Online whisky and spirits auction platform, Whisky Auctioneer, is to host what is claimed to be the world’s very first auction dedicated to the achievements and contributions of women in the sector.
This inaugural auction will run from March 29 to April 8, with funds raised, including Whisky Auctioneer’s buyer’s fees, being donated to the OurWhisky Foundation in support of its work providing initiatives and projects that support women working in whisky.
This includes OurWhisky’s widely acclaimed mentorship programme, groundbreaking stock image library ‘The Modern Face of Whisky’, and work with brands and stakeholders to build a more welcoming, diverse and inclusive industry.
A total of 18 lots will be included in the auction. Highlights include exclusive expressions such as an exclusive 32-year-old blend from House of Hazelwood; The Loch Lomond Sonata Collection; a 44 year old commemorative bottling of Dalmore celebrating whisky maker Margaret Nicol’s 50th anniversary; a 20 year old Ardbeg created by master blender Gillian Macdonald to celebrate 20 years in the industry and an inaugural cask release from Cooper King distillery.
One feature of the auction will be The Demeter Collection, named after the goddess of grain, which will feature a curated selection of unique releases, all of which have been crafted and inspired by the industry’s women.
Head curator and spirits specialist at Whisky Auctioneer, Joe Wilson, said: “Historically, our industry has lacked diversity, and that’s something we’re determined to change.
“To that end, we have been delighted to witness the incredible achievements of The OurWhisky Foundation and are thrilled to host this auction and shine a spotlight on the stories of women within our industry.
“The Demeter Collection is an exciting group of one-of-a-kind and collectible bottlings from very diverse distilleries. Our hope is that this auction will not only catch the attention of enthusiasts and collectors worldwide to raise important funds for The OurWhisky Foundation, but also inspire current and future generations of women in whisky.”
Last year, the OurWhisky Foundation conducted the world’s first survey of women in the global whisky industry, which revealed ‘widespread sexism and bias’. More than 80% of respondents making, selling and promoting whisky reported being asked by both colleagues and consumers if they even like the spirit, with a staggering 89% agreeing that consumers still widely perceive whisky to be a man’s drink.
Founder of the OurWhisky Foundation, Becky Paskin, said: “Despite her important role within Greek mythology, Demeter remains one of the lesser-known of the Olympians, her story largely untold in popular culture. Yet her heroic tale of overcoming obstacles to support her daughter, all while sharing her knowledge and wisdom with others, embodies many similar values as the OurWhisky Foundation.
“Just like Demeter’s sidelining in pop culture, women’s contributions to whisky have been vastly under-recognised. Through the Demeter Collection we want to honour the grain goddess and tell the untold stories of women in whisky, while raising much-needed funds to enable the OurWhisky Foundation to support, recognise and empower future generations of women in the industry.”
