynch, Co-Owner & Chief Flavor Officer at Everwild Spirits Distillery located in Sandusky Ohio. Along with her husband Rick and brother Jude they have created an amazing line-up of whiskies as well as a gorgeous restaurant and bar. Visit for the whiskey and stay for the food and cocktails.

In this episode, I talk with Anna Axster and Wendelin von Schroder, founders of Lodestar Whiskey. Anna and Wendelin developed a passion for whiskey while traveling the country for their film and music careers. Feeling underrepresented in the whiskey space as millennial women, they set out to create a new whiskey with a unique flavor profile. Lodestar is a blend of Straight High Rye Bourbon and American Single Malt Whiskey. Check out their website at lodestarwhiskey.com to find out where you can get a bottle of this one-of-a-kind whiskey.

To start off the new year, we welcome the newest member of our podcast crew, Wendy Peveich! In her first episode as a co-host, we discuss the first survey of it's kind conducted by OurWhisky Foundation called "Do You Even Like Whisky"? The barriers holding back women in the industry. It's an important conversation about how women navigate the male-dominated spirits Industry.

In this episode, we traveled to Dublin, Ohio to visit with Alicia Mehl and Lauren Pierce at Vaso. The original rooftop bar in the Columbus area, Vaso is situated atop the AC Hotel with panoramic views of the river and city. Vaso is a frequent customer of the Maker's Mark Private Barrel Select program selecting different stave combos to curate seasonal flavor profiles. Learn about the Maker's Mark private barrel program and follow along as Lauren walks us through building Vaso's signature Old Fashioned cocktail. Support female musicians too… click here to learn more about the band Snarls: takethistoheartrecords.limitedrun.com/produc…-burst

In this episode, Melissa Esposito Zoomed in from New Jersey. Melissa is the Director of Operations for Blackened American Whiskey which was created by the late Dave Pickerill and heavy metal rock band Metallica. Melissa shares her journey in the industry as well as proprietary techniques used to create Blackened and what it's like working for one of the most popular bands in the world.

In this episode, we talk with Amy Schirtzinger owner of McClellan's Pub in Dublin, Ohio. Amy generously shared a bottle of her most recent barrel pick and we taste her pick for the Best New Whiskey in Ohio (Middle West Spirits Ported Pumpernickel Rye) which came in second place, a mere 1 point behind the winner (Echo Spirits Single Barrel Rye). Amy shares the challenges and rewards of being a bar owner.

The story of Penelope Whiskey is beautifully told by brand ambassador Wendy Peveich. Her passion for the brand is unmatched by anyone in her industry. Wendy is a self-taught expert with the voice of an angel and quite frankly one of the coolest ladies to ever grace our podcast studio. In this episode, Wendy takes us on a global journey with a single whiskey brand that was born out of friendship, respect and passion for making great whiskey. Oh, and if you'd like to meet Wendy in person, she will have a vendor table at The Columbus Cocktail Classic on Sunday, September 3 at The Joseph Hotel. Visit www.thecolumbuscocktailclassic.com for more details and tickets

In this episode, we chat with Jill Kuehler, owner and founder of Freeland Spirits in Portland, Oregon. When Amy visited this distillery earlier this year, she came back with a fabulous bottle of gin and enthusiasm for this female founded, owned and operated distillery. Inspired by her grandmother, Jill set out to create a line of spirits using the freshest ingredients she could find. She teamed up with the youngest female Master Distiller in the U.S., Molly Troupe, who brought her expertise and innovative ideas to create the best damn gin we've ever tasted. Order yourself a bottle (or 3) online and give this inspiring episode a listen. Support female musicians too… click here to learn more about the band Snarls: takethistoheartrecords.limitedrun.com/produc…-burst

In this episode, we taste 4 new whiskey expressions from Echo Spirits Distillery. Joe and Nikhil, owners and proprietors of Echo, talk about their journey in the distilling industry

In this episode, I speak via Zoom with author Karen E. Locke. Her book, "Bourbon Belles & Whiskey Women, A Culinary and Cocktail Journey with the Women of Whiskey" has it all. Karen highlights some of the most influential women in the whiskey industry, shares some great cocktail and food recipes and peppers in some fun facts about the history of spirits. Visit www.bourbonbellesandwhiskeywomen.com to buy her book.

In this episode, Nicole Emanuel stops by for a taste and a chat with her 21 Seeds Tequila. Her Blanco Tequilas are infused with Valencia Orange, Grapefruit/Hibiscus and Jalapeno/Cucumber. All three expressions are infused with natural ingredients. From beginnings in her sister's kitchen to partnering with spirits giant Diageo, listen along as she shares her journey of bringing a unique and delicious tequila to market.

In this episode, Ariel Jahn stops by to talk all things Woodinville. The girls and I tasted their bourbon, rye and finished whiskey and we were not disappointed. Learn about the history of Woodinville and what their plans are for the future.

This episode was recorded during the Maker's Mark Event "Women Who Whisky Make History" highlighting female business owners and honoring the legacy of Margie Samuels. Follow along as we hear from local business owners, Maker's Mark Ambassador, Lanessa Jones and, our special guest, Leigha Kingsley. It was a fabulous event held at Ohio Brewing Company where we enjoyed delicious cocktails and snacks, sampled Maker's Mark and enjoyed beautiful decor, artwork and amazing chocolates.

Missy Duer, 6th generation distillery owner, walks me through the storied history of Indian Creek Distillery located on the Staley Farm where her family has been farming and distilling for 200 years. She and her husband, Joe, resurrected her families original whiskey recipe to create Legendary Ohio Frontier Whiskies. This is a fascinating story of family and perseverance.

In this episode, Megan hosted the gang, (Anne, Amy, Lanessa and Leigh Ann) at her home for a tasting of Bua Irish Whisky with founders/owners Martin Kennedy and Pat Byrne. While distilled, aged and bottled in Ireland, this Irish whisky is co-owned by Pat Byrne, owner and proprietor of Byrne's Pub in Grandview Heights, Ohio. Martin and Pat talk about their journey in creating and bringing a new Irish whisky to market. Currently sold exclusively in Ohio and Ireland, this bottle is a must-have for your St. Patrick's Day celebration. Bua: Made in Ireland — based in Columbus! Stick around for "after hours" with the gang drinking Paddy's and Red Breast. Support female musicians too… click here to learn more about the band Snarls: takethistoheartrecords.limitedrun.com/produc…-burst

For this episode, we are back at Sunny 95 Studios. Amy, Lanessa and Leigh Ann review George Dickel Signature Recipe ($22), George Dickel 13 yr BIB ($49.99), George Dickel OHLQ Select that Leigh Ann picked for the State of Ohio ($64) and Amy brought an 18+yr unfiltered, straight from the barrel that Middle West Spirits had on their dock (priceless). If there is a bottle you'd like us to review, send us an email at whiskeywomen5@gmail.com Support female musicians too… click here to learn more about the band Snarls: takethistoheartrecords.limitedrun.com/produc…-burst

In this episode, Anne invited us into her home to taste some amazing spirits. While you may not be able to find the particular single barrels that we tasted, you can still find expressions of the ones we tasted. We recommend looking for OHLQ picks. Remember to shop locally and don't forget to shop at your local distillery. Consider a bottle of Grand Marnier or Magnolia, Penelope, NULU or Russell's Reserve whiskies.

In this episode, I speak with Leigha Kingsley about her documentary film "The Spirit of Women". This film highlights the amazing women in the whiskey industry like Marianne Eaves, Peggy Noe Stevens, the all-female team at Uncle Nearest and many more. At the Cannes Film Festival this year, her film was shortlisted as one of the "Top 20 Projects" in development through a female directing program. Leigha needs our help in getting this film off the ground so please make a donation. Learn more about the film and how you can donate to this groundbreaking documentary by visiting https://thespiritofwomenfilm.com

In this kindred spirits episode, Greg Stokes with Accent Wines walks us through choosing bubbles for the Holiday season. Whether you're looking for a special bottle for a loved one, a bottle to share at a party or a gift for your boss, there is a reasonably priced bottle for every occasion.

In this episode, Leigh Ann, Amy, Anne and Megan review OHLQ barrel picks of Old Elk 7-year Straight Bourbon, 7-year Wheat Bourbon and 9-year Wheat Whiskey. Apologies for the sound quality but, hang in there, it gets better. Keep listening after the show for Amy's surprise bottle.

In this episode, we taste 2 special bottles of Watershed Bourbon finished in wine casks with a special guest in a very special location. Gretchen Bonasera, owner of 80 East in Powell, Ohio invited us into her amazing new "members only" bourbon and cocktail bar to review Watershed Distillery's newest creations that will drop on Saturday 10/29 at the distillery. You don't want to miss this one-day-only event that Watershed is calling "Booty Hunt" because there will be many a treasure to be found. And don't miss out on visiting 80 East before it closes to the public.

In this episode the ladies and I review the Ohio Distillers' Guild Whiskey Collab Batch 3 which will debut at the Central Ohio Craft Whiskey Festival next weekend (10/15/22).

In this episode, I chat with Rachelle Henderson, owner and head bartender of Nomadic Bartending and territory manager for Union Horse Distilling Co. in Lenexa, Kansas. https://nomadicbartending.com https://unionhorse.com Support female musicians too… click here to learn more about the band Snarls: takethistoheartrecords.limitedrun.com/produc…-burst

This episode was recorded live at the 3rd annual Columbus Cocktail Classic. Moderated by Ryan Stryker, get to know the ladies while we taste and learn about Maker's Mark Private Selections

In this episode we explore Jack Daniels Bonded, Single Barrel Select and Single Barrel Rye. Support female musicians too… click here to learn more about the band Snarls: takethistoheartrecords.limitedrun.com/produc…-burst

In this episode, I chat with Shelley Sackier, author and Director of Distillery Education at Reservoir Distillery in Richmond, Virginia. Her book, "Make It A Double — From Wretched to Wondrous: Tales of One Woman's Lifelong Discovery of Whisky" is a clever and funny memoir and a great way to learn about whisky. Support female musicians too… click here to learn more about the band Snarls: takethistoheartrecords.limitedrun.com/produc…-burst

In this episode, Amy, Anne, Lanessa, Megan and I review High West Distillery products Bourye, Double Rye and A Midwinter Nights Dram.

In this episode we explore Lost Lantern Whiskey with a live studio audience and co-founder Nora Ganley-Roper Zooming in from Vermont. Learn about their journey and how they're bringing the Scotch whisky business model to the U.S.

In this episode, Amy leads us in a tasting of Middle West Spirits Sherry Cask Finished Whiskey.

For this episode, we traveled to Memphis, TN to visit Old Dominick Distillery's Master Distiller and SVP Alex Castle. Alex has known since she was a teen that she wanted to be a distiller and when the great-great grandsons of Domenico Canale were looking to resurrect his brand, they found Alex. A native of Kentucky, Alex now calls Memphis home and is the first female head distiller in Tennessee. Support female musicians too… click here to learn more about the band Snarls: takethistoheartrecords.limitedrun.com/produc…-burst

In this episode, we expand our palates and taste the only Armagnac available in the state of Ohio — Castarède, which is also the oldest Armagnac house. https://equiptwomen.com Support female musicians too… click here to learn more about the band Snarls: takethistoheartrecords.limitedrun.com/produc…-burst

In this episode, we Zoomed-in Mel Heim, Co-founder, Partner, Head Distiller and Blender at Big Nose Brands. With a group of whiskey loving women in the studio audience, we chatted with Mel about how she started her career in the Spirits Industry and how she developed Big Nose Kate whiskey and the iconic women who inspired it. Her whiskey was loved by all in attendance for its unique style and flavor profile. Grab a bottle of Big Nose Kate by going to https://bignosekate.co Oh, and I should mention that we forgot to press record for the first part of the podcast. I was heart-broken that we didn't capture the full interview and tried my best to recreate it from memory and notes. Mel Heim is a fascinating whiskey woman and I encourage you to learn more about her and her Spirits. Support female musicians too… click here to learn more about the band Snarls: takethistoheartrecords.limitedrun.com/produc…-burst

Anne, Megan, Lanessa, Amy and I review Whistlepig Support female musicians too… click here to learn more about the band Snarls: takethistoheartrecords.limitedrun.com/produc…-burst