For many years, whiskey has often been linked with masculinity. It was seen as a drink for only men: a man’s space. But hey, things have been changing in the recent past in a lot of ways. More and more women are not only drinking but distilling whiskey all around the world. Heck , Rihanna is singing it out load, “Oh, let the Jameson sink in. I drink to that, yeah, yeah.” A sight of a woman drinking whiskey is no longer frowned upon.
In Kenya, did you know there’s a club/organization for women who love and enjoy their whiskey? Women Who Whiskey-Nairobi is an extension of Women Who Whiskey (wWw), a global women’s networking and educational organization, dedicated to creating a space where members can cultivate their passions for community and whiskey.
On Saturday 11th March 2023, the Nairobi chapter hosted its members to an afternoon of networking and celebration at Capital Club, dubbed #EmbraceEquity to celebrate women making moves in different professions and capacities. The ladies, all decked out and glowing in their finest afternoon feel good weekend attires, mingled and networked as they happily enjoyed their whiskies.
With a focus on inclusion, the club seeks to create an educational and experimental environment for all those who have historically been left out of the traditionally male-dominated world of whiskey.
The club was founded in New York by Julia Ritz Toffoli, who got tired of hearing, “that’s a strong drink for a little lady,” or “wouldn’t you rather see the wine list?” So, she gathered her female friends who felt the same way and this led to a series of outings; “I wanted us to be able to explore our city—and enjoy our whiskey—sans mansplaining.” From a group of friends who enjoyed exploring whiskey grew an international movement with chapters all around the world. Today, its grown into this international organization comprising 10,000 women whiskey drinkers with 25 chapters around the globe.
According to Mary-Anne Mumbi, President of Women Who Whiskey-Nairobi, the local chapter was launched in 2014, and was the first international chapter and currently, the only one in Africa. It has about 2000 members in Nairobi and they have activities for women who are in their late 20’s to 50’s. “Women should be able to enjoy this once seen hard drink for men only, without feeling shy or being judged, ” she says. Mary-Anne was once a wine and rum girl before she ‘crossed over’ and to-date, proudly shares that she has tasted hundreds of whiskies, but is quick to say “there’s no bad whiskey. It’s all about your palate and how it’s developed and also your pocket.”
The club is one way of educating women and also providing a forum where women who drink whisky can network and further appreciate the drink.
When a woman is specific with her whiskey type or brand, it shows what and why she wants it. She knows how to appreciate whiskey because of the time and effort that goes into each bottle.
It’s Not Just A Man’s Drink Anymore.
(pics courtesy of John Ngugi)