For centuries, the alcohol industry has been perceived as a man’s world. The history of distillation, brewing, and bartending is often narrated through the lens of male pioneers, leaving little room for the remarkable women who shaped, safeguarded, and innovated within the industry. But if you trace back the origins of some of the world’s finest spirits, legendary cocktails, and groundbreaking establishments, you’ll find the quiet but indelible fingerprints of women who defied societal norms to leave their mark.
The Silent Sentinel of Whisky: Helen Cumming
Helen Cumming, co-founder of Cardhu Distillery in 1824, was a woman of remarkable foresight and resilience. At a time when illicit distilling was rampant in Scotland due to harsh taxation, Helen outwitted excise officers with ingenuity and charm. She would raise a red flag to warn her neighbours of approaching authorities and then invite the officers into her home for tea, effectively stalling their inspections while her husband and fellow distillers concealed their operations. Today, Cardhu remains a cornerstone of the Johnnie Walker brand, a testament to Helen’s tenacity in an era where women were expected to remain on the sidelines.
The Alchemy of Ada Coleman
While women like Helen were defending the spirit-making process, others were redefining the art of cocktail crafting. Ada Coleman, one of the first female head bartenders at The Savoy’s American Bar in London, cemented her place in history when she crafted the Hanky Panky cocktail. A request from actor Charles Hawtrey for a drink with a ‘bit of a punch’ led to her ingenious blend of gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca. Upon tasting it, Hawtrey exclaimed, “By Jove! That is the real hanky-panky!” And so, one of the world’s most iconic cocktails was born. Ada’s creativity and expertise proved that bartending wasn’t just a job for men—it was an art form where women could excel and innovate.
The Unsung Architects of the Barroom and Beyond
Beyond the distilleries and cocktail bars, women have been instrumental in shaping the industry in ways often overlooked. Take Bessie Williamson, who took the helm of Laphroaig Distillery in the 20th century and became the first woman to run a Scotch whisky distillery. Or Gertrude “Cleo” Lythgoe, the fearless rum-runner of the Prohibition era who built a smuggling empire while eluding law enforcement with wit and nerve. These women, and countless others, paved the way for today’s female distillers, brewers, and bartenders who continue to redefine the industry.
A Modern Trailblazer: Becky Paskin
While history celebrates pioneers of the past, today’s industry is witnessing a new generation of women pushing boundaries and challenging outdated norms. Becky Paskin a whisky journalist, advocate, and co-founder of OurWhisky Foundation, is one such trailblazer. She has been instrumental in calling out gender bias in whisky marketing and championing inclusivity within the spirits industry. Through her work, Becky has not only amplified the voices of women in whisky but has also reshaped the narrative around who whisky is for. Her advocacy ensures that the next generation of women in spirits will be recognised not as anomalies, but as equals.
A Future Built on Their Shoulders
While the alcohol industry has evolved, gender disparities remain. Women continue to fight for visibility, leadership roles, and recognition in spaces that were long dominated by men. Yet, the legacies of women like Helen Cumming and Ada Coleman remind us that the spirit of resilience, innovation, and boldness runs deep in this industry. Every pour, every toast, and every crafted cocktail carries a story—one that belongs, in no small part, to the women who helped shape it.
So the next time you raise a glass, take a moment to toast the trailblazers who made it possible. After all, history—like a fine spirit—is best savored with appreciation for those who crafted it.
