Bourbon: an international symbol of Kentucky, one of the Commonwealth's most profitable products, and a male-dominated industry. Since the earliest days of bourbon, distillers, founders, chemists, and tasters have been more commonly men than women. But in recent years, dynamic and innovative women have secured these positions and made space for others in the trade.

In The Women of Kentucky Bourbon, author Heather C. Watson delves into the lives and contributions of the women of the bourbon industry, both past and present. The book covers notable trailblazers, such as Elmer Lucille Allen, the first Black chemist at Brown-Forman, and Margie Samuels, cofounder of Maker's Mark and creator of its iconic branding. Also included are contemporary leaders in the field, such as Susan Reigler, a pioneer of bourbon journalism and education, and Peggy Noe Stevens, the first female Master Taster and founder of the Bourbon Women Association. Drawing on exclusive interviews with the aforementioned women as well as distillery owners and founders, master distillers and tasters, chefs, writers, blenders, and historians, Watson shares the inspiring stories of Kentucky's bourbon women with honesty and curiosity.

Perfect for historians and bourbon enthusiasts alike, The Women of Kentucky Bourbon reveals lesser known, yet undeniably important, accomplishments and innovations in this far-reaching industry.