Cocktails in Paris

Berlin !

The Whisky Embassy was one of the hot spots at BCB 2024, the Bar Convent Berlin, where Becky Paskin was keeping a close eye, hosting several passionate discussions, ranging from the role of women in the world of whisky to the evolution of the whisky bar.

Becky Paskin: A Master of Ceremonies Who Loves Whisky

For those who don’t know her, Becky Paskin is one of the leading figures in the industry: she has been a journalist for over 15 years and has contributed to various specialized magazines. She is recognized as one of the most influential people in the sector and is also an advocate for equality and inclusion in the global whisky industry. She launched the OurWhisky foundation to raise funds with the first virtual whisky festival in the UK in 2020.

The platform then became free to make the modern whisky world inclusive, offering qualification programs, internships, a mentoring program, as well as seminars and workshops, all designed to help women successfully progress in the industry. Yet, during an evening event, while explaining her journey with a glass of whisky in hand, she was asked: “Do you even like whisky?” This small phrase was the trigger for her to put all her efforts into democratizing whisky and including women in its representation; notably by organizing an inclusive photo shoot.

Media Exposure: Key to Changing Perception

Subliminally, the lack of diverse representation in the media sends the message that “you don’t belong here,” and Becky Paskin ensures that everyone finds their place and dusts off the gendered image of whisky. Becky is delighted with Beyoncé’s entry into the business, believing that SirDavis has the potential to provoke a major cultural shift in our perception of whisky enthusiasts and bring in new consumers, fans of the artist.

Women have not waited for their image and others’ perceptions to evolve; they work and are an integral part of the industry. Some have even been noticed for their talent, such as Stephanie Macleod, Master Blender at Bacardi and the first woman to be named Master Blender from 2019 to 2024. It’s hard to believe she benefited from positive discrimination six times in a row.

Reinventing Whisky: Exploring Innovations in Production

More recently, and in a more confidential manner, a distillery with an artisanal approach led by an almost entirely female team, notably the brilliant Sienna Jevremov, the new Head Distiller and Blender at Widow Jane, has caught our attention. She took over from Lisa Wicker in 2022 and does not hesitate to move from distillation to blending while experimenting with barrels other than oak, such as for Widow Jane Decadence Bourbon, which is finished in barrels that previously held artisanal maple syrup (!).

Sienna is leading new projects like The Vaults 2023 and 2024 (the 2024 edition being aged in Amburana barrels, which are normally used for cachaça) that are truly worth a visit (our favourite at BCB, editor’s note). A very meticulous, precise, and artisanal process, with unique ingredients like Baby Jane Corn, which is unique to the distillery: the water used comes from the Widow Jane mine, known for its high mineral content, contributing to the complexity and purity of the whiskies.

Another Talented Profile Met at BCB

Kyra Elton, Brand Ambassador at Samson & Surrey, organized a tasting of several of her whiskies for us, including the intriguing FEW Immortal Rye from FEW Spirits, located in Evanston, Illinois. Based on FEW Straight Rye cask strength, the whiskey is then reduced with cold-extracted Oolong tea “8 Immortals,” giving it a complex and delicate finish. These innovations are the result of extensive research by very talented professionals (both men and women) passionate about whisky. They know how to rely on tradition and diverge from it to create surprises, and we thank them for that!

The Evolution of the Whisky Bar

Let’s also talk about John Glaser, the founder of Compass Box, who has long fought to change the perception of blends versus single malts. He has restored the prestige of blending, often considered an industrial process, by presenting it as a refined and respected art. The brand is now appreciated by bartenders, including Chris Tanner (Dram London) and Cressida Lawlor (Sexy Fish), who recreated several cocktails at BCB – which you can also find in their respective bars. They dare to mix very good whiskies and are among those who have the power to change the public’s perception of spirits.

In the bar world, there are a few ‘tricks’ to attract whisky enthusiasts, the holy grail being a unique bottling made for a particular bar by a prestigious brand (preferably) that can only be consumed on-site (collectors are on the prowl…). Sexy Fish has made this a dedicated offering. Once the guest arrives to sip their favourite whisky, the bartender can take the time to chat with them and evolve their tastes through the discovery of new products. One does not become a great whisky connoisseur overnight; it is a learning process, and the palate evolves with time and tastings.

“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” — Gustav Mahler

Ultimately, everything is a matter of perception and open-mindedness, as Becky Paskin so aptly puts it. We find excellent traditional whiskies on the market, but also some innovative gems, and enthusiasts are not complaining.

Whether you drink your whisky neat, on the rocks, with a splash of water, in a highball, or in a cocktail, whether it’s a single malt, a blended malt, a bourbon, a whiskey, a rye, a single pot still, whether it comes from Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Japan, India, Australia, France, whether it is produced, distilled, imported, or distributed by men and women, the important thing is to have a good time without judgment, simply.

This article first appeared on Alambic Magazine.