Aista Phillips, Master Blender from Penderyn Distillery

Penderyn’s acclaimed whisky Master Classes are flying high - and now, the women are at the helm. Forget everything you thought about the whisky world’s old boys’ club: at Penderyn, it’s ladies’ night every night, and the legendary “Mistress Classes” are leading an industry-wide shakeup.

Women Are Running the Stillhouse

Penderyn Whisky has long championed an all-female distilling and blending team - led by trailblazers like Master Blender Aista Philips - delivering award-winning Single Malt Welsh Whisky with distinction and style. According to CEO Stephen Davies, at Penderyn “the women have always got the job on meritocracy. They have a better nose for it,” echoing science that says women are often supertasters with exceptional olfactory talent.

Whisky’s Gender Revolution

The rise of the “Mistress Class” is grounded in stats as well as spirit. UK women now drink 40 million more glasses of whisky a year than in 2010, up 15% - and women make up over a third of whisky fans nationwide. Globally, that number’s racing toward 40%, and women are increasingly leading blind tastings, making expert selections, and sharing their passion for whisky like never before.

Deep Dive to Distilling Mastery

Stephen Davies says, “When women put their minds to something, they take a real deep dive and become expert.” That spirit fills Penderyn’s Master Classes - which see women swirling, tasting, and bottling some of the finest spirits in Wales, learning from the very best in the business.

Science Confirms the Talent

Research backs it up: women’s noses and palates often pick up subtleties that others miss. More taste buds and heightened olfactory senses mean the Penderyn team isn’t just making whisky - they’re raising the bar for the entire category.

Time for the Mistress Class!

Penderyn’s not just talking about gender parity - they’re living it. With Master Classes now packed with whisky-loving women, “Mistress Classes” are in beating at the door, with the female team showing everyone how it’s done. So ladies, if you want to swap wine for whisky, book your seat - the future is bright, bold, and unmistakably female.