Is whisky a man's world? We ask the women of Annandale whisky

A female member of staff at Annandale Distillery — While gender doesn't come into play at Annandale Distillery, does the wider whisky world have some catching up to do?

Is whisky a man’s world? Perhaps, but women in whisky have stories to share…and stories to save.

While whisky is often thought of as a male domain, around the country there are more and more woman playing key roles within the spirits industry. Historically, this isn’t anything new. Women working in distilling and brewing is deeply rooted, reaching back thousands of years.

In fact, it is much cited that women’s involvement in the production of alcohol only started to reduce after 1500, when the production of liquor was deemed evidence of witchcraft.

Then, centuries later, women’s role in distillation in the 1900’s hit another setback as it was met with social disapproval, firmly placing the whisky industry in the hands of men.

While the principles of distillation may have remained relatively unchanged for centuries, the whisky industry itself is evolving. We spoke to Jade Fawcett, Group Social Media Specialist, aged 26, and Zoey Darnbrough, Group Travel Trade Specialist, aged 24, who work at Annandale Distillery in Dumfries and Galloway to find out more.

two femail staff members standing in front of the stills at annandale distillery — Jade Fawcett, Group Social Media Specialist (L) and Zoey Darnbrough, Group Travel Trade Specialist (R)

“It’s not just about the whisky…it’s about the stories behind it”

Both women admit the first question they’re often asked when talking about their work is: ‘do you like whisky?’ A simple question, but their answers show the deep understanding and sensitivity they each have when it comes to a wee dram.

Jade explained: “It’s not just about the whisky and that piece of liquid, it’s about the stories behind it – the place, the process, even the tourism it generates. Whether or not I like it doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things!”

Agreeing, Zoey told us: “I’ve always said whisky is about what you feel and what you get from it. So yes, I like it, but someone telling me how they used to have a dram with their dad and how they used to sit and chat, that means way more to me than giving a yes or no answer.”

Annandale’s owners, husband-and-wife team Professor David Thomson and Teresa Church, brought the distillery back from ruin 10 years ago. With Teresa firmly at the helm of the distillery alongside her husband, the duo are also the owners of the historically significant Globe Inn in Dumfries.

the whisky stills at Annandale Distillery — Teresa Church and her husband Professor David Thomson brought Annandale Distillery back to life.

Jade shared her thoughts on what has driven Teresa to immerse herself in both the distillery and The Globe Inn, famed for its links to Robert Burns. She said: “I’ve been lucky enough to spend a little bit of time with David and Teresa outside of work, and that’s when I realised what Teresa’s vision really is; it’s not just about whisky, it’s about saving local history.

“I feel like Teresa’s always been about saving buildings, the history, and preserving stories as well as the place.”

Legendary ladies of The Globe Inn

Certainly, The Globe Inn is home to stories aplenty, with women key in the running of the tavern for centuries. Kathleen Cronie, The Globe’s resident historian and Burns enthusiast told us more: “There is very little known about the landlords and landladies prior to Robert Burns’ arrival in Dumfries.

“However, there was a lady called Jane Smith, who had a lengthy tenure of sixty years! Mrs Smith was one of only three families to have run The Globe from Burns’ era until 2018, when the inn was bought by David and Teresa.

“Mrs Smith was pivotal in preserving the powerful links between The Globe and Robert Burns, and was a true ambassador, helping to keep the stories alive. The Burns Howff Club had a great deal of respect and affection for Mrs Smith and would address her as the ‘Mother’.”

the entrance of the famous Globe Inn in Dumfries — The famous Globe Inn was home to some formidable female characters.

Kathleen continued: “Jack and ‘Ma’ Broon (Brown) has also held a long association with The Globe. Back in the day, and typical of many other pubs of that time, the back room was a hive of activity, a male-dominated environment where working class men would drink.

“There wasn’t much in the way of creature comforts, but apparently there was a piano (of sorts) and a set of drums, and guests would be encouraged to join in and create their own entertainment.

“There were limits however! ‘Ma Broon’ ran a tight ship and didn’t put up with nonsense. If any of the clientele got carried away, she’d be quick to put them in their place. Apparently, if someone she wasn’t too keen on slid open the door to The Snug, he would be politely but firmly told…‘Nae laddie, your place is next door ’. ”

Ma Broon may have worked in a male dominated environment, but these days Jade and Zoey say the balance in the whisky industry is shifting. However, both admit there is a way to go.

Is the gender balance changing?

Jade said: “Internally at Annandale it’s great. But it’s when you go out publicly and put your face to whisky, when you’re representing the brand or the industry – that’s when you get questioned.

“For example, if I have a male member of the team with me working on the stand at an event, even if they are just starting out and don’t have much experience in whisky, people will still gravitate towards him as the male member of the team.”

Annandale distillery in Dumfries — “Fortunately for us at Annandale, it’s about…representing David and Teresa the best we can.”

When hosting tours in the distillery, Zoey sometimes senses the reticence of some male visitors when she presents herself as their guide. She told us: “Sometimes they might try and ask you a wee trick question and honestly, we’ve had it all. They try and trip you up.

“By the end of the tour though, you’re laughing with them and they’re telling you that they had a great time and how much they’ve learnt. So, you know, that’s a satisfaction.”

Zoey added: “In some ways, yes, whisky is still very much a male dominated kind of space. But there are little pockets of light and different female attributes coming through – and it’s all working to help redress the balance.

“Fortunately for us at Annandale, it’s about doing the best we can in our roles, and representing David and Teresa the best we can. Things like gender just don’t come into play.”

Annandale whisky is available to buy online, and tours of the distillery can also be booked online.

Or, why not experience the unique atmosphere and award-winning fine dining The Globe Inn? View menus and book online.