OurWhisky Foundation launches inaugural Demeter Collection auction
The OurWhisky Foundation has partnered with Whisky Auctioneer to launch the Demeter Collection, the world’s first auction dedicated to women in whisky.
Named after the Greek goddess of grain, the Demeter Collection will feature a curated selection of rare and unique releases, all of which have been crafted and inspired by the industry's most talented women. Each bottle in the collection will not only showcase the craft involved in distillation and maturation, but also highlight compelling stories of the women involved in their creation.
The 2024 auction will run from 29 March to 8 April on www.whiskyauctioneer.com. Funds raised from the auction, including Whisky Auctioneer’s buyer’s fees, will be donated to the OurWhisky Foundation in support of its work providing initiatives and projects that support women working in whisky. This includes its widely acclaimed mentorship programme, groundbreaking stock image library The Modern Face of Whisky, and work with brands and stakeholders to build a more welcoming, diverse and inclusive industry.
A total of 18 lots will be included in the first Demeter Collection. Highlights include exclusive expressions from distilleries such as a 31-year-old blend from House of Hazelwood; The Loch Lomond Sonata Collection; a 44-year-old commemorative bottling of Dalmore celebrating whisky maker Margaret Nicol’s 50th anniversary; a 20-year-old Ardbeg created by master blender Gillian Macdonald to celebrate 20 years in the industry and an inaugural single cask release from Cooper King distillery.
Of the partnership, Whisky Auctioneer head curator and spirits specialist Joe Wilson said: “Historically, our industry has lacked diversity and that’s something we’re determined to change. To that end, we have been delighted to witness the incredible achievements of the OurWhisky Foundation and are thrilled to host this auction and shine a spotlight on the stories of women within our industry.
“The Demeter Collection is an exciting group of one-of-a-kind and collectible bottlings from very diverse distilleries. Our hope is that this auction will not only catch the attention of enthusiasts and collectors worldwide to raise important funds for the OurWhisky Foundation, but also inspire current and future generations of women in whisky.”
The world’s first survey of women in the global whisky industry conducted by the OurWhisky Foundation last year revealed widespread sexism and bias. More than 80% of respondents making, selling and promoting whisky reported being asked by both colleagues and consumers if they even like the spirit, with a staggering 89% agreeing that consumers still widely perceive whisky to be a man’s drink.
Becky Paskin, founder of the OurWhisky Foundation, added: “Despite her important role within Greek mythology, Demeter remains one of the lesser-known Olympians, her story largely untold in popular culture. Yet her heroic tale of overcoming obstacles to support her daughter, all while sharing her knowledge and wisdom with others, embodies many similar values as the OurWhisky Foundation.
“Just like Demeter’s sidelining in pop culture, women’s contributions to whisky have been vastly under-recognised. Through the Demeter Collection we want to honour the grain goddess and tell the untold stories of women in whisky, while raising much-needed funds to enable the OurWhisky Foundation to support, recognise and empower future generations of women in the industry.”
The auction will be hosted online from March 29, coinciding with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. To register for the auction, click HERE.
The inaugural Demeter Collection’s full lot list includes:
Aberfeldy 40 Year Old
Ardbeg Twenty
Arbikie Farm Experience + Hand-filled Rye Whisky
Atonia’s Legacy: The Sarah Burgess Edition
Cooper King Cask No. 1: Inaugural Release
Cotswolds Distillery One of One
CRN57
House of Hazelwood: The Long View
JJ Corry x Tipperary: The Founders Bottles #1
Laphroaig 25 Year Old: The Bessie Williamson Story
Loch Lomond Sonata Collection
Nc’nean Aon 17-302
SMWS Christmas on the Beach
Strathearn Single Malt Scotch Whisky: One of One
The Borders Distillery IWD Quarter Cask
The Dalmore 44 Years Old
The GlenDronach 30 Year Old Single Cask
Wire Works Love, Sweat & Tears
For more information on the auction, see here.
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