As we celebrate this occasion, let's take a moment to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of women in our industry. From creating exceptional spirits to crafting exquisite wines, their creativity, passion, and expertise have graced our shelves with some of the best products.

So here's to the women-founded and run brands that grace our shelves, enriching our lives with their exceptional creations. Let's raise a toast to their achievements and celebrate the diversity and ingenuity they bring to the world of spirits and wine. Cheers to International Women's Day!

Duchess Cocktails

Duchess, the popular ready-to-drink cocktails that grace our shelves, was born from the creative mind of Vancouverite Olivia Lovenmark-Hay. The inspiration struck her during a flight home in June of 2019, when she found herself craving for a Cosmopolitan. A year later, she boldly launched her own company, establishing a state-of-the-art factory in the heart of East Vancouver.

Remaining true to its roots, Duchess has maintained its status as a self-funded, independent producer. Since its beginnings, the brand has captivated consumers with its signature pink drink and has since expanded its offerings to include a diverse array of flavors such as Margarita, Lemon Drop, French 75, Bellini, and Espresso Martini.

Make sure to pick up a 4 pack next time you’re in your local Angry Otter Liquor.

Uncle Nearest Premium Tennessee Whiskey

At the helm of one of America's fastest-growing whiskey brands is Fawn Weaver, a seasoned entrepreneur known for her TED talks and New York Times best-selling books. She founded Uncle Nearest in 2016, drawing from her years of experience in public relations and event planning.

Since its inception, Uncle Nearest has skyrocketed in popularity, earning numerous awards and accolades along the way. From being the top-selling whiskey brand founded by an African American to winning prestigious titles like "World's Best" by Whisky Magazine, Uncle Nearest has cemented its place in the industry. Located in Tennessee, the Nearest Green Distillery is where Uncle Nearest's exceptional whiskies are crafted. With a wide range of offerings to suit any taste, Uncle Nearest stands out as the most awarded American whiskey brand, leaving its competitors far behind.

Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey

Skrewball's origin story is nothing short of captivating. It all began with mixologist Steven Yeng, who, upon immigrating to Ocean Beach, became enamored with the delectable flavor of peanut butter. Experimenting with his concoctions at his bar, Steven saw potential in combining this beloved taste with spirits. However, he needed his wife, Brittany’s help. As she had a Master’s degree in both law and chemistry, she could take his idea and make it into a standalone spirit.

Together, they embarked on a unique project that brought together their diverse talents. Their collaboration resulted in Skrewball, a spirit that seamlessly blends the rich essence of peanut butter with the world of whiskey. With its unconventional yet irresistible flavor profile, Skrewball stands out as the "black sheep" of our whiskey section, captivating palates and defying expectations at every turn.

Dewar’s Scotch

Although Dewar's traces its roots back to 1846 in Scotland, today, the brand is guided by the expert hands of Stephanie MacLeod, the Master Blender overseeing Bacardi's portfolio of Single Malts. With a deep passion for Scotch and a relentless drive for innovation, Stephanie has been at the forefront of pushing flavor boundaries and exploring new maturation possibilities.

In 2019, Stephanie made history by becoming the first woman to clinch the prestigious IWC's Master Blender of the Year award—a testament to her unparalleled expertise in the craft of whisky-making. Since then, she has maintained an impressive winning streak, continuously raising the bar for excellence in her field.

Stephanie's journey to becoming a Master Blender is a testament to her dedication and love for the spirit. Joining the company in 1998, she immersed herself in all things whisky, eventually establishing the brand's first sensory panel after taking charge of the lab. In 2006, she ascended to the role of Master Blender, leaving an indelible mark with her innovative approaches such as the double ageing process and wine cask finishes.

Be sure to explore Dewar's remarkable selection on our shelves the next time you visit!

Kalala Winery

Kalala Wines, the esteemed winery responsible for our Angry Otter Exclusive Community Red and White, has garnered a reputation in the Okanagan for producing top-tier wines crafted from high-quality, certified organic grapes. With a diverse portfolio ranging from crisp whites to bold reds, Kalala Wines stands as a beacon of excellence in the wine world. But behind these exceptional wines lies the skilled hand of Ruth King, an established winemaker with an impressive pedigree.

A Boston native, Ruth honed her craft in California, earning a winemaker's certificate from the University of California at Davis and a Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture from California Polytechnic State University. Throughout her career, Ruth has amassed a wealth of experience and accolades, serving as Wine Director for New District, and holding winemaker positions at renowned estates such as Sandhill, Kitsch, and now Kalala and Little Straw Vineyards. Additionally, she has contributed to wine education as the Student Coordinator for Vinica Education Society. Her dedication to her craft is evident both in the cellar and beyond.

Be sure to experience Ruth King's exceptional touch firsthand by trying our Exclusive Community Wines—you won't be disappointed!

As we honour International Women's Day, let's acknowledge the remarkable contributions of women in the spirits and wine industry. From pioneering entrepreneurs like Olivia Lovenmark-Hay and Fawn Weaver to innovative creators such as Stephanie MacLeod and Ruth King, these women have redefined standards and elevated the artistry of their craft. Their passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication have not only enriched our shelves but have also inspired generations to come.

While we've highlighted a selection of outstanding brands in this blog, we recognize that there are many more. We invite you to join the celebration by sharing your favourite women-founded or run brands with us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Let's continue to toast to their achievements on International Women's Day and beyond. Cheers to the women shaping the future of the spirits and wine industry!