Bourbon Women

A Barrel of Opportunity

By: Tonya Abeln

Published On: April 27, 2011

The Kentucky Governor’s Mansion filled with well-suited professional women, but this was not just another networking event. The sophisticated females greeted each other politely, but these were not “ladies who lunch.” They savored every sip while demonstrating perfect etiquette, but this was not high tea. The charter members of the Bourbon Women association had converged to host their inaugural event and to prove that, in this commonwealth, bourbon may be strong enough for a man but it is made for a woman.

After First Lady Jane Beshear welcomed the guests to her home, Bourbon Women Chair, Peggy Noe Stevens, remarked on the genesis of the concept. “As I look around this room, I am reminded of the power of women. And when I think of how this started, I am reminded of the power of a few Manhattans amongst girlfriends.” Stevens, who also happened to be the world’s first female Master Bourbon Taster, described the strong legacy women have had in the bourbon industry that often goes untold. Bill Samuels, president of Maker’s Mark, credits his mother as the creative force behind the brand, as she came up with the name and designed the bottle. “She would have been the first to sign up for this new group,” Samuels said.

Member Renae Price, of Louisville, said that she was attracted to the association because “being a CPA is my profession (a geek) but being a ‘Bourbon Belle’ is my passion!” She sought unique programming to educate herself on the spirit. Traveling often for work in a male dominated industry, Price is used to having to repeat her unexpected drink order to a shocked group when she asks for a bourbon neat.

Bourbon Women (BW) is designed for educational, networking and charitable purposes. Financial proceeds from the association will be donated to a scholarship for a female student through Sullivan University. BW strives to preserve the heritage that surrounds the making and responsible enjoyment of America’s only native spirit. With upcoming member events such as Bourbon in the Garden, Not Your Mama’s Sunday Dinner, Some Like It Hot, and Woodford & Women, these gals are quickly dispelling the myth that bourbon is best enjoyed with a Y chromosome.

—photographs by
tim valentino