We put a call-out to the women in Australian distilling to give us an insight into who they are, and why they chose this industry, here’s some of their responses!
Ally ayres
Owner & Distiller at Karu Distillery, NSW
HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY?
4-7 years
WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THE INDUSTRY?
"The combination of science and flavour was what sparked my interest most.
Being able to create from scratch and be a part of it from creation to bottle and watching it being enjoyed."
YOUR MOST PROUD MOMENTS IN THE INDUSTRY?
"Being top 5 "Emerging Talents" in IWSC 2022 was a personal achievement for me that i was so thrilled about. Winning 2021 best contemporary gin in the world and being the 2nd Australian to win that ever was THE proudest moment in my LIFE."
WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND TO BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN THE INDUSTRY?
"I found at the start being taken seriously was a big challenge. People outside didn't think i had anything to do with production which was stressful and heart breaking and they would talk over or around me. Imposter syndrome is real and a huge challenge, feeling like a joke and not feeling like it's enough despite your earned achievements. Now i am facing a new challenge in womanhood and in my career field: balancing having a child, continuing my career when i cannot taste or smell alcohol, trusting myself to teach someone else my skill set and to let it go to a certain degree. That is HARD."
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE THAT KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT AUSSIE CRAFT SPIRITS?
"It's a lot more than adding liquid to a bottle and selling it. If you work for the smaller side of the industry you are EVERYTHING in your company, from the start to the end and it's a lot but you can do it if you truly mean it."
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD WANT TO TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
I'd definitely tell my younger self to conserve some energy haha, you're gonna need it. Don't focus on what everyone else is doing, concentrate on doing the best you can do and you will do great things. Trust yourself.
WHAT IS YOUR PARTY TRICK?
I can one hand clap. It's what got me my last job .. haha