Women's auction for Women's Day
Admittedly, the auction in question does not begin until the end of March, but it is probably worth mentioning today, on the eve of International Women's Day.
When authors mention Laphroaig or Cardhu in publications about whisky, the names of two of the most famous women in the history of our favorite beverage - Bessie Williamson and Elizabeth Cumming - are immediately mentioned. To someone who doesn't make the effort, it may seem that - except for these two cases - the world of whisky was created by and for men. This belief is reinforced by traditional perceptions of the Scottish water of life and all around this fine drink. However, just look behind the scenes, and you'll find that women owe more than we might have thought. Suffice it to mention Rachel Barrie, responsible for compiling whiskies from Brown-Forman Scottish distilleries (Glendronach, Benriach and Glenglassaugh), Emma Walker, compiling Johnnie Walker brand whiskies (coincidence of names coincidental), Mhairi WInters (now Gordon & MacPhail, until recently Glenfiddich), or Kirsten Grant-Meikle (William Grant & Sons). And that would only be a modest start.
The OurWhisky Foundation, in cooperation with the Whisky Auctioneer auction house, has prepared a special auction to raise awareness of the role of women in the Scottish distilling industry. Founded by well-known whisky writer Becky Paskin, the foundation intends to display 18 unusual, sometimes unique bottles of whisky, each created by or dedicated to women.
The set includes Demeter Collection, because that's how the collection was named in honor of the Greek goddess of fertility, cultivation of the land, grain and agriculture, includes, among others:
Dalmore 44yo, prepared to commemorate 50 years of service to the distillery industry Margaret Nicol, associated with Whyte & MacKay.
Ardbeg Twenty, prepared by Gillian Macdonald, ardbeg's champion buyer, to commemorate her 20 years in the industry.
Aberfeldy 40yo, filled and bearing the distillery's master buyer's signature on the label, Stephanie Macleod.
Glendronach 30yo Hand-Filled, a bottle personally filled by the aforementioned Rachel Barrie, champion of the couplet m.in. Glendronach.
Laphroaig 25yo The Bessie Williamson Story is a limited edition whisky from the Laphroaig distillery, prepared to commemorate the first female manager of the distillery. It appeared in the chain of stores travel retail in 2019, currently extremely difficult to obtain.
CRN 57 is an unusual 57-year-old blended malt whisky made by the manager of the recently launched distillery, The Cairn, Mhairi Winters, and quality manager at Gordon & MacPhail, Lizzie Haw. One wholly unique bottle contains a blend of three extremely old single malts from the Speyside region.
Nc'nean Aon 17-302 is a whisky personally selected by the founder of the Nc'nean distillery, Annabel Thomas. The whisky comes from a sherry butt cask filled in the first months of the distillery's operation, and will be the only bottle of whisky from this particular cask to ever see the light of day.
And a dozen others, equally remarkable, equally valuable and unique. Proceeds from the auction will contribute to the account of the OurWhisky Foundation, which aims, among other things, to support and strengthen the role of women in the Scottish distilling industry. The auction will start on March 29 and last until April 8.
We encourage you to participate and bid on these extraordinary whiskeys. Regardless of participation in the auction, we recommend taking a good look at our Polish whisky world as well. And here we find representatives of the fair sex in many key places. To them and to all ladies, regardless of industry, we extend our best wishes for their holiday tomorrow.
[07.03.2024 / photo: Whisky Auctioneer]