Female-Founded Whisky Brands: 50+ to Know, Buy & Support

As a female-founded whisky brand, we know that The Heart Cut isn't alone — and that's something worth celebrating. In an industry traditionally dominated by men, female-founded whisky brands are still few and far between. This list may seem long at first glance, but in the grand scheme of things — with thousands of whisky brands worldwide — we're still just a drop in the ocean.

But here's the thing about drops: they create ripples. And ripples have the power to build into waves. For that to happen, these brands need visibility, support, and a place on your shelves — whether that's at home or behind the bar.

Whether you're a whisky enthusiast, a gift buyer looking for something special, or a bartender curating a backbar, diversifying your selection isn't just about ticking boxes. It's about unlocking new stories, new flavours, and new perspectives. Female founders bring fresh ideas to whisky-making — pushing boundaries with innovative techniques, sustainable practices, and bold flavour profiles.

From the Scottish Highlands to the Peak District, the UK is home to a growing number of female-founded whisky producers making their mark on the world stage.

An Anglo-Saxon museum and whisky distillery in the heart of Northumberland, founded by Eileen Ferguson. Ad Gefrin blends heritage storytelling with craft distilling in a truly unique setting.

Our pick: Tácnbora — a blend of Irish and Scotch Whisky

Discover more: https://adgefrin.co.uk/

Nestled deep in Glen Prosen, on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, Bothy Distillery - founded by Kim Cameron - will start distilling in Spring 2026. 

Our pick: Gunshot whisky liqueur

Discover more: https://www.bothydistillery.co.uk

Brewed and distilled in the heart of Canterbury, founded by wife-and-husband duo Jodie and Jon Mills. Together at their brewpub they make exceptional whiskies and spirits.

Our pick: Foundry Streetlight Single Malt — Simpson's Wine Estate Rosé Cask

Discover more: https://canterburybrewers-distillers.co.uk/

Inspired by whisky travels in Tasmania, Abbie Jaume and her husband Chris founded Cooper King in 2017 back on English soil. Based in Yorkshire, it is one of England's most exciting craft distilleries.

Our pick: Embers: Wood Smoke + Corn Single Malt Whisky

Discover more: https://www.cooperkingdistillery.co.uk/

Born and bred in Battersea, London, Doghouse Distillery was founded by wife-and-husband duo Katherine and Braden Saunders. They make a range of spirits, including their newly launched (2025) Debt Collector Whisky.

Our pick: Debt Collector Whisky

Discover more: https://www.doghousedistillery.com/

A boutique independent Scotch whisky bottler known for carefully curated releases, founded by wife-and-husband duo Viktorija Macdonald and Kenny Macdonald.

Our pick: Dràm Mòr Linkwood 11yo

Discover more: https://drammorgroup.com/

Lindsay Bond and her husband Karl started distilling at home, crafting spirits from their kitchen table. Their recipes were such a hit they built the Forest Distillery in the Peak District National Park.

Our pick: Forest Whisky Smoke Cask Finish

Discover more: https://theforestdistillery.com/

Fragrant Drops is an Edinburgh-based independent bottler, founded by George & Rachel Keeble. 

Our pick: Elevenses 'Super Duper Lemony'

Discover more: https://www.fragrantdrops.com/

A small-batch distillery in a former pub by Cardigan Bay, founded by Ellen Wakelam and putting Welsh whisky firmly on the map.

Our pick: Second Release Single Malt Welsh Whisky

Discover more: https://inthewelshwind.co.uk/

Nc'nean Distillery is the heartchild of Annabel Thomas, whose passion for creating sustainable, organic spirits sparked a new wave of thinking in the Scotch whisky world. We previously highlighted Annabel and her team's great work in our single cask series.

Our pick: Nc'nean Quiet Rebels: Amy

Discover more: https://ncnean.com/

Island life, distilled. Founded by Kate and Jonny MacDonald on one of the most beautiful Scottish islands in the Outer Hebrides, creating spirits that reflect the landscape around them. (Their whisky is still maturing — watch this space.)

Our pick: Downpour Coast & Croft Gin — whisky coming soon

Discover more: https://www.northuistdistillery.com/

Founded by Georgie Bell and Fabrizio Leoni, The Heart Cut is an award-winning Independent Bottler spotlighting distilleries across the world through single cask and small batch releases. 

Our pick: The Heart Cut BARLEY - A fruity, smooth english blended malt. 

Discover more: https://www.theheartcut.com

Independent bottlers offering expertly selected Single Malt and Blended Scotch whisky, founded by wife-and-husband duo Kate and Mark Watt in Campbeltown, Scotland.

Our pick: Campbeltown Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

Discover more: https://wattwhisky.com/

The brainchild of wife-and-husband duo Claire and Max Vaughan, White Peak Distillery in Derbyshire is known for Wire Works Whisky, Shining Cliff Gin and White Peak Rum.

Our pick: The Heart Cut #10 White Peak

Discover more: https://www.whitepeakdistillery.co.uk/

A new, independent distillery based on the Isle of Wight, making spirits in balance with nature and co-founded by Lucy Gregg.

Our pick: Wight Whisky Signature Malt Blend

Discover more: https://wightwhisky.com/

An Edinburgh-based independent bottler, blender and broker, priding themselves on their relationships with many Scotch distilleries, and co-founded by Megan Caldwell

Our pick: Woodrow's Ardnamurchan 7yo

Discover more: https://www.woodrowswhisky.com/

Ireland's whiskey renaissance is being led — in part — by a remarkable group of female founders and co-founders reviving heritage methods and breaking new ground.

An eco-conscious distillery with a mission to become Ireland's first zero-emissions distillery, in the heart of Galway. Founded by wife-and-husband duo Michelle and Gareth McAllister.

Our pick: Clan Colla Irish Whiskey 11yo

Discover more: https://ahascraghdistillery.com/

An independent, family-run distillery owned and run by the Cooney family in the heart of the Boyne Valley, dedicated to reviving the true character of Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey through heritage mash bills and modern expertise.

Our pick: Boann Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Marsala Cask

Discover more: https://www.boanndistillery.ie/

Award-winning Irish Cream Liqueur combining whiskey, white chocolate and cream — founded by wife-and-husband duo Mary Sadlier and Philip Brady.

Our pick: Coole Swan Irish Cream Liqueur

Discover more: https://cooleswan.com/

A contemporary blended Irish whiskey, aged in Bourbon barrels and finished in Oloroso and Rye casks, founded by Tony and Alice Carroll.

Our pick: Foxes Bow Irish Whiskey

Discover more: https://www.foxesbowwhiskey.com/

Founder Louise McGuane has revived Ireland's whiskey bonding tradition, reimagining Irish Whiskey through collaborations with distilleries and craftspeople across the world.

Our pick: J.J. Corry 'The Gael'

Discover more: https://www.jjcorry.com/

Blending family passion with traditional Irish whiskey methods, founded by siblings Sheila, Peterand Mike Clancy and distilled on the shores of Lough Ree.

Our pick: Bart's Irish Whiskey

Discover more: https://lrd.ie/

Northern Ireland's first craft whiskey distillery, making Shortcross Irish Whiskey on their estate in County Down, and founded by wife-and-husband duo Fiona Boyd-Armstrong and David Boyd-Armstrong.

Our pick: Shortcross Rye & Malt Irish Whiskey

Discover more: https://rademonestatedistilleryshop.com/

Inspired by the rugged beauty of Ireland's west coast, Skellig Six18 Distillery sits on the Skellig Coast of Co. Kerry, founded in 2019 by June O'Connell, Paddy Cooney and Patrick Sugrue.

Our pick: Skellig Triple Cask Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Discover more: https://skelligsix18distillery.ie/

Reclaiming the distilling heritage of Donegal, Sliabh Liag Distillers was founded by wife-and-husband duo Moira and James Doherty in 2014. They own The Silkie Irish Whiskey alongside Sliabh Liag Distillery and Ardara Distillery.

Our pick: The Original Silkie Irish Whiskey

Discover more: https://www.sliabhliagdistillers.com/

A premium Irish spirits company using traditional family recipes passed down through generations, founded by Laura M Bonner.

Our pick: Muff Irish Whiskey

Discover more: https://www.themuffliquorcompany.com/

Producing single estate whiskey from family-farmed barley — growing, distilling, maturing and bottling in the heart of Tipperary. Founded by Jennifer Nickerson, her husband Liam and Jennifer's father Stuart Nickerson, a world-renowned whiskey maker.

Our pick: Tipperary Homegrown Single Malt

Discover more: https://www.tipperarydistillery.ie/

The USA has seen an explosion of female-founded craft whiskey brands over the past decade - from Kentucky Bourbon country to California and beyond.

Archer Eland is an Ohio-based rye whiskey brand created by blender Wendy Peveich in collaboration with Middle West Spirits. Launched in December 2025, the brand focuses on small-batch, high-proof rye.

Our pick: Cashmere

Discover more: https://shop.middlewestspirits.com/products/archer-eland-rye-whiskey-cashmere

Founded and blended by Mel Heim, Big Nose Kate is a blend of straight American Rye whiskey and American Single Malt.

Our pick: Big Nose Kate

Discover more: https://bignosekate.co/home

Founded in 2012 by Rhonda Kallman, Boston Harbor Distillery is located in Boston Harbor and makes an array of spirits, including Putnam Whiskey and Demon Seed Whiskey.

Our pick: Putnam New England Straight Rye

Discover more: https://bostonharbordistillery.com/

Virginia's first legal distillery since Prohibition, founded by Rebecca and Scott Harris, championing rye whiskey.

Our pick: Catoctin Creek Barrel Select Rye Zinfandel Finish

Discover more: https://catoctincreekdistilling.com/

Founded by Sheila Jackson and Natasha McCrae, whiskey and wine lovers, Jackson McCrae is a 5-year old Tennessee Rye finished in French oak Syrah barrels in California Wine Country. 

Our pick: Jackson McCrae Rye Whiskey

Discover more: https://www.jacksonmccreawhiskey.com/join-the-revolution

A celebration of California culture and craft, Lodestar is an American Whiskey blend of Straight High Rye Bourbon and American Single Malt — founded by Anna Axster and Wendelin von Schroder.

Our pick: Lodestar Whiskey

Discover more: https://www.lodestarwhiskey.com/

Independent bottlers showcasing unique American whiskey distilleries, founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski.

Our pick: Lost Lantern Flame

Discover more: https://www.lostlanternwhiskey.com/

Named after its two founders, Marsha Milam and Heather Greene, Milam & Greene is an American-made, Texan-raised whiskey company producing some of the Lone Star State's finest expressions.

Our pick: Triple Cask Bourbon

Discover more: https://milamandgreenewhiskey.com/

The first Bourbon to be distilled in Kentucky, shipped via Atlantic Ocean vessel and then matured in England. Named after a famous racehorse and co-founded by Martha Dalton, David Wild and Pat Madden.

Our pick: Never Say Die Bourbon

Discover more: https://neversaydiebourbon.com/

Rock Valley Spirits was founded in 2018 by husband and wife Jim and Terry Milk in Long Eddy, New York, within the Catskill Mountains. Located on a historic fifth-generation family farm on John Milk Road, the distillery focuses on small-batch spirits using local grains, apples, and foraged ingredients.

Our pick: RVS American Single Malt Whiskey

Discover more: https://rockvalleyspirits.com/

A smooth and approachable Scotch whisky designed to break stereotypes, founded by Carin Luna-Ostaseski — one of the first Latinas to create a Scotch whisky brand.

Our pick: SIA Blended Scotch Whisky

Discover more: https://www.siascotchwhisky.com/

A Rye Whiskey finished in PX Sherry Casks, created in collaboration between Beyoncé and Moët Hennessy. 

Our pick: SirDavis American Whisky

Discover more: https://www.sirdavis.com/en-gb

A little salty, a little sweet and always smooth — Skrewball is the original peanut butter whiskey, founded by wife-and-husband duo Brittany and Steven Yeng.

Our pick: Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey

Discover more: https://www.skrewballwhiskey.com/en/

Southern Distilling Company, founded in 2013 by Pete and Vienna Barger in Statesville, NC, is a major family-owned craft distillery specialising in bourbon, rye, and American single malt whiskey.

Our pick: Southern Star Bourbon

Discover more: https://southerndistillingcompany.com/

Founded in 2012 by Amanda and Nick Swift in Dripping Springs, Texas, Swift Distillery produces authentic, Scottish-style single malt whiskey in the Texas Hill Country.

Our pick: Swift Single Malt Texas Whiskey finished in Sauternes Casks

Discover more: https://swiftdistillery.co.uk/

Bridging American whiskey with French refinement, Two Worlds was founded by Ashley Donahey as a Bourbon crafted to appeal to the French palate.

Our pick: La Victoire Batch 1

Discover more: https://twoworldswhiskey.com/

Founded by Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest honours the legacy of Nathan 'Nearest' Green — the first known African-American master distiller. Making award-winning straight Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey. Read more about Fawn's story in 'Love & Whiskey'.

Our pick: Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch

Discover more: https://unclenearest.com/

Pittsburgh's organic grain-to-glass craft distillery, founded by the Meyer-Grelli family — including Meredith Meyer Grelli — producing small-batch craft whiskey.

Our pick: Pennsylvania Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Discover more: https://wiglewhiskey.com/

Family-made Bourbon crafted in the Big Horn Basin and proudly from Wyoming, co-founded by Kate Mead.

Our pick: Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon

Discover more: https://www.wyomingwhiskey.com/

Here are some of the most exciting producers making waves globally.

Backwoods Distilling Co is a family-run craft distillery, founded by Bree and Leigh, based in Yackandandah, where they make award-winning whisky and gin using 100% Australian-grown grains and local barrels.

Our pick: Backwoods Rye Whisky, Shiraz Barrels

Discover more: https://backwoodsdistilling.com.au/

Founded by Allison Parc, Brenne is a French single malt whisky made from organic, heirloom barley and aged exclusively in new French Limousin Oak barrels and cognac casks. A true pioneer of French whisky.

Our pick: Brenne Estate Cask French Single Malt

Discover more: https://www.brennewhisky.com/

Founded by Desiree Reid, Cardrona Distillery is in the beautiful Cardrona Valley in New Zealand, crafting spirits from pure alpine water from Mount Cardrona.

Our pick: Cardrona Full Flight Solera

Discover more: https://www.cardronadistillery.co.uk/

It started with one woman's vision — Anne Koppang — for world-class whisky from a distillery on an island by the sea. Today, around 1,100 women have invested in Feddie Ocean Distillery, Norway's only organic whisky distillery, located on the island of Fedje.

Our pick: Feddie Single Malt Whisky

Discover more: https://www.feddiedistillery.no/

A Tasmanian distillery with a rich family whisky legacy, founded by Kristy Lark-Booth of the acclaimed Lark family — one of Tasmania's most famous whisky dynasties.

Our pick: KD81 ex Apera

Discover more: https://www.killaradistillery.com/

Founded by Sabrina Sakhrani, who moved from Italy to Okinawa over 27 years ago, and Ayako Ikehara, the daughter of a five-generation distilling family, Sakhrani is Okinawa’s first female-led distillery crafting whisky shaped by Okinawa's climate.

Our pick: Sakhrani Sakura Edition

Discover more: https://sakhranidistillery.com/

Japanese Single Grain and Blended World Whisky, founded by Lauren Simmons and Rachel Simmons, honouring the blending and distillation techniques of two regions in Japan — Niigata and Okinawa.

Our pick: Shibui 10yo Bourbon Cask

Discover more: https://www.shibuiwhisky.com/

Founders Rachael Thomson and Matthew Thomson have put New Zealand whisky on the map, showcasing distinctive flavours including Manuka Smoke and Fresh Pinot Noir Barrels.

Our pick: Manuka Smoke Single Malt

Discover more: https://thomsonwhisky.co.nz/

An independent bottler founded in 2019 by a group of whisky enthusiasts from Hong Kong, including Winnie Ng Pitkänen (also co-founder of Cask Le Sens), releasing exceptional single cask and blended whiskies.

Our pick: Op. 3 — Moonlight

Discover more: https://whiskyconcerto.com/

Founded by Varna Bhat, Yaksha is a premium, small-batch blended whisky from Blisswater Industries in India, known as the world's first "Soma-infused" whisky. It blends 5-year-old Highland Scotch with Indian grain spirits

Our pick: Yaksha Whisky

Discover more: https://www.instagram.com/yakshapremiumwhisky/