La Femme | Women in Whisky Tasting

Celebrating Women in Whisky with La Femme at The Baxter Inn

The brilliant, diverse field of Whisky has too often been viewed as simply “A Man’s Game.” The stereotype of both Whisky drinkers and distillers is a distinctly Masculine figure, and it has been for generations.

However, the Whisky industry wouldn’t be where it is today without some key Female players in its history! For La Femme, we’ve pulled together a line-up that’s considered, characterful and eminently drinkable. Whiskies that are approachable without being obvious, classic without being dusty, and shaped by iconic women influencing the brands and distilleries today.

From one woman with a passion for Whisky to others, let’s celebrate the trailblazing female Master Blenders, Distillers and Licensees who have brought the industry to new heights.

Tickets include:

Welcome Cocktail - A Mamie Taylor with Johnny Walker Ruby

Glendronach 21-year

Littlemill 8 year (1990's)

Macallan Rare Cask (2022)

Laphroaig 18-year

Bushmills 21-year

Dr Emma Walker
Master Blender for Johnnie Walker

Johnnie Walker may have a man’s name, but the highest-selling; Scottish Whisky in the world is tended to by the capable hands of Doctor Emma Walker, Johnnie Walker’s Master Blender since 2021. The First female Blender in the brand’s History, Dr Walker (no relation to the founders, though her name is a fun coincidence), has overseen a rise in marketing, profit and innovative new releases (such as Johnnie Walker Ruby) for this historic brand.


Helen Mullholland
Master Blender and Distiller, previously for Bushmills and currently for Sazerac

Ireland has been producing Whiskey for centuries; however, it was only in 2005 that the country’s first female Master Blender was appointed, Helen Mullholland. Coming from a scientific background, Helen was also partially responsible for the discovery of “Crystal Malt,” a natural sweetener for Whiskey. Bushmills has a proud History of the first female CEO of a major Spirits Company, Ellen Jane Corrigan, who stepped in to run the distillery after her husband passed.


Glendronach Rachel Barrie
Master Blender for Brown Forman

The first Female Master Blender to grace Scotland, Rachel Barrie is a living legend in the industry. With more than 30 years of experience under her belt, she first made waves at the Scotch Whisky Institute before being named Master Blender at Glenmorangie in 2003. She has since worked with such iconic distilleries as Bowmore, Auchentoshan and Laphroaig. Since 2017, she has been overseeing Brown Forman’s Scottish Portfolio, and thus Glendronach, Benriach and Glenglassaugh are in her capable hands. She’s more than earned her nickname as First Lady of Whisky, and her care and dedication are evident in this beautiful dram of Glendronach Whisky that was cultivated under her watch.


Jane MacGregor
License Holder for Littlemill Distillery

Women in Whisky is far from a recent Concept. The iconic Lowland distillery Littlemill was the first to be officially licensed in Scotland, and though it has long since ceased production, its legacy lives on. In 1823, Over Two Hundred Years ago, Jane MacGregor took over the reins and became not just the first female licensee in Scotland, but the first in the world. Under her shrewd eye, this modest distillery reached new heights of success and thrived for decades, still holding a proud name in the industry today.


Bessie Williamson
Distillery Owner of Laphroaig

Single Malt Whisky is held in high regard nowadays, but for many generations, blended Whisky was drunk as the norm. The rise of Single Malt Scotch came at a time when Scottish Whisky was losing popularity and breathed new life into the industry, and one of the most instrumental people to that movement was Elizabeth Williamson, better known as Bessie. The first female Distillery owner of the 20th century, she started as a typist but in less than five years was managing the whole operation. It was under Bessie’s hand that Laphroaig avoided closure during World War 2, pushed for trade with America, and spearheaded the campaign for selling Single Malt Whisky. Without her, Single Malt Whisky would not be the prestigious industry it is today.