Meet the mentee: Kyra Elton, Heaven Hill
Heaven Hill’s European brand ambassador for craft premium spirits portfolio, Kyra Elton, always felt a little out of place in whisky. Now, she wants to advocate for others, continue to educate herself, and share her story.
OurWhisky Foundation: Hi Kyra! Tell us a a little bit about you and your role.
Kyra Elton: I am currently based in London, but I identify as a ‘third culture kid’. I was born in Hong Kong, raised in the United Arab Emirates and have now been happily settled in the UK for over 14 years.
As a European brand ambassador for Heaven Hill, I focus on education, advocacy and relationship-building for our spirits portfolio. My role involves hosting trainings, leading tastings and fostering meaningful connections across the spirits and hospitality sectors in the UK and Europe. Essentially, I serve as the bridge between the brands I represent and the people who enjoy them.
I also firmly believe that it is my responsibility to continue to expand my own knowledge and share that with others, whether it be around the category of spirits, drinks or the hospitality industry.
OWF: What career path did you think you’d take before you discovered whisky?
KE: Let’s just say my career aspirations were... eclectic. I initially pursued professional training as a musician and singer, but healthcare had a strong pull during my teenage years.
Creativity wasn’t something I recognised in myself at the time, so a structured path like adult nursing felt like the safest bet.
But then I discovered the magic of hospitality and bartending – the craft, the creativity, the human connections forged over every drink and shared experiences. I realised this world resonated deeply with me.
“the programme introduced me to many other incredible women+ in whisky, which gave me a sense of belonging and confidence.”
OWF: When did your love of whisky begin and why?
KE: It all started with Japanese whisky. My first bartending gig was at a pan-Asian restaurant in Manchester, where I discovered Nikka from The Barrel. Before that, whisky was something I enjoyed in cocktails, but straight drams, especially peated or heavily oaked, felt intimidating.
Nikka was different – silky, warm, softly oaked and just downright delicious. The experience taught me an important lesson: people don’t dislike whisky, they just haven’t found their whisky yet.
OWF: Why did you apply for the OurWhisky Foundation Atonia Programme?
KE: I’ve always been lucky to have mentors, people who could guide me, cheer me on, and gently remind me that I belonged. It was an essential part of my personal and professional growth. At the time, I was starting a junior distiller role in east London, and imposter syndrome hit hard. My peers (mainly male) were tremendously more technically experienced, so I felt a little out of place.
But connecting with my OurWhisky mentor, Arbikie’s master distiller Kirsty Black, and hearing about her journey from the medical device industry helped me realise that many successful people in distilling came from non-traditional backgrounds. In addition to this, the programme introduced me to many other incredible women+ in whisky, which gave me a sense of belonging and confidence.
Out of place: Elton has overcome her feelings of not belonging in whisky.
OWF: What were the biggest challenges for you in progressing?
KE: Transitioning from a well-established career into a fresh new role brought familiar challenges, but also new ones. Imposter syndrome reappeared, but my experience at the distillery with the support of my team and OurWhisky ultimately prepared me for my current role as a brand ambassador.
Working across multiple international markets with diverse teams, and sometimes overcoming language barriers, has been a learning curve. However, embracing change and focusing on what I wanted to achieve helped me navigate those challenges.
OWF: How did you work with your mentor to overcome these?
KE: Kirsty and I shared our experiences openly, both the struggles and the successes. These conversations were grounding and provided clarity during uncertain moments. She was generous with her time, consistently offering support and guidance to help me build connections and grow in confidence.
“There are inspiring, badass women making waves
in whisky and now I feel a part of that movement.”
OWF: What was your first a-ha! moment on the programme?
KE: Shortly after joining the programme, I was introduced to the rest of the group in the Power Rooms. It was an eye-opening experience getting to know talented and lovely individuals who were also navigating challenges like imposter syndrome and battling their inner saboteurs.
Realising that I wasn’t alone in these feelings and seeing how others faced similar struggles was a powerful moment of validation.
OWF: What was your biggest accomplishment during the programme?
KE: Completing my IBD in Distilling was a huge personal achievement. I applied for a scholarship, pushed through the challenges of balancing study with full-time employment and gained not just technical knowledge, but also self-assurance in my abilities. This win continues to serve me in my current role and allows me to feel confident in my knowledge.
OWF: What are you working on at the moment?
KE: I am in the process of fully stepping into my European brand ambassador role in countries I have not had the opportunity to visit yet, launching Heaven Hill with Samson and Surrey, and integrating products into a merged portfolio. I’m also building a cohesive and experiential education programme with my team to introduce to the UK hospitality scene.
Share stories, speak up and advocate for others: Elton wants to empower other women along the way.
OWF: What was your favourite part of the entire mentorship programme?
KE: The connections I built with others in the programme. Sharing knowledge, growing together and knowing I wasn’t alone in my journey made the experience truly rewarding.
OWF: How has this experience changed how you feel about being a woman in this industry?
KE: I feel more aware of the progress being made and more confident in my place within it. There are inspiring, badass women making waves in whisky and now I feel a part of that movement.
I’m grateful to have been a recipient of so much support and I hope to be able to provide my support to others in turn.
“Sharing knowledge, growing together and knowing I wasn’t alone in my journey made the experience truly rewarding.”
OWF: How has this programme empowered you to empower others?
KE: The mentorship experience has given me the confidence to share my story, speak up and advocate for others. Empowerment doesn’t feel like it is only about my personal growth, but lifting others along the way. I want to be open about the subject and mindful of the power in my words.
OWF: What advice would you give someone applying for or starting the Atonia Programme?
KE: Be clear about your goals and what you hope to gain from the programme. Celebrate your achievements, big and small, because they all matter.
OWF: What are your hopes for the future for women working in whisky?
KE: My hope is that the industry reaches a point where ‘women in whisky’ isn’t a separate category, it’s simply ‘people in whisky’. Talent, passion and dedication should transcend gender labels. We’re just people, humans, making, drinking, selling, promoting whisky, whatever.
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