Achi news desk-
Named after the Greek goddess of grain, The Demeter Collection features a curated selection of unique releases, each “crafted and inspired by the industry’s most talented women”.
Joe Wilson, chief curator and spirits expert at Whiskey Auctioneer, said: “Historically, our industry has lacked diversity, and that’s something we’re determined to change.
“To that end, we’ve been delighted to see the incredible successes of the OurWhisky Foundation and are delighted to host this auction and highlight the stories of women in our industry. ”
“The Demeter Collection is an exciting group of one-of-a-kind bottles that can be collected from a wide variety of distilleries.
“It is our hope that this auction will not only capture the attention of enthusiasts and collectors around the world to raise important funds for The OurWhisky Foundation but also inspire current and future generations of women in whisky.”
The OurWhisky Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting, recognizing and empowering professional women in whiskey worldwide while advocating for a more inclusive and diverse industry.
In August last year, the foundation made history by publishing the first ever global survey of women working in the whiskey sector.
The ‘sobering’ findings of the ‘Do You Even Like Whisky’ report revealed “widespread examples of unconscious bias” and “micro-aggressions” against women, which it said could “build up over time to devastating effect”.
READ MORE: A ‘sober’ new survey on sexism in the whiskey industry
Furthermore, more than 80% of respondents who make, sell and promote whiskey said they were asked by colleagues and consumers “even like the spirit”, with 89% agreeing that consumers still widely see that whiskey is a man’s drink.
Becky Paskin, founder of the OurWhisky Foundation, said: “Despite her important role in Greek mythology, Demeter remains one of the lesser known of the Olympians, her story largely untold in popular culture .
“But her heroic story of overcoming obstacles to support her daughter, all while sharing her knowledge and wisdom with others, embodies many similar values to the OurWhisky Foundation.
“Just like Demeter’s side in pop culture, women’s contributions to whiskey have been vastly under-recognised.
“Through the Demeter Collection we want to honor the grain goddess and tell the countless stories of women in whisky, while raising much needed funds to enable the OurWhisky Foundation to support, recognize and empower future generations of women in the industry .”
A total of 18 lots are included in the Whiskey Auctioneer’s sale which ends today, Monday, April 8.
Funds raised from the auction, including the Whiskey Auctioneer’s buyer’s fees, will be donated to the OurWhisky Foundation to support its work in providing initiatives and projects that support women working in whisky.
Highlights include a special 31-year-old blend from House of Hazelwood, The Loch Lomond Sonata Collection, a commemorative 44-year-old Dalmore bottling celebrating whiskey maker Margaret Nicol’s 50th birthday, a 20-year-old Ardbeg created by master blender Gillian Macdonald. to celebrate 20 years in the industry and release an inaugural cask from the Cooper King distillery.
Also featured is the first whiskey released by the OurWhisky Foundation, created especially for the fundraising Demeter Collection.
Atonia’s Legacy: The Sarah Burgess Edition is crafted by The Lakes Distillery whiskey maker Sarah Burgess, using special whiskeys hand-picked by mentees from the organisation’s renowned mentoring programme.
Burgess said: “When weighing the whiskeys chosen by the mentees, I chose some older stocks for a leathery sense of age, which reflects the journey of maturity and growth people go through” r Mentoring Programme, alongside whiskey with a fresh sweetness and subtle smoke.
“I loved spending a few hours creating a blend that is raising some money at auction for the OurWhisky Foundation and I would never say no to a cause I believe in. It’s a great organization but it doesn’t run on fresh air; it needs money to continue operating.”
Following the first auction, the Demeter Collection is held every two years with all proceeds going to the OurWhisky Foundation.
For more information, click here.
