Wisdom from 10 Women Leaders in Spirits

Women have been trailblazers in spirits since the birth of the industry but have only been receiving recognition for their accomplishments in recent decades. Joy Spence of Appleton Estate was the first female Master Blender for any spirit brand, taking on the role as late as 1997. Since then, many other female icons of the spirits industry have emerged, including Hendricks’ Lesley Gracie, The Glendronach’s Rachel Barrie, Casa Dragones’ Bertha Gonzáles Nieves, Uncle Nearest’s Victoria Eady Butler, and Marianne Eaves, Kentucky’s first female bourbon master distiller since Prohibition, among many, many others — not to mention countless women who’ve steered brands in non-production roles.

Despite the current climate where programs aimed to promote traditionally marginalized groups, including women, have been scrutinized or eliminated, women in spirits will always be pushing boundaries, helping to drive the industry, and taking center stage for their contributions. Consider two recent texts on the topic of cocktails: Dr. Nicola Nice’s “The Cocktail Parlor: How Women Brought the Cocktail Home,” and Sammi Katz and Olivia McGiff’s “Spirited Women: Makers, Shakers, and Trailblazers in the World of Cocktails.”

Leadership in the spirits industry takes many forms, and highlighting a short list of women currently shining in their roles feels like arbitrarily picking out a handful of celestial bodies in a sky filled with stars. By no means an exhaustive list, as women are succeeding in every corner, here are 10 emerging leaders in the spirits industry who recently caught our attention, presented in alphabetical order.

Francesca Bardelli Nonino, Head of Digital & Global Brand Ambassador, Grappa Nonino

The fifth generation of the Nonino family already had a trio of powerhouse women at the helm, Francesca Bardelli Nonino’s mother and two aunts. As the 6th generation, and heir presumptive to eventually lead the brand, nobody is better poised to represent the family’s world-class grappa and amaro brand to a new generation of drinkers than young and energetic Francesca, as the Head of Digital and Global Brand Ambassador. For Nonino, to do so is not just a job in the family business, but a calling she’s acknowledged from an early age. “It’s keeping the flame of a passion alive, a flame that has been burning in our family since 1897,” she says, “and sharing with others the culture, values, land, and history that we distill into every bottle.”

On leadership: “To me, leadership is the art of inspiring others to become the finest version of themselves, as they journey together toward a shared goal.”

Christa Cotton, CEO, El Guapo Bitters

Christa Cotton photo credit El Guapo Bitters

For New Orleans-based Christa Cotton of El Guapo Bitters, addressing climate change isn’t something that can be put off for even a moment. “We believe that doing business responsibly isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for our community, our customers, and the future of craft cocktails,” she says. “Here in New Orleans, we live on the front lines of climate change. The storms are getting stronger and the hurricane season stretches longer each year. We want to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.” Beyond the company’s commitment to sustainable operation and packaging, Cotton is an advocate for Southern farming traditions, and serves on the board of Glass Half Full, a New Orleans nonprofit focused on glass recycling.

Cotton got her start in the spirits world helping her family establish Georgia’s first legal distillery since Prohibition, a process that empowered her to begin her own brand. “The process of opening the distillery was a master class in operating a start-up and still one of my most cherished periods of time with my dad,” she says.

On leadership: “Leadership isn’t just about your title or authority — it’s about influence, vision, and the ability to inspire action. To me, great leadership is built on trust, accountability, and a relentless commitment to growth — both personal and collective. I prefer to: lead by example, empower others, embrace challenge and change, and own wins and losses. At its core, leadership is about service, impact, and making those around you better. It’s not about standing above others — it’s about standing with them, guiding, supporting, and pushing forward together.”

Kate Douglas, Lead Distiller, Keeper’s Heart Whiskey

While many distillers find their way into the industry via a scenic route, Kate Douglas of Keeper’s Heart Whiskey took the straightest possible path, earning degrees in Food Safety and Fermentation Science and Technology from Colorado State University. In her role as Lead Distiller, she is focused on innovation, especially in crafting new expressions of American Whiskeys with Irish influence. (As Irish Whiskey is still demonstrating consistent growth among spirit categories, it’s a savvy move as well as a creative one.) “It’s incredibly rare to see American whiskey undergo the traditional Irish method of triple pot distillation,” she says, “then we bring it back to its American roots by aging it in New American Oak barrels.”

On leadership: “Leadership is about fostering strong relationships based on mutual respect, accountability, and a shared commitment to a common goal. I thrive in environments where trust is the foundation of the team. As a leader, my focus is on empowering my team and supporting their growth. If they aspire to develop the skills needed for a role like mine, I’m fully committed to helping them achieve that.”

Sara Eitle, Homeplace Director, Brown-Forman

As Homeplace Director, Sara Eitle has a unique title, not just at Brown-Forman, but across the industry, as someone responsible for managing the experiential aspect of multiple brands, overseeing all Brown-Forman’s visitor centers in the U.S. and Mexico. “Brand Homes play an instrumental role in bringing brands to life through the experience of place, celebrating our rich history, our craft and the people who make it all possible,” says Eitle. “Engaging guests in authentic, multi-sensory experiences enable spirits brands to deepen connections with consumers in a truly meaningful way.”

On leadership: “My view of leadership centers on inclusion, empowerment, and impact. I find it truly rewarding to help team members and colleagues recognize their own value. Ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued should be a top priority for all leaders. Even small, daily actions to promote this can have a profound impact on individuals, teams, and entire cultures. I firmly believe that fostering a culture of empowerment and inclusion inspires individuals to contribute their best work and create the greatest impact.”

Delicia James, Lead Whiskey Blender, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey

Beginning as a quality control specialist with Bulleit, chemist and Lead Whiskey Blender Delicia James is responsible for the brand’s very first Bottled-in Bond expression, from liquid that was distilled in 2017. As the category demands, being the singular distiller at a sole distillery from single season to imprint on the final product was an honor from a woman who is also one of (yet) too few women of color in whiskey distillation. “I’m so proud to be a woman of color in whiskey,” says James. “Being a black woman who can speak on whiskey in a traditional male-dominated environment speaks volume to the heights that all women can achieve,” she says. “Naturally, I’m very inspired by women who control the narrative of their liquids and start the trends of what’s hot in the spirits industry.”

On leadership: To me, true leadership is steering the team to success through motivation, communication, and a positive mindset. I am thankful that the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey team has elevated me to a leadership position in my career so I can pass down these lessons to others.

Melinda Maddox, Head of Production & Master Blender, Old Elk

Beginning on the guest-facing end of beverages, as a bartender and beverage director, Melinda Maddox’s followed her passion into production, finding an all-encompassing role in Colorado’s Old Elk, well-suited to someone with a diverse, hand-on background: “I oversee all aspects of whiskey production, from blending and QC, to barrel management,” says Maddox, “leading a team, conducting sensory evaluations to determine core blends and new products, troubleshooting equipment, refining systems, and management of our single barrel program.” In her relatively short tenure, Old Elk has taken home various medals, and Maddox herself has been recognized by the industry, becoming a Best Production Manager finalist in the 2023 Women of Whiskey Awards. “It’s a privilege to lead a talented team and occasionally travel to share our brand story with our fans,” says Maddox. “Being selected for this role has been an honor and incredibly rewarding, especially so for our team, having created something that the whiskey community considers special.”

On leadership: My journey as a leader has changed a lot over the last few years in this role. Leadership to me is very much about what can I do for others, how can I be collaborative, how can I advocate for another person and help them grow, and whether I can be an example of achievement for others. Am I giving others tools to grow — that is important to me. Mentoring and supporting foundations like the STEP UP internship program and Bourbon Women has allowed me to grow as a leader. For me it is as much about teaching and leading as it is learning from my team — this is true leadership.

Eboni Major, Founder, Major Spirits

A food scientist by trade, Eboni Major made her way into the whiskey industry as an opportunity to be closer to home. Making history wasn’t by design, but she did so nonetheless by becoming the first Black blender at a legacy distillery brand. Despite her success, leaving the brand after experiencing racial discrimination was another trailblazing move, establishing herself as an independent consultant whose talent as a blender didn’t require the support of a major label. “I’ve navigated my own path into consultancy because I had no other choice,” says Major. “That might not be for everyone, but I do hope that ALL women in the industry find their niche, keep the fire fueling, and go after it, whatever IT is,” she says. “But also, take breaks. There is growth and wisdom in taking a step back.”

On leadership: The foundation of leadership — specifically in spirits — begins with and will always be centered in education. I truly believe the foundation of a good leader is seen in someone that spent years being teachable. It requires patience. From that perspective, you are informed to make valuable challenges that yield results and create innovating projects.

Dr. Nicola Nice, entrepreneur and author

Dr. Nicola Nice made waves in the spirits industry by founding Pomp & Whimsy in 2017, a gin brand that aimed to celebrate the role of women in gin, and the spirit’s feminine roots. She then turned her lens more widely across the field of spirits, authoring “The Cocktail Parlor” in 2024 on the historical role of women in spirits and cocktails. While we celebrate those who are doing today’s work, Nice’s efforts acknowledge the largely unknown women who paved the way before women were at all celebrated in the industry. “A majority of the female cocktail writers who feature in ‘The Cocktail Parlor’ are relatively unknown today,” she says. “As I was researching their backstories a common theme quickly emerged: most women who have done groundbreaking things in cocktails tend to have blazed trails in other areas of their lives, too. It made me want to document and highlight the achievements of these women for everyone to know and remember, and it gave me the confidence and determination I needed personally to continue defining and following my own path with the belief that, at the very least, there should hopefully be a good story to tell at the end of it.”

On leadership: “I reflect a lot on the meaning of thought leadership. Online media has become so preoccupied with the concept of influence, followers, and engagement that glossy, surface- level content shaped by trending hashtags has taken priority over unique perspectives or fresh ideas. To me, thought leadership means dedicating oneself to a subject and to advancing others’ understanding of and appreciation for that subject regardless of whether it is sexy, trending, or happens to be the right month for it.”

Celina Perez, Head Distiller, Great Jones Distilling Co.

A former NYC bartender and cheesemonger, Celina Perez taught herself how to make whiskey before scoring her first job in brewing and distillation. Having previously worked for female-fronted brands such as Widow Jane and Owney’s, Perez now holds the distinction of being Head Distiller for Manhattan’s first post-Prohibition distillery, sourcing local grains for a New York City sense of place. “At Great Jones Distilling Co., we’re capturing the spirit of New York City — its energy, innovation, and history,” she says. “I have the opportunity to push boundaries and celebrate my favorite city, and that’s what drives me. I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible female spirits entrepreneurs who’ve shown me the importance of creating opportunities for others. I’m also committed to advocating for greater visibility and mentorship for women in distilling, ensuring the industry continues to evolve as an inclusive and dynamic space.”

On leadership: Leadership, to me, is about guiding and inspiring a team while fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. As a head distiller, leadership means not only overseeing the technical aspects of spirit production but also mentoring and empowering my team. True leadership means sharing knowledge, embracing diverse perspectives, and leading by example with dedication and craftsmanship. In distilling, it’s about honoring tradition while pushing boundaries, encouraging curiosity, and ensuring the next generation has the tools, support, and inspiration to thrive.

Cindy Pressman, Founder, atôst

Cindy Pressman photo courtesy of Josh Telles

Situated in Southern California wine country, Cindy Pressman, Founder of atôst, saw an opportunity to put grapes to work as a distillate, crafting a low-ABV, aperitif sipper that speaks to changing consumer preferences. “My husband and I always loved the ritual of gathering over a drink, but we wanted something that felt different — lighter, more sessionable, and deeply tied to a sense of place,” says Pressman. “The aperitivo culture we admired in Europe felt so effortlessly social, but we wanted to translate that through a California lens.” As the granddaughter of agave farmers in Guadalajara, distilling was also in her DNA, and honoring her heritage was ingrained in the brand’s vision. “My grandparents’ stories instilled in me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and tradition,” she says. “At the same time, California is my home — it’s a place of innovation, creativity, and cultural fusion. Honoring both was never a question. It was the most natural way to create something that felt deeply personal yet widely resonant.”

On leadership: Leadership, to me, is about setting a vision and inspiring others to bring it to life. It’s about creating an environment where people feel empowered, supported, and driven to push boundaries. In the world of spirits, where tradition often reigns, leadership also means having the courage to do something different—challenging conventions while staying true to your roots. At atōst, I strive to lead by example, ensuring that our team feels the same passion and purpose that first inspired us to create this modern California aperitif.