It always intrigued me that the gender mix at Whiskey Live Dublin was predominately male, yet that of Gin Live – organised by the same folks, often with exhibition stalls from the same distilleries & staffed by the same people – is overwhelmingly female.
Well Girly Drinks by Mallory O’Meara can unsolve that mystery.
A thoroughly researched book, packed with information presented in an entertainingly readable style tells the tale of how females have been systematically excluded from the drinking scene for centuries.
This results in genderised drinks whereby whiskey = male & gin = female – as played out in my Dublin experiences.
Things are changing for the better however.
But consider the first female Master Blender of any sprits category was as late as 1997 with the appointment of Joy Spence at Appleton Estate Rum Distillery in Jamaica.
There is still a long way to go.
A compulsory text for anyone serious about the gender divide in alcohol.
Sláinte
Interview with Joy Spence here.
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 