Women In Whisky Auction Raises Almost £50,000 For OurWhisky Foundation

The results of Whisky Auctioneer’s inaugural auction celebrating women in whisky have been announced. £49,065.75 (inc. buyer’s commission) has been raised for the OurWhisky Foundation through the sale of the Demeter Collection – a curated selection of whiskies crafted by (or inspired by) women. 

The Demeter Collection, named for the ancient Greek goddess of the harvest and agriculture, featured bottles such as a 44 Year Old Dalmore and a Laphroaig 25 Year Old Bessie Williamson. The Dalmore 44 Year Old was created in celebration of Margaret Nicol, blending controller at Whyte & Mackay who dedicated five decades to the industry. Laphroaig’s 25 Year Old was bottled in tribute to Bessie Williamson, former Distillery Manager, who steered Laphroaig toward success in overseas markets throughout her tenure. 

Supporting The OurWhisky Foundation

Funds raised through the auction, as well as Whisky Auctioneer’s buyer’s commission, will be donated to the OurWhisky Foundation. This nonprofit organization supports and empowers women in the whisky industry (a historically male-dominated field) through mentorship programs and big brand partnerships. 

Applications for the OurWhisky Foundation’s next mentorship program are now open. You can find out more and apply for a spot here. 

Becky Paskin, founder of the OurWhisky Foundation, commented: “We’re blown away by the fantastic amount raised from the inaugural Demeter Collection. The OurWhisky Foundation provides much-needed support and guidance for women in whisky as well as the wider industry, but we are in desperate need of funding if we’re to continue providing our services. Thanks to Whisky Auctioneer, all our lot donors and the hundreds of bidders coming together over a shared love of a dram, the fantastic amount raised will help us continue making whisky an inclusive space for everyone.” 

Joe Wilson, Head Curator and Spirits Specialist at Whisky Auctioneer added: “It has been a privilege for us to support the OurWhisky Foundation in providing not just a platform for this ground-breaking sale, but also to promote the contributions of women to the industry as a whole. From the distilleries and independent bottlers who generously donated to the bidders from across the world, it is incredible to see whisky lovers come together to make a real difference.”