Women Whiskey Founders
(NOTE: FOUNDERS ARE LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
1
Nicole Austin
Nicole began at George Dickel in 2018 as the General Manager and Distiller. She doesn’t like the job title of “Master Distiller” stating, “I have a real job, not just hand shaking. Plus, I feel too young for that.” Indeed, she is only 38, but she has enjoyed monumental success at George Dickel. She has been vital to the significant success of several George Dickel brands, including the launching of the Cascade Moon Whisky series, George Dickel Bourbon and George Dickel Bottled in Bond.
2
Victoria Eady Butler
Victoria Eady Butler’s story is one of heritage, passion, and unparalleled achievement. Raised in the close-knit community of Lynchburg, Tennessee, she grew up deeply connected to her roots as the great-great-granddaughter of Nathan “Nearest” Green, his granddaughter was her grandmother. Nearest was the first known African American master distiller who taught Jack Daniel the craft of whiskey making. Lynchburg’s charm, her family’s enduring legacy, and a strong spiritual foundation shaped Victoria’s character and ambition.
3
Alex Castle
In fourth grade, Alex Castle tagged along with her parents on a bourbon tour of the scenic, historic grounds of Maker’s Mark Distillery. Her first encounter with bourbon mash was less than favorable. “I thought it smelled bad,” recalls Alex, “and I thought the bourbon chocolate pieces tasted funny.” Personable and petite, with a pixie haircut and sweet smile, Castle looks like your best friend’s adorable kid sister.
4
Marianne Eaves
Although Marianne Eaves was raised in Kentucky, she grew up in a dry county and her parents never drank much so she wasn’t really exposed to the whiskey culture that’s pervasive there. She was a tomboy and enjoyed auto shop, eventually getting and spending time working on her muscle car - a 1972 Oldsmobile 98.
5
Rebecca Harris
Becky is the President and serves as the Chief Distiller at Catoctin Creek and has focused on creating the finest Virginia Rye Whiskey. Catoctin Creek Distillery was started early in the wave of craft distilleries in 2009. It all began with a tiny 100-gallon still and a single full-time employee, who happened to be Becky.
6
Pam Heilman
When Joseph Magliocco, of Michter’s, came to her with the opportunity to start a distillery, this challenge was truly intriguing. She would have her hands in everything! From personnel to equipment, this was exciting! She couldn’t say no. Heilmann’s philosophy is “the best of everything.”
7
Britt Kulsveen
Britt Kulsveen stands at the helm of one of Kentucky’s most storied bourbon families at Willett Distillery. A fifth-generation steward of the craft, the great‑granddaughter of A. Lambert Willett is now tasked with carrying forward the vision of her ancestors. In June 2018, Britt was promoted to President and Chief Whiskey Officer.
8
Louisa Nelson
Louisa Christine Nelson (Rolfing) was the wife and business partner of Nelson Greenbrier Distillery founder Charles Nelson – married for 30 years, she was her husband’s shrewdest and most ambitious partner while operating as wholesale grocers, and later as distillers and distributors for roughly thirty different brands of liquor ranging from Tennessee Whiskey, bourbon whiskey, corn whiskey, gin, and both apple and peach brandy.
9
Monica Pearce
A Unique Beginning. Monica Pearce, born in Philadelphia, PA, moved to Frederick, Maryland where she grew up and continues to live today. Monica graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science and Policy. She later graduated from Virginia Tech with an Executive Master’s in Natural Resources.
10
Lexie Phillips
Just as she has done for the past ten years, Lexie Phillips makes her short daily drive from where she was raised in Estill Springs to the Jack Daniel’s distillery. It is down the quiet, two-lane stretch of smooth country blacktop, past the polite, white-frame houses of small-town Tennessee. Except these days, Lexie has been named the first female Assistant Master Distiller at the renowned whiskey works, operating side-by-side with Master Distiller Chris Fletcher.
11
Margaret Samuels
Margie Mattingly Samuels was born in 1916 in Bardstown, Kentucky. Margie Samuels was born into Kentucky's signature bourbon business. Her father's family co-founded the Mattingly & Moore Distillery in Bardstown in the mid-1800s. She graduated at the top of her class from Louisville Girls High School and from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry in 1933.
12
Peggy Noe Stevens
Peggy Noe Stevens was born and raised in the bourbon-centric state of Kentucky, a place where that spirit flows as naturally as conversation at holiday dinners. A cousin to Fred Noe, legendary Master Distiller at Jim Beam, Peggy was steeped in Southern traditions and hospitality.
13
Fawn Weaver
Author, CEO, and historian Fawn Weaver is why many people know the name and story behind Jack Daniel's original master distiller, Nathan "Uncle Nearest" Green. Born in 1976 in Pasadena, California, Fawn Evette Wilson was one of four daughters of Frank and Philomina "Bunny" Wilson. Her father, a former Motown songwriter, singer, and record producer, was chosen by Berry Gordy to open the Los Angeles division of Motown.
14
Andrea Marie Wilson
In 2014, her job at Diageo was dissolved and she began at Michter’s the next day. Literally, the next day, July 1, 2014. From a giant in the industry to a family-owned business, which has brought a new list of opportunities for Wilson. From then to now, she has become the Master of Maturation and Chief Operating Officer there. While at Michter’s, she has used her passion to help extensively grow the Shively Distillery. She was equally as important in the establishment of the Fort Nelson Distillery and their farm and operations in Springfield.
15
Jackie Zykan
Jackie’s first day on the job was July 6th, 2015, ironically the same day as the Whiskey Row fire at the new Old Forester distillery being built on Main Street. Originally carrying the title of Master Bourbon Specialist, the position was one of PR and marketing, but when she learned the extent of the project for the new distillery on Whiskey Row, she boldly told Campbell Brown, President of Brown-Forman, that by the time the new distillery opened, she’d be Master Taster for the Old Forester brand. When the distillery opened, she was, indeed, promoted to Master Taster.