The Cut

The editorial magazine for the OurWhisky Foundation.

Becky Paskin Becky Paskin

8 lessons we learned at Bar Convent Berlin

From innovative blending techniques to the importance of giving space to diverse voices, these are our eight biggest takeaways from participating in one of Europe’s biggest bar shows.

Read More
Millie Milliken Millie Milliken

6 Inspiring Ted Talks about gender equality

The universal challenges of female likeability and the authority gap are applicable to many industries, not least whisky. Which is why we’ve handpicked six inspirational Ted Talks that provide different perspectives on the importance of gender equality in the workplace.

Read More
Millie Milliken Millie Milliken

Meet Carlie Dyer, Starward Whisky’s new head distiller

New Zealand’s Carlie Dyer initially moved to Melbourne, Australia to pursue a career in wine. But as she tells Millie Milliken, she never expected to fall in love with whisky. Now, after six years with Starward Distillery, she’s taken the helm as head distiller.

Read More
Millie Milliken Millie Milliken

Meet the mentee: Rebecca Kean, InchDairnie Distillery

In August 2024, Rebecca Kean joined InchDairnie Distillery as its assistant distillery manager. She explains her family ties to whisky, how the OurWhisky Mentorship Programme helped her find her support system, and what you can learn when you least expect it.

Read More
Millie Milliken Millie Milliken

Meet the mentee: Caris Simpson, Chivas Brothers

At 26 years of age, Caris Simpson, Chivas Brothers’ Scotch single malt global brand ambassador, is used to being met with surprise. She explains how she handles the challenge, and why being part of the OurWhisky Foundation mentorship programme has been a turning point in her career.

Read More
Becky Paskin Becky Paskin

Mhairi Winters & Lizzie Haw: Whisky making is a team effort

Mhairi Winters and Lizzie Haw work at opposite ends of the whisky spectrum. As distillery manager of The Cairn, Winters is focused on new make spirit, while spirit quality manager Haw works with mature, and often extremely old, whisky. Now the pair have combined their skills and palates to create a one-off bottling for the Demeter Collection.

Read More
Becky Paskin Becky Paskin

Cara Laing: Whisky’s masculine image is still an issue

As the newly-appointed managing director of Douglas Laing & Co., Cara Laing is carrying a lot. Aside from ensuring the future success of her family's company and launching a new single malt brand, there’s also the inherent responsibility that comes with being one of the few female leaders of a Scotch whisky business.

Read More
Millie Milliken Millie Milliken

Julie Roberts: We need to change the narrative of women in whisky

Brand innovation manager for The Artisanal Spirits Company, Julie Roberts came to the whisky industry through a love of communication. She wants to change perceptions of women working in whisky and help people know more about the power of the female palate.

Read More
Millie Milliken Millie Milliken

Annabel Thomas: Giving up wasn’t an option

When Annabel Thomas founded Nc’nean distillery in 2013, fundraising was an uphill battle – investors just didn’t care about sustainability. Now she owns the UK’s first net-zero whisky distillery and is setting the bar for the industry to follow. In her mind, giving up just wasn’t an option.

Read More
Becky Paskin Becky Paskin

Margaret Nicol: The hidden nose behind The Dalmore

She’s the most accomplished whisky maker you’ve probably never heard of, the hidden nose behind The Dalmore’s success. Now, after 50 years in the industry, most spent as the right-hand woman of master blender Richard Paterson, Margaret Nicol finally has her name on a bottle.

Read More