The Bourbon Women Association will celebrate its 15-year milestone at the annual SIPosium conference in Louisville, Kentucky, from August 13 to 16, 2026, with tickets now on sale. The organization also unveiled Cake & Whiskey, a first-of-its-kind collaborative bourbon blend crafted by a team of women master distillers, blenders, and tasters from across Kentucky.
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READ THE STORYFounded in 2011 by Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee Peggy Noe Stevens, Bourbon Women was the first women-focused, consumer-based organization in the whiskey industry. It now connects thousands of members across 16 active branches nationwide.
"Since the beginning, we set out to create a space where women could connect, learn, and lead in the bourbon industry — one sip at a time," said Peggy Noe Stevens, Bourbon Women founder and chair emeritus. "Fifteen years later, that spirit is stronger than ever. What began as a small but mighty idea has grown into a thriving national sisterhood, shaped entirely by the passion and dedication of our members and Board of Directors. It’s been an extraordinary journey, and we’re just getting started."
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SIPosium 2026 is expected to draw nearly 500 attendees for four days of tastings, education, distillery tours, and networking. Programming includes more than 18 curated workshops and over 15 distillery and brand excursions, along with signature evening events.
The conference opens with a welcome toast from Gigi DaDan, chairwoman of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and general manager of Angel’s Envy and D’USSÉ. Keynote presentations will come from Andrea Wilson, master of maturation at Michter’s Distillery, and Kate Latts, co-president at Heaven Hill Brands.
"Bourbon Women represents the curiosity and connection that will define the next chapter of our industry, and we’re proud to welcome that energy to Louisville," said DaDan. "It’s essential that we create space for more female voices and perspectives at the table. The SIPosium is a powerful example of how education and connection can move our industry forward."
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Additional programming highlights include the debut of a new American Whiskey Scholars Certification developed in collaboration with industry experts, interactive workshops covering cocktail demonstrations, sensory science, and hands-on blending, and the Women of Whiskey Experience evening event.
The conference will also serve as the launchpad for new product releases from brand partners and scholarship recipients supported by the Bourbon Women Education Foundation. The foundation’s SIP Scholarship Program provides lodging, conference access, and personalized mentorship for women seeking to enter or advance in the spirits industry.
The anniversary bourbon, Cake & Whiskey, was finalized through a live tasting and blending session at Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. on May 21. The blending team was hosted by Lisa Wicker, master distiller at Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., and included Elizabeth McCall, master distiller at Woodford Reserve; Jane Bowie, co-owner and master blender at Potter Jane Distilling Co.; Alex Castle, master distiller at Augusta Distillery; Sherri Carter, founder and master blender at Mahogany Fox Distillery; and Stevens herself, among others.
Limited quantities of the commemorative blend will debut at SIPosium 2026 this August, with bottles available for purchase onsite.
Bourbon Women members qualify for preferred ticket pricing. Workshops span food and spirit pairings, whiskey history, and cocktail techniques, while off-site excursions offer VIP access to both historic legacy brands and newer Kentucky operations. Onsite amenities include wellness offerings, complimentary transportation, and meals throughout the conference.
