Since the dawn of whiskey drinking, whiskey has been proclaimed a “man’s drink” (for no good reason other than that someone, somewhere, decided that advertisements everywhere would feature a man). Thankfully, over the years, empowered women all over the world are proving that women love whiskey just as much as men do.

Because of these generalised stereotypes, many women may refrain from drinking whiskey and, as a result, miss out on one of the most unique and beloved spirits in existence. That simply won’t do, so we’re here to tell you why whiskey and women fit together as naturally as a rose on a rosebush.

How did whiskey become gendered in the first place?

Historically, it wasn’t just whiskey that was considered gendered; most clubs and bars were much more exclusive and catered entirely to men. Women weren’t accepted inside, and if they were permitted entry, they were to be accompanied by a man and were only allowed to drink a small amount of a light cocktail.

History is primarily responsible for why whiskey is often considered a ‘masculine’ drink. When marketing and advertisement of whiskey began, it was typically featured alongside a man.

Has this changed?

While whiskey advertisement still occasionally demonstrates stereotypical ideas, there’s been an increased movement toward consumer-focused, non-gendered marketing. In today’s world, distillers, sellers, and drinkers alike recognize that the category of a beverage matters less than the quality of the product and an individual’s personal taste preferences.

Like most male-dominated areas, this increase in non-gendered marketing and greater recognition of female whiskey drinkers means that women are beginning to feel more comfortable ordering and enjoying whiskey.

Getting to know whiskey

Whiskey is a beloved, brown spirit typically distilled from fermented grain and matured in oak barrels to create a beverage with outstanding flavor and aroma. It has global origins, with some of the most popular whiskeys being American whiskey, Irish whiskey, Canadian whisky, and Scotch whisky:

• American whiskey: Traditionally bold and rich with sweet, spicy notes from the charred oak barrels used during distillation. They typically feature smooth and nutty aromas of vanilla, caramel, walnut, and hazelnut, alongside cinnamon, mint, orange, and black currant.
• Irish whiskey: Often varied in flavor, from fuller-bodied, rich single malts to light, crisp blends. They often include complex, fruity qualities with honey, herb, and spice aromas.
• Canadian whisky: Made mostly with corn, Canadian whisky is often sweet, smooth, light, and subtle. They frequently include aromas of toffee, citrus, maple syrup, baking spices, dark fruits, chocolate, and dry grains.
• Scotch whisky: A diverse whisky that ranges from light, floral, and fruity to rich, smoky, and malty, Scotch whisky offers endless combinations. Typically, they include aromas of honey, cereal, heather, violets, smoke, baking spices, brine, and chocolate.

Whiskey is diverse and can be enjoyed in various ways to suit personal preferences:

• Drink it neat (without ice or mixers)
• Shake or stir it into a modern cocktail
• Enjoy it over rocks (ice)
• Add a few drops of water to make it smoother and bring out different flavors in a bottle with a higher ABV

Is whiskey good for ladies?

Besides the unparalleled, succulent flavors and aromas you’ll experience, women who drink whiskey (particularly non-alcoholic whiskey) may benefit from several positive health effects, including weight loss, dementia prevention, better heart health, diabetes prevention, and a strengthened immune system.

Whiskey is considered a ‘low-carb’ drink (bonus if it’s a non-alcoholic alternative), making it an outstanding beverage for anyone wanting a tipple while watching their weight. Whiskey is also known to have a higher concentration of ellagic acid (a powerful antioxidant) than other beverages, which may help neutralize cancer-causing free radicals, as well as blood-thinning and decongestant properties, which can lower a person’s risk of clot-caused stroke and assist in treating the common cold.

Whiskey for ladies

If you’re a female whiskey drinker and you’re wondering which whiskey you might enjoy, it all depends on your unique tastes and preferences. We recommend trying a few alternatives to test which flavors and aromas you prefer.

Lyre’s impossibly crafted Traditional Reserve offers magnificent depth with oak tannin and nutty grain characters. Its subtle smoke lifts the palate and provides a firm and full balance, making it an exceptional whiskey to begin your whiskey journey and discover your preference.

Whiskey-based cocktails

Lyre’s Highball

Simple in logic, yet complex in flavor. Enjoy the warmth of single-malt, tangy lime, and an inviting crisp texture with this flawless combination of two time-honored ingredients for a whistle-wetting shindig that restores after even the longest of days.

You’ll need:

• 1.5 parts (45mL) Lyre’s Traditional Reserve
• 4 parts (120mL) bottled cola or ginger ale
• Lime wedge to garnish (optional)

Method:

• Build all ingredients in your favorite Highball glass
• Fill with cubed ice and stir
• Garnish with a tangy lime wedge (optional)

Lyre’s Peach Smash

This vivacious beverage’s bouquet is brimming with the rich, dark flavor of the Traditional Reserve, herbal notes of mint, subtle citrus, and fresh peach. Keep the ice on hand, this party pleaser is set for a few rounds.

You’ll need:

• 2 parts (60mL) Lyre’s Traditional Reserve
• 0.5 parts (15mL) white sugar syrup (1:1)
• 2 lemon wedges
• 4 peach slices
• 8-10 mint leaves

Method:

• Lightly press lemon, peach, mint with sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker
• Add remaining ingredients and ice, then shake briefly
• Strain into an Old Fashioned glass
• Fill glass with fresh ice and garnish with peach slices and plump mint sprigs

Lyre’s Traditional Reserve Sour

Appearing in 1862’s The Bartenders Guide by Jerry Thomas, and championed by British sailors, the humble whiskey sour lives on as the perfect blend of sweet and sour. The lemon juice was once used to combat scurvy, but we use it for that buoyant citrus flavor that heroes the cocktail.

You’ll need:

• 2 parts (60mL) Lyre’s Traditional Reserve
• 1 part (30mL) lemon juice
• 0.5 parts (15mL) white sugar syrup
• 0.5 parts (15mL) egg white / aquafaba or 4 drops of foaming agent
• 2 dashes of aromatic bitters
• Maraschino cherry and orange to garnish

Method:

• Dry shake all the ingredients briefly
• Add ice, shake hard, then strain into an Old Fashioned glass over block ice
• Garnish with a zesty orange slice and Maraschino cherry

Libations!