Welcome to a New Narrative - Becky Harris, Catoctin Creek

Welcome to a New Narrative

IN THE WORLD OF WHISKEY, CATOCTIN CREEK REFLECTS OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL

By Victoria CeCe

THE STRENGTH OF CATOCTIN CREEK Whiskey isn’t just measured by its ABV, but by the woman behind it—Becky Harris is the proof.

Call her a chemical engineer or a whiskey alchemist; Harris is a leading lady of spirits. When she began her journey, the spirits world wasn’t nearly as diverse as it is today. Yet, Harris saw the future clearly, one where women were at the helm. “Women have always been a part of the industry, from leading blending projects to heading up and designing brands,” says Harris. “Bringing that important part of history to the forefront has made enjoying whiskey less of a curiosity, and the whiskey world a more welcoming place for women, generally.”

Welcoming, it has become. Harris has observed firsthand how the whiskey industry realized just how pivotal diversity is to the nature of spirits. The industry initiated a new standard where women are an inherent part of the picture. “If you are a nationwide brand, it is more exceptional if you do not have women as decision-makers,” adds Harris. “From an industry that was almost exclusively helmed by white men, an increasing number of women and under-represented people are in leadership. This is incredibly exciting!”

Such a momentous shift in the spirits industry is more than just about women filling positions in a company. Diversifying the identity of whiskey is about creating a new narrative that gets down to the heart of the spirit, opening the stage for incredible stories, ideas, and flavors. “This is one of the most interesting times to be a fan of spirits,” notes Harris. “Spirits can

"Spirits can be something we all can enjoy in community, and welcoming folks of every background in a deep and sincere way encourages growth in every sector. It's just good business" - Becky Harris

be something we all can enjoy in community, and welcoming folks of every background in a deep and sincere way encourages growth in every sector. It's just good business!”

As President of the American Craft Spirits Association, Harris knows this is only the beginning. There’s still work to be done in and beyond the distillery that demands teamwork. “There are still a lot of challenges for women in the industry. Women are still finding themselves targets of harassment either in their workplaces or at whiskey events,” explains Harris. “We need the efforts of men to speak out and make it clear that this conduct is not acceptable either at work or in a festival environment.”

Establishing a precedent of respect has seen major growth thanks to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This model isn’t another task on a company’s bulletin board. Harris believes it is a necessary building block in the future of spirits, and we firmly agree. “DEI is not just something you can assign to a department; it is something to internalize as a company. Your current and future customers are from diverse backgrounds and want to see how you reflect their values in your organization.”

Revolutionizing the spirits world may make Harris one busy lady. Yet, her pursuit to extend opportunities for all makes her a leading woman in whiskey. She wants young women to know that, too. “Come on and join us! You can get education opportunities at two organizations I'm involved in: the American Craft Spirits Association and the STEPUP Foundation.” Now, who could pass up that offer?