INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
To the women!
Join Mhairi Mitchell as she uncovers the picks of this year’s International Women’s Day bottle releases. Delve into a collection of exceptional bottles, curated by an all-female Tasting Panel to celebrate the expertise of women in the whisky industry
MAIN PHOTOS: MIKE WILKINSON
In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024, Society members are in for a treat with the launch of five special releases curated by an all-female Tasting Panel. This groundbreaking initiative not only highlights the expertise and talent of women in the whisky industry but also supports a great cause.
The project dates back more than a year, when – as part of the IWD 2023 celebrations – a Tasting Panel made up exclusively of women was formed to select five exceptional whiskies. You can read all about that process in Unfiltered issue 79 from March last year.
The Panel members, chosen for their extensive knowledge and passion for whisky, embarked on a journey to explore and curate a collection that would stand out for its exceptional quality.
The Tasting Panel meticulously debated, deliberated over, approved and described each cask that made it into the final IWD collection. This commitment to quality ensured that every bottle released is a testament to the dedication and discerning taste of the all-female Tasting Panel – in this collection, every whisky is nothing short of exceptional.
This initiative is not just about celebrating the accomplishments of these remarkable women; it’s also about giving back and nurturing the future of the whisky industry. The SMWS is donating 5 per cent of the profits from the sale of these exquisite whiskies to Our Whisky Foundation, a non-profit organisation that works to empower and support women in various aspects of the whisky world.
ABOVE: whisky samples at the ready for the Tasting Panel to examine ahead of selection or rejection
When you choose a bottle from this collection, not only are you indulging your senses with the finest whisky, but you’re also contributing to a more inclusive and supportive environment within the whisky community. It’s a win-win – a catalyst for change in a world that is thirsty for progress.
So, as we raise our glasses to toast International Women’s Day in 2024, let us remember the exceptional women who, with their expertise and passion, have brought these whiskies to life.