Chilled Magazine - Volume 14 Issue 5

Page 68

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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CHILLED MAGAZINE

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.”


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Articles inside

In the Know - Vinexpo America

2min
pages 92-95

Bartender’s Choice - The Bitter Truth

2min
pages 96-97

Wine Know How - Dark Horse Wine

2min
pages 90-91

That’s the Spirit - Dos Maderas Rum

2min
pages 88-89

That’s the Spirit - Bacardi Reserva Ocho Sherry Cask

2min
pages 86-87

That’s the Spirit - Rhum Barbancourt

2min
pages 82-83

Riff on a Classic - The Mexican Highball

1min
pages 78-81

Food Know How - Sumac

2min
pages 76-77

Drink In History - The Hanky Panky

2min
pages 74-75

Nikki Simkins, E11EVEN Vodka

2min
pages 62-65

Becky Harris, Catoctin Creek

1min
pages 68-69

Lisa Pfenning, Bacardi

4min
pages 66-67

Christina Staalstrom, Wine and Spirits Consultant

2min
pages 52-53

Nancy Duarte, Santa Teresa 1796

1min
pages 50-51

Francesca Nonino, Nonino Distillery

2min
pages 54-57

Kristen Risk, Frankly | Stasha Johnston, Monin

1min
pages 48-49

Ekaterina Kuzmina, NEFT

0
pages 46-47

Making Spirits Bright - Dewar’s Custom Label

2min
pages 38-39

Distillery Profile - The NV Group, India

2min
pages 34-35

Celebrity Sips - Powerhouse Women

2min
pages 40-41

Innovative Women, Jenny Manger, Marussia Beverages

1min
pages 44-45

Distiller Profile - Lauren Oscilowski

2min
pages 30-31

Brand Ambassador Profile - Sydney Edwards

2min
pages 32-33

Bar Owner Profile - Med Abrous and Marc Rose

2min
pages 36-37

Competition Winner - Ryan Minnick

1min
pages 28-29

Behind the Whisk(e)y Bar

1min
pages 22-23

Cool Cans - CAN You Dig It?

1min
pages 18-19

Wine Labels - From Grape to Glass

1min
pages 16-17

Bartender Submission - Renee Harper, Phoenix

2min
pages 24-25

Cool Bottles - Out of Africa

1min
pages 14-15

Bartender Submission - Tim Rita, Las Vegas

1min
pages 26-27

How to Make Clarified Milk Punch

3min
pages 20-21

A Message from Lynn House

1min
pages 12-13
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