Stateways Fall 2023 | Page 44

Whiskey director , Blue Run Spirits

How did you get into the beverage alcohol business ? I began my spirits career in a fundamental role at Campari Group as the R & D Specialist , based in Kentucky at the Wild Turkey Distillery . This experience was akin to earning a master ’ s degree to complement my degree in food science , as I was exposed to so much and learned a great deal from the Russells ( master distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell ) and my outstanding mentor Norm Matella .

I became the main developer for most of Campari Group ’ s brands across the North American portfolio , which submerged me headfirst into the very different worlds of American whiskey , vodka , tequila and rum . Unlike a lot of behindthe-scenes work that food and beverage scientists typically do , I found myself working closely with the brand marketing teams and thus began speaking a specific language — one that fell squarely between the technical world of spirits innovation and the consumer-driven world of brand marketing .

This made me a stronger product developer , as I more closely understood the consumer insights that were driving innovation choices . I soaked up everything I could while at Campari and had amazing mentors and supporters along the way . When a dream-like position became available at Blue Run to become their first official hire as their whiskey director , I knew this was the opportunity of a lifetime with

a chance to apply everything I ’ ve learned into a budding company .

Did you have a mentor in the industry ? Have you been a mentor to others ? I can ’ t tell you enough how grateful I am to everyone I have met on this incredible journey who has offered words of advice or encouragement . It is something I really love about folks in the whiskey industry : They truly take care of their own .

I wouldn ’ t be here today if it weren ’ t for the likes of the legendary Jimmy Russell or the incomparable Peggy Noe Stevens . Peggy is a living legend and has gone out of her way to support me in numerous ways . Knowing her is an absolute privilege . Working alongside other amazing women , like fellow scientist Meghan Mattingly at Bardstown Bourbon Co ., is inspiring and keeps it fun .

I learn something every day from folks like Jim Rutledge as I work with him at Blue Run , and I do my best to take everything I have learned and share it with anyone who wants it . I remember how valuable that was to me when I was starting out and I want to share that in hopes of building as broad and diverse a whiskey community as possible .

Have you faced challenges as a woman in a leadership position in what ’ s still a male-dominated industry ? This topic comes up frequently with other women in the industry and I know that women , unjustly , face challenges every single day trying to prove our legitimacy in our roles . I do think in many ways the specificity and complexity of my role as a scientist keeps some of the opinionated people at arm ’ s distance .

However , all women in this industry have to work around the pre-conceived notions some people have , that when we walk into a meeting , the older male is most often considered the most experienced or knowledgeable in the room , and that is not always the case . I ’ ve experienced this and know that I owe it to myself and the other women to continue to insert myself thoughtfully and assertively into the conversation as we all work toward a more balanced playing field .

How has your company benefited from having women at the table making decisions ? Let ’ s start with the fact that women have more olfactory receptors than men ! But seriously , Blue Run ’ s vision was always to create a whiskey for today ’ s younger , more diverse whiskey drinker . For that to work , that vision needed to also be reflected in who was on the other side at the company itself .

Blue Run walked the walk and talked the talk , with me leading whiskey development and Chelsea Catania leading sales , as just two examples . I am not going to characterize it that women bring some magical knowledge or skills to the table . I would rather view it as there are women who are the best in the business and you should hire them because of that , looking past the misconception that a woman can ’ t perform at the same level as a man , which is a particularly dated trope in the spirits industry .

Do you think the beverage alcohol industry has improved as far as women and gender DEI in the past five years ? To an extent . You certainly see more women in leadership roles today than you did just five years ago . That is really encouraging and empowering . The biggest disconnect I see is that many companies will say the right things publicly and even likely have the best intentions , but following through with what they ’ re saying doesn ’ t always happen .

Blue Run has made a big commitment to backing up their talk and I hope this approach is infectious . Giving women the opportunity to handle roles they are certainly capable of handling and respecting and elevating their expert opinions is a great place to start . In doing this , women will have one less roadblock and will gain confidence , opening the door wider for other women to enter . The industry can only benefit from including and respecting as many diverse opinions as possible .

What advice do you have for people ( women in particular ) looking to get into the spirits industry ? My number-one piece of advice to women looking to get into the spirits industry is to be yourself and be uncompromisingly proud of that . Don ’ t try to

12 2023 Beverage Industry Inclusion