Bourbon Women: A Spirited Story of Representation
Founded by bourbon legend Peggy Noe Stevens, Bourbon Women of America (BWA) is creating a more inclusive spirits industry for tomorrow’s distillers.
Introducing Florida Bourbon Women
St. Augustine Distillery is proud to present an evening of celebration in collaboration with Bourbon Women. Come celebrate the founding of the 15th branch of Bourbon Women on Saturday, June 25 at 6 PM with a private tour of our distillery, followed by a cocktail hour, sensory experience, guided tasting, and dinner in the distillery. Bourbon Women members will have a chance to pick the first-ever Florida Bourbon Women barrel, as well as exclusive prizes and gift bags.
“We are not a club; we are a movement.”
Peggy Noe Stevens, Founder, Bourbon Women of America
Peggy Noe Stevens is living proof that bourbon is for everyone. Growing up in Kentucky, she watched men and women alike enjoy her state’s trademark spirit but rarely saw women represented in the industry. She would soon become a transformational figure in the quest to change that imbalance, blazing a trail for women to become master tasters, distillers, and bourbon legends themselves.
Noe Stevens began her illustrious career in spirits with Brown-Forman, the parent company of brands such as Jack Daniels and Woodford Reserve. She gained a number of titles over the years including Guest Services Director and Global Director, but none quite as lofty as Master Bourbon Taster. She became the first woman to hold that prestigious title, which is only available to those handpicked by existing tasters. In Noe Stevens’s case, she was selected by another bourbon legend: Woodford Reserve’s General Manager and Master Distiller, Lincoln Henderson.
After 17 years at Brown-Forman, Noe Stevens left to found her own venture, Peggy Noe Stevens & Associates, where she helps distilleries, wineries, breweries, and other clients to develop their guest experience and brand strategy. She also continues to fight tirelessly for a more inclusive and representative industry, which led her to found Bourbon Women of America, more commonly known as “Bourbon Women,” in 2011.
“[I conducted] tasting programs around the world where women sat in the back of the room and only asked questions afterwards,” Noe Stevens wrote in the Bourbon Women Founder’s Letter. Too often, she saw women mischaracterized by out of touch executives pushing “pinkified” spirits; through her own research she found that women tend to prefer more robust flavors and higher proof spirits! Bourbon Women replaced those sales pitches with conversations between consumers and industry leaders who shared a passion for truth, representation and good bourbon. Over many conversations and Manhattans (always up), Noe Stevens and a dedicated group of women came together to determine Bourbon Women’s mission:
As an independent forum bringing women of all walks of life together over a glass of bourbon, our focus is to:
Initiate, cultivate & inspire deep meaningful relationships.
Encourage the development of women personally, professionally and courageously, supporting members in their journey to become the best versions of themselves.
Provide a safe inclusive environment for fun, discovery and learning.
Inclusion is central to Bourbon Women’s mission: membership is open to all, regardless of race, background, and gender identity, as long as they uphold the values listed above. This creates a diverse collection of members who each bring their own unique skills and experiences, but who all share the same goal of fostering diversity and representation in the spirits industry.
Bourbon Women members have the opportunity to gather together for tastings, socials, and presentations throughout the year, with over 250 events. Bourbon Women also hosts a yearly “SIPosium” in Louisville, featuring excursions and presentations celebrating bourbon’s rich history. This event is open to both members and the wider spirited community.
In just over a decade, Bourbon Women has flourished into a nationwide movement. In addition to the national branch, 14 cities, states, and regions have recognized their own local branches, and we are overjoyed to help that number grow. St. Augustine Distillery is proud to announce that we will be hosting a founding ceremony for the newest branch of Bourbon Women, right here in our home state of Florida!
Join us for an exclusive event on Saturday, June 25 at 6 PM as we host the inaugural event of the Bourbon Women Florida branch!
Sailor Guevara - Author/Spirits Educator and Icon of Whiskey
Few people can truly call themselves a “Whiskey Icon,” but Sailor Guevara is among those who can. In 2020, she earned the World of Whiskey Icon Award, awarded to the person who most capably advances understanding and appreciation for craft whiskey. She is also a spirits specialist, published mixologist, speaker, and contributor to American Whiskey Magazine. Sailor is passionate about creating the perfect cocktail experience, as well as diversity and inclusion within the spirits industry.
Devin Walden - Master Distiller, Tropical Distillers
From Kentucky to Florida, Devin Walden has learned quite a bit about crafting the perfect spirit. After beginning her career with the iconic Woodford Reserve brand, she moved to the Sunshine State and now serves as the Master Distiller at Tropical Distillers in Miami. A master of many spirits, Devin’s bourbon pedigree is undeniable as she continues her meteoric rise throughout the industry.
Will Hensler - Chief Operating Officer, St. Augustine Distillery & City Gate Spirits
A pioneer of the St. Augustine spirits community, Will Hensler has played a major role in establishing both City Gate Spirits and St. Augustine Distillery. In 2021, Will became the Chief Operating Officer at St. Augustine Distillery, where he oversees strategic planning as well as day-to-day operations related to production, tours, management, and retail. Will’s passion for spirits and background in senior management has helped both brands flourish in the craft distilling world.
Ric deMontmollin - Vice President of Production, St. Augustine Distillery & City Gate Spirits
A Tallahassee native, Ric arrived in St. Augustine in 2019 with a deep appreciation of spirits and years of experience running his own bar. He soon became the Vice President of Production at City Gate Spirits, and now holds the same role at St. Augustine Distillery, where he oversees all aspects of production. His appreciation for flavor, quality, and working with his hands has made Ric an integral part of our family and community.
You won’t want to miss this groundbreaking experience. Tickets are on sale now, so visit the link below and secure your spot for this one-of-a-kind event!
