Service! 2.0 with Executive Director, Sangeeta Lakhani
In this episode, Sangeeta Lakhani, Executive Director of Service!, A Relief Organization for Hospitality Workers returns to tell us about the upcoming expansion of Service!
May 13, 2025•38 min
Women & Whiskey: Stop Mansplaining Me
I’m a Whiskey Woman and so are many of my friends. We like to drink whiskey, learn about whiskey and hunt for rare and unique bottles of whiskey. What we don’t like is that, somewhere in time, the world of whiskey became a boys club.
In this podcast, Women & Whiskey: Stop Mansplaining Me, we’ll talk with trail blazing women who are shattering the glass ceiling of the whiskey industry. We’ll hear from master distillers, master blenders, brand ambassadors… all the women from field to glass who are shaping the whiskey world today.
Join me for a taste and a chat with some fascinating whiskey women.
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Episodes
Christy Pruitt-Haynes, Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist, Executive Bourbon Steward
Some things just go great together like champagne and caviar, pretzels and beer and whiskey and cigars. In this episode, Amy, Lanessa and Leigh Ann chat via Zoom with Christy Pruitt-Haynes, Founder and Operator of The Sip and Smoke Experience. Christy is a Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist, Executive Bourbon Steward and Certified Bourbon Professional who hosts both private events and public seminars evangelizing the joys of pairing cigars with whiskey. Check out her website: thesipandsmokeex...
Apr 26, 2025•28 min
Ohio Distillery Tour
Grant Gorham joins me to talk about the newly launched Ohio Distillery Tour. Check it out at ohiodistillerytour.com or at womenandwhiskeypodcast.com/check-it-out
Mar 25, 2025•8 min
After Hours - Old Elk Cigar Cut and Cash Finished Series
Amy, Wendy and Leigh Ann taste through two bottles of Old Elk; one from their Cigar Cut series and the other from their Cask Finish series. These bottles were generously gifted to us by Melinda Maddox, Master Blender. The Cigar Series Punch Cut had us feelin' all the feels and the Cognac Cask Finished left us wanting more. (Full disclosure — we may have had a drink or two before we recorded this tasting.) If you have questions or comments, email us at whiskeywomen5@gmail.com or message us on Ins...
Mar 12, 2025•16 min
Stephanie Anderson, Regional Sales Manager, Rock Town Distillery
In this episode, Amy, Wendy and Leigh Ann chat remotely with Stephanie Anderson, Regional Sales Manager with Rock Town Distillery in Little Rock, Arkansas. Stephanie generously sent a bottle of their Column Still Collection, Single Barrel Bourbon that was a collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Company. Rich, Sweet and Floral this bottle did not disappoint. Learn about Rock Town and Stephanie's bold journey in the spirits industry.
Feb 27, 2025•33 min
Nakia Bell, aka Sober Bourbon Girl
On this Valentine's Day, I bring you a podcast episode about a love project that turned into a small business. Nakia Bell, aka Sober Bourbon Girl, started her bourbon journey as an anniversary gift for her husband. That gift evolved into a huge social media following on YouTube, @soberbourbongirl, along with a website, soberbourbongirl.com, with merch coming soon.
Feb 13, 2025•18 min
Choosing Weller Full Proof Barrels for OHLQ
Barrel pickin' is no easy task especially when you're given 24 amazing choices but the crew at Women & Whiskey podcast are up to the challenge. In this episode, follow along as we choose 8 barrels of Weller Full Proof for the OHLQ Exclusive Liquor Program.
Dec 20, 2024•39 min
Holiday Gift & Cocktail Ideas
Need holiday gift ideas? We've got you covered! From holiday cocktails to great gift ideas, we've got a gift idea for everyone. Visit our website www.womenandwhiskeypodcast.com for merch, etc
Dec 07, 2024•31 min
Melinda Maddox, Master Blender at Old Elk Distillery
In this episode, Amy and I chat with Melinda Maddox, Master Blender at Old Elk Distillery. From Bartender to Blender, Mel shares her journey in the spirits industry, stepping out from behind the stick to become Old Elk's award-winning Blender. Support female musicians too… click here to learn more about the band Snarls: takethistoheartrecords.limitedrun.com/produc…-burst
Nov 20, 2024•39 min
Diana Hancharenko, Founder of Belle of the Barrel Whiskey Tasting Experiences
In this episode I chat via Zoom with Diana Hancharenko, founder and operator of Belle of the Barrel Whiskey Tasting Experiences. Diana creates curated whiskey tastings for beginners, experts and everyone in between. Book a holiday party, corporate retreat or just a fun night with family and friends at belleofthebarrel.com
Nov 09, 2024•18 min
Nicole Volk, PhD student — Thesis Work on The Whiskey Industry
In this episode, we chat with Nicole Volk, M.S., a PhD Candidate at The Ohio State University about her thesis work that focuses on the whiskey industry. She spent time at various distilleries in Kentucky to research how the whiskey industry could be an integral part of educating adults about agricultural. Distilleries just might be the key to reconnecting consumers to where their food, and whiskey, comes from. Stick around after our chat with Nicole to hear about new releases from Middle West S...
Sep 27, 2024•54 min
Buzzard's Roost Co-Founder Judith Hollis Jones
In this episode, we chat via Zoom with Judy Hollis Jones, Co-Founder of Buzzard's Roost whiskey. Born out of a barrel pick for clients and friends, Judy and her partner Jason Brauner decided to create their own whiskey brand. Setting their whiskey apart by focusing on wood science, they have successfully created an impressive line-up of whiskeys to please any palate.
Aug 12, 2024•40 min
Danielle Goldtooth
This episode was recorded for our sister podcast "If This Bar Could Talk" but It's so special, I decided to share it with W&W listeners. I hope you enjoy. Danielle Goldtooth, a Native American mixologist, Zooms in from New Mexico to share her mission to reconnect Americans to their food and honor the farmers, ranchers and agriculturists who provide it. Danielle, along with her husband Allen (who is a chef), and their business partner host pop-up dinners in the Phoenix area featuring as many ...
Jul 28, 2024•37 min
Devin Walden, Master Distiller at Big Machine Distillery
In this episode, I travel to Lynnville Tennessee to visit Big Machine Distillery. Devin Walden has been on a fast track to success in the spirits industry since she was 22 years old. Now 30, her hard work and tenacity has paid off becoming the Master Distiller at Big Machine. From tattoo artist to Master Distiller, her journey is the perfect blueprint for anyone looking to advance in the Spirits Industry.
Jul 09, 2024•39 min
Potter Jane Distillery's Co-Founder, Jane Bowie
In this episode, Amy and Wendy interview Jane Bowie, co-founder of Potter Jane Distillery. Jane, along with neighbor and former co-worker Denny Potter left their jobs at Maker's Mark to pursue their dream of opening their own distillery. Listen as Jane describes their plan to make a whiskey their way.
Jun 18, 2024•58 min
Monongahela Rye Experience with Beth Burrows
In this episode, recorded in the private dining room at Vaso in Dublin, Ohio, Beth Burrows, Senior American Whiskey Ambassador at James B Beam, walks us through a tasting of A. Overholt Rye Whiskey a stunning rye made in the old style "Monongahela Mash". It's not an exaggeration to say that we were all blown away by the flavors in this whiskey. This is a long one but hang in there to learn about 22 second hugs, 6 second kisses, the many uses of breast milk and so much more!
May 24, 2024•1 hr 26 min
Heather Wibbels aka Cocktail Contessa
In this episode, Heather Wibbels aka Cocktail Contessa zooms in from Louisville, KY to talk about her amazing book "Bourbon Is My Comfort Food", The Bourbon Women's Guide to Fantastic Cocktails at Home. In honor of Derby Day, I mixed up the perfect mint julep to sip as Heather tells us about the storied history of the cocktail. Heather's amazing book is filled with beautiful photography, interesting cocktail history plus pro tips and, of course, wonderful bourbon cocktail recipes. Her book is a ...
May 04, 2024•43 min
Service! A Relief Organization for Hospitality Workers — FUNDRAISER GALA MAY 16
Sang and Letha, two of the three founders of Service! stop in to talk about their first annual fundraising gala on Thursday May 16, 2024 at High Line Car House from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. This event is not just a fundraiser but also a way to show gratitude to the hard-working hospitality workers in our community. Buy a table, a single ticket or make a donation to support this amazing organization and the work they do in our community.
Apr 16, 2024•40 min
Gia Lynch, Co-Owner & Chief Flavor Officer at Everwild Spirits
In this episode, we chat with Gia Lynch, Co-Owner & Chief Flavor Officer at Everwild Spirits Distillery located in Sandusky Ohio. Along with her husband Rick and brother Jude they have created an amazing line-up of whiskies as well as a gorgeous restaurant and bar. Visit for the whiskey and stay for the food and cocktails.
Mar 29, 2024•36 min
Anna Axster and Wendelin von Schroder Founders of Lodestar Whiskey
In this episode, I talk with Anna Axster and Wendelin von Schroder, founders of Lodestar Whiskey. Anna and Wendelin developed a passion for whiskey while traveling the country for their film and music careers. Feeling underrepresented in the whiskey space as millennial women, they set out to create a new whiskey with a unique flavor profile. Lodestar is a blend of Straight High Rye Bourbon and American Single Malt Whiskey. Check out their website at lodestarwhiskey.com to find out where you can ...
Jan 26, 2024•25 min
Do You Even Like Whiskey? The barriers holding back women in the industry
To start off the new year, we welcome the newest member of our podcast crew, Wendy Peveich! In her first episode as a co-host, we discuss the first survey of it's kind conducted by OurWhisky Foundation called "Do You Even Like Whisky"? The barriers holding back women in the industry. It's an important conversation about how women navigate the male-dominated spirits Industry.
Jan 15, 2024•40 min
Alicia Mehl and Lauren Pierce with Vaso
In this episode, we traveled to Dublin, Ohio to visit with Alicia Mehl and Lauren Pierce at Vaso. The original rooftop bar in the Columbus area, Vaso is situated atop the AC Hotel with panoramic views of the river and city. Vaso is a frequent customer of the Maker's Mark Private Barrel Select program selecting different stave combos to curate seasonal flavor profiles. Learn about the Maker's Mark private barrel program and follow along as Lauren walks us through building Vaso's signature Old Fas...
Dec 09, 2023•27 min
Melissa Esposito, Director of Operations at Blackened American Whiskey
In this episode, Melissa Esposito Zoomed in from New Jersey. Melissa is the Director of Operations for Blackened American Whiskey which was created by the late Dave Pickerill and heavy metal rock band Metallica. Melissa shares her journey in the industry as well as proprietary techniques used to create Blackened and what it's like working for one of the most popular bands in the world. Support female musicians too… click here to learn more about the band Snarls: takethistoheartrecords.limitedrun...
Nov 11, 2023•35 min
Amy Schirtzinger, Owner of McClellan's Pub
In this episode, we talk with Amy Schirtzinger owner of McClellan's Pub in Dublin, Ohio. Amy generously shared a bottle of her most recent barrel pick and we taste her pick for the Best New Whiskey in Ohio (Middle West Spirits Ported Pumpernickel Rye) which came in second place, a mere 1 point behind the winner (Echo Spirits Single Barrel Rye). Amy shares the challenges and rewards of being a bar owner. Support female musicians too… click here to learn more about the band Snarls: takethistoheart...
Sep 29, 2023•52 min
Wendy Peveich, National Brand Ambassador for Penelope Bourbon
The story of Penelope Whiskey is beautifully told by brand ambassador Wendy Peveich. Her passion for the brand is unmatched by anyone in her industry. Wendy is a self-taught expert with the voice of an angel and quite frankly one of the coolest ladies to ever grace our podcast studio. In this episode, Wendy takes us on a global journey with a single whiskey brand that was born out of friendship, respect and passion for making great whiskey. Oh, and if you’d like to meet Wendy in person, she will...
Aug 30, 2023•1 hr 17 min
Jill Kuehler, Owner and Founder of Freeland Spirits in Portland Oregon
In this episode, we chat with Jill Kuehler, owner and founder of Freeland Spirits in Portland, Oregon. When Amy visited this distillery earlier this year, she came back with a fabulous bottle of gin and enthusiasm for this female founded, owned and operated distillery. Inspired by her grandmother, Jill set out to create a line of spirits using the freshest ingredients she could find. She teamed up with the youngest female Master Distiller in the U.S., Molly Troupe, who brought her expertise and ...
Jul 28, 2023•29 min
Joe and Nikhil from Echo Spirits Distillery
In this episode, we taste 4 new whiskey expressions from Echo Spirits Distillery. Joe and Nikhil, owners and proprietors of Echo, talk about their journey in the distilling industry
Jul 17, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Bourbon Belles & Whiskey Women Author Karen E. Locke
In this episode, I speak via Zoom with author Karen E. Locke. Her book, "Bourbon Belles & Whiskey Women, A Culinary and Cocktail Journey with the Women of Whiskey" has it all. Karen highlights some of the most influential women in the whiskey industry, shares some great cocktail and food recipes and peppers in some fun facts about the history of spirits. Visit www.bourbonbellesandwhiskeywomen.com to buy her book. Support female musicians too… click here to learn more about the band Snarls: t...
Jun 16, 2023•35 min
21 Seeds Tequila Tasting with Co-Founder Nicole Emanuel
In this episode, Nicole Emanuel stops by for a taste and a chat with her 21 Seeds Tequila. Her Blanco Tequilas are infused with Valencia Orange, Grapefruit/Hibiscus and Jalapeno/Cucumber. All three expressions are infused with natural ingredients. From beginnings in her sister's kitchen to partnering with spirits giant Diageo, listen along as she shares her journey of bringing a unique and delicious tequila to market. Support female musicians too… click here to learn more about the band Snarls: ...
May 19, 2023•41 min
A Taste of Woodinville with Ariel Jahn
In this episode, Ariel Jahn stops by to talk all things Woodinville. The girls and I tasted their bourbon, rye and finished whiskey and we were not disappointed. Learn about the history of Woodinville and what their plans are for the future. Support female musicians too… click here to learn more about the band Snarls: takethistoheartrecords.limitedrun.com/produc…-burst
May 09, 2023•49 min
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