MIDWAY, Kentucky — From Kentucky's first female master distiller, to the helm of Woodford Reserve, women are deeply involved in the highest levels of the distilling industry. But they're also making their mark in some of the state's most innovative craft distilleries.
That includes Cynthia Bohn, owner of Equus Run Vineyards in Midway, Kentucky, a part of the state steeped in bourbon and thoroughbred culture.
"Our community just really embraced us, they wrapped their arms around us and welcomed us to horse country,” Bohn said.
Bohn opened Equus Run 26 years ago, pivoting to wine after more than 30 years at IBM.
Then, a few years ago, she made another pivot, venturing into distilling.
"Everyone was making rye and bourbon, and we decided to make agave,” she said.
In addition to wine at Equus Run, Bohn now makes brandy and a couple variations of agave, which is similar to tequila, at Saddlestone Distillery.
The spirits, which became ready to drink in June, are also aged in oak barrels to achieve the distillery’s own unique flavor.
"It's our little niche,” Bohn said.
Within just 45 minutes of Saddlestone, Bohn says there are about 30 other craft distilleries.
Many who’ve become friends, supporting each other, and helping Bohn learn the ropes of distilling.
“I love the industry, it's like a brotherhood,” she said.
Bohn said the cohort of wine makers is dominated by women. Distilling is a bit different, with the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy reporting women own just 8% of craft distilleries.
Bohn wants to see more to take the reins.
"It's our nose, it's our palette, we're just given that God-given opportunity to smell things and to taste things,” she said.
That’s part of the reason Bohn also works with the University of Kentucky’s business school, teaching young entrepreneurs and encouraging them to seek mentors.
"That's what I tell the young entrepreneurs, you can't do this alone. And hope is not a business model,” she said.
Bohn said encouraging young people is particularly important as the distilling industry grows.
“The opportunity is wide open. The industry needs more people, needs more workforce,” she said.
Bohn believes even though craft distillers compete, each business is unique and there is room for everyone at the table.
“We all start with grain neutral spirit, but what we do with that grain neutral spirit is what makes it different,” she said.
You can find Equus Run and Saddlestone in Midway. The vineyard also hosts concerts and events throughout the season.
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