SPECIAL SECTION
WOMEN BEHIND THE BRANDS
Changing the face of the Spirits Industry By Megan Rider | Photo by Alicia Bruce
As the chief distiller of Catoctin Creek, the first legal distillery in Loudoun County, Virginia, Becky Harris actively seeks out women as part of her team. The increase in visibility of women in top-tier positions in the spirits industry has Harris particularly excited, especially when it comes to whisky. “Women leaders like Peggy Noe Stevens and Margie Samuels have always been present, but the characterization of spirits (especially whisky) as being for men, made their contributions underplayed in the stories told by producers and the media. Telling women’s stories makes women more comfortable exploring and enjoying all categories of spirits.” Over the past decade, there has been a huge increase in the number of craft distilleries in the United States, and many of these small producers have been led by women, which is a prominent shift. Harris is proud to be part of this movement and is grateful for the opportunity to work and connect with several people in the hospitality community.
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Harris underscores the importance of their Virginia ryes appealing to all consumers, and beyond her own brand, she has assumed a leadership role in launching the STEPUP foundation for interns and underrepresented people in the industry. “Every brand should be looking to women as key leaders. Opportunity has been the challenge. STEPUP will be providing year-long paid internships to selected people interested in careers in the spirits industry. We believe that these folks will change the face of new and legacy brands from top to bottom.” Within her brand, Harris is committed to producing quality products made from local ingredients. “We are the Virginia Rye Whisky—bringing this history and flavor profile to the world has been so exciting. Whisky that is steeped in a sense of place and made from local ingredients from grain to even some of our cooperage. Deepening this commitment is what keeps me challenged and the brand evolving.”
