We have a fantastic team of woman here at Cask Trade and they all have a different whisky journey, read on to discover the where their passion for whisky comes from and how they began. They also have some great whisky recommendations.
Chloe Morant - Marketing Manager
How did you get involved in the whisky industry?
Whisky has always interested me in terms of the spirit industry players – it’s steeped in history and mystique which I find really fascinating. So, when I saw a marketing position in whisky advertised on LinkedIn, I jumped at the chance to apply.
What do you enjoy most about the cask industry?
The variety of casks you can purchase in regards to all the different distilleries, cask types & finishes, plus the provenance of the casks themselves – I find it all really exciting and am constantly learning.
Do you have any women in whisky hero’s and why?
I find Dawn Davies very inspiring, we worked with her on our Women in Whisky series previously. Her sage advice really stuck with me, “Work hard and be yourself. Don’t be afraid to be strong and speak your mind. You will have to work harder and be more aggressive than your male counterparts at times but there are plenty of amazing women and men who will have your back.”
What’s your favourite whisky?
Glenfarclas 15 – love me a sweet finish!
Silvia Solá Sánchez - Head of CRM
How did you get involved in the whisky industry?
Because I joined Cask Trade. I’m from Spain, and this market is not very well know there. Now, I’m trying to teach my family and friends about the different types of whisky and how to drink it.
What do you enjoy most about the cask industry?
Discovering a new market and learning about whisky types, finishes, and opportunities.
Do you have any women in whisky hero’s and why?
All my woman colleagues are amazing. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think the whisky industry was majority men's industry and seeing the passion my colleagues have for whisky and work every day is something to admire.
What’s your favourite whisky?
Any whisky with sherry finished, best if it's oloroso or Pedro Ximenez.
Sarah Leonard - Sales and Marketing Manager
How did you get involved in the whisky industry?
All thanks to my Dad. I started working in a bar back in Ireland when I was 18 and my Dad would come in most Sundays and order a different whisk(e)y for me to taste. He was the one that encouraged me to go working in the US with whiskey and now I am off to Australia with Cask Trade. I love how Scotch and Irish whiskey is valued and enjoyed all over you the world.
What do you enjoy most about the cask industry?
Seeing and tasting the end result. Taking our customers on a journey with their cask. Seeing how the liquid matures and refines itself overtime and then seeing that cask of whisky in a bottle. I got the opportunity to go to the Whiskybase Gathering in the Netherlands last year and to see our casks that have been bottled with different Independent bottlers was an incredible and rewarding experience.
Do you have any women in whisky hero’s and why?
I really admire Kelsey McKechnie, Balvenie Malt Master. What she has already achieved in her career in whisky is inspiring. In 2018 she was appointed apprentice malt master at the age of 26, becoming one of the youngest women globally to achieve this title, worked hard and last year earned the position of Malt Master.
What’s your favourite whisky?
Why have one favourite when I like so many aspects of different styles of whiskies. I do love a Sherry influence. The Glencoyne Teapot Dram in first fill Oloroso is a beauty. I also am a big fan of Irish pot still Whiskey. Simon gave me a bottle of Gold Spot Irish for my birthday last year and it was incredible.
Jessica Simmons - Head of Operations
How did you get involved in the whisky industry?
I started in the whisky industry about 8 years ago, by working at Master of Malt, I was recommending whisky to customers, and found my passion began to grow the more I learnt, then working for the independent bottler, That Boutique-y Whisky Company really ignited by passion and drove me forward in pursing a career in the industry. Here I am now at Cask Trade and have been here for over 2 years, I love every minute!
What do you enjoy most about the cask industry?
The variety and diversity of the liquid that is produced, each cask is completely different and the effect of the wood type, temperature, warehouse type, time matured effects each cask. It’s great to see what brands are doing but more importantly the independent bottlers who ultimately the cask ends up being sold to. It’s exciting to see what they are releasing.
Do you have any women in whisky hero’s and why?
I mean every woman in whisky is my hero, but I love to follow and also subscribe to Our Whisky, founded by Becky Paskin, this is a great platform for women in whisky, and the foundation also supports the industry.
What’s your favourite whisky?
Well it depends on the time of year or day, and the mood, but some of my favourites would definitely be a dram from Glenfarclas, such a stunning distillery with awesome liquid. Another one of my favourites is an English distillery called Cotswolds, the entire brand is beautiful, anything from the Signature Single Malt through to their limited editions such as the Harvest.