In 2024, The Shout launched the weekly Wednesday Women series, and for the last year we have had the privilege of shining a light on the incredible women that shape the liquor industry.
You can view the whole series, which currently stands at 33 articles, here.
From international bartenders to whisky specialists and liquor retailers, these stories highlight the talent and passion that often goes unnoticed in this fast-paced industry. More than that, this series has given a platform to some extraordinary women to share their unique journeys and inspire the next generation of leaders.
As we close out the year, we’d like to highlight the collective impact of these women, and we invite you to explore the stories you might have missed. In the year ahead, we will continue to amplify women’s voices, celebrate their achievements and contribute to a more inclusive industry.
Below are just some of the great stories these women have shared with us in 2024.
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Back in July, Ivy Mix, Author, Owner of Brooklyn cocktail bar Leyenda and Co-owner of all-female bartending competition Speed Rack, shared her passion for Latin American spirits and championing women in the bartending industry.
https://theshout.com.au/wednesday-women-ivy-mix-celebrates-female-talent/
The Whisky List’s Whisky Specialist Emma Cookson also uncovered stories from her career in bartending, and how she came to love whisky. In February this year, Cookson was the winner of the IWSC’s 2024 Emerging Talent in Spirits Communication award, and she shared her joy of bringing whisky to life in writing with The Shout.
https://theshout.com.au/wednesday-women-talking-whisky-with-emma-cookson/
In an industry that has long been dominated by men, there are countless talented women reshaping the future of the brewing world. Among them is Emma Locke, who was named a Rising Star at the 2024 Beer & Brewer Awards. As part of the Wednesday Women series, we found out what made Locke a Rising Star, and how she inspires women to thrive in an evolving industry.
https://theshout.com.au/wednesday-women-empowering-women-in-beer-with-emma-locke/
In October, we sat down with Rhubi’s Brand Director Linn Philips-Johansson, who shared big plans for the Australian aperitif. She also reflected on the lack of female representation in the industry, the difficulties of keeping a small alcohol brand afloat, and overcoming imposter syndrome.
https://theshout.com.au/wednesday-women-believe-in-your-brand-with-linn-philips-johansson/
Hospitality, heritage and community are at the core of Sydney venues The Doss House and Frank Mac’s, as Managing Director Ciara Doran told The Shout. With a passion for restoring and reviving heritage-listed buildings, Doran shared her experience establishing the two bars and later launching a female-led hospitality group, Heritage House Co.
https://theshout.com.au/ciara-doran-talks-hospitality-heritage-and-community/
Winning the Australian Liquor Industry (ALIA) award for Liquor Retail Manager is no small feat, especially not in the first year of launching a business, and this year Imogen Murphy of Thirstville took out that honour. Shortly after her ALIA win, Murphy featured in Wednesday Women to discuss her approach to liquor retail, and thinking of her liquor store as an art shop.
https://theshout.com.au/wednesday-women-imogen-murphy-on-the-art-of-liquor-retail/
Jacqui Corbett, Chief Operating Officer at Momento Hospitality, has had the pleasure of working with some iconic venues and leaders that formed the foundation for a colourful career in hospitality. These experiences have shaped her understanding of the industry, and her values-based leadership style, which she opened up about in the series.
https://theshout.com.au/wednesday-women-jacqui-corbett-talks-values-based-leadership/
You can see the entire series of Wednesday Women here.
