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!
EMMA GILLIGAN
Owner & Business Manager at Derwent Distillery, TAS
HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY?
8-12 years
WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THE INDUSTRY?
"An opportunity to work in an exciting and up and coming industry sparked my interest. I found the art of distilling fascinating as I’d dabbled in it during my studies as a Naturopath many years ago. I finally found an industry which drew on all of my skills blending botanicals, marketing, sales and even customer service!"
YOUR MOST PROUD MOMENTS IN THE INDUSTRY?
- Launching Redlands Distillery
- Managing and hosting one of Australia's first world whisky day events
- Highly commended in the Icons of Australian Whisky Awards
- Turning on the stills at Derwent Distillery
WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND TO BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE INDUSTRY?
"Finding constraint information from local and state government regarding building regulations. No one seems to be taking responsibility for keeping up with the growth of the industry and how we can develop our businesses safely."
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE THAT KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT AUSSIE CRAFT SPIRITS?
"There’s something for everyone and the joy you feel when you purchase from small business, knowing your dollars are going straight back into the local economy is also a bonus!"
EMMA'S PARTY TRICK/SPECIAL TALENT ...
"Ask anyone and they’ll tell you I’m obsessed with dogs. I love searching the adoption centre pages and finding the perfect dogs for my friends. I like to think of it like being dog Cupid!"