As we continue to interview the whisk(e)y influencers of Instagram, we ask that you keep following us on this journey. There is nothing better than getting a refreshing look at the whiskey industry, from the consumers. The information is raw and unedited and humbling and frankly it’s all down to earth. That is the focus of this project for us. Speak to people that are relatable in this industry. Maine Bourbon Girl asked us to keep her identity a mystery, so we will only give you the first letter of her name in this interview.
So Maine Bourbon Girl, let’s start off with the basics I guess. Where did your love for the brown elixir begin. Do you remember your first dram?
L: I started working at a pub when I was 14. I grew up listening to the bartenders talk about the different liquors, and I was always attracted to whiskey. I began bartending when I was 17 (which is legal in Maine!). I memorized descriptions and notes on liquors, so I knew how to describe them to bar customers and how to mix certain flavors together. After years of bartending, I anxiously awaited turning 21 because I knew I was going to love whiskey! At first I drank Canadian whiskey and then Makers Mark. I was a Makers girl for a few years before I ventured into Irish Whiskies. Knappogue Castle was actually the first whiskey that made me realize how much I loved drinking whiskey neat. The nose, the complexity of flavors, the finish– I just loved all of it and still do!
Great question! My first taste of the delicious brown elixir was at a party in high school. I was hanging out with some friends in a cabin and I took a swig off a Knob Creek bottle. I remember it burned all the way down!
We see every year that more and more women like yourself are leaving the cocktails and beer behind and are diving their palate into the whiskey world. What do you think is responsible for this shift?
L: I think that the idea of drinking whiskey can be intimidating. “It’s too smokey”, “it burns” , “how do you drink it?” “do you mix it with anything?” I mean we’ve all heard these things before, right? Honestly, I think probably social media plays a huge part in the shift. A lot of brands and information are more available and accessible now than they ever used to be. Also, when you see your friends posting about drinking something AND enjoying it, it makes you want to try it too, right?
Women have always been the backbone of the whiskey world, going as far back as the 1700’s where American women were distilling at home, yet most ambassadors forget that women now represent 50% of their demographic. As an influential woman in the bourbon world, what would you personally like to see from whiskey brand ambassadors, in terms of targeting more and more women?
L: Wow, that’s a great question! I think we’re already starting to see some great strides! Jefferson’s Bourbon has some great whiskey women ads out, and Mila Kunis representing Jim Beam! However I think we’re living in a society that tries to tell women what is acceptable to drink, to eat, to wear, etc. I want to continue to see whiskey brand ambassadors encourage women to drink it how they want to. Mix it, drink it neat, use it in cooking– do whatever you want with it. There might be rules to how you make whiskey/bourbon, but there are no rules or requirements when it comes to drinking it!
Over the years you must have tasted some amazing bourbon, tell us your top 5 list, at the bottom number 1 being the best.
L: Wow, that’s a hard question, but here goes:
Rye whiskey thought to be from 1897 or 1903 ( I know it’s not bourbon, but it’s worthy of the top 5) – 5
Parkers Heritage 11 (2017) – 4
Pappy Van Winkle 20 (2013) – 3
Old Forrester Birthday Bourbon (2014) – 2
Angel’s Envy Cask Strength (2016) – 1
As with other spirit influencers, as someone who has a well followed and respectable social media Instagram account, how do you approach the type of information you distribute with your followers.
L: Um, I do my best to be respectful, while being open and honest about my experiences and tasting notes. I aim to make my IG account approachable for people just starting to drink whiskey, and at the same time I try my best to keep it interesting for those of us who have been drinking for a while.
What is the key to taking an Instagram photo that will get a good response from the followers.
L: Hmmmm. Well, for me, Instagram is about the art of the photo and the story you’re telling within that photo. So here’s the things I think about when I’m creating content, and it seems to help get a good response!
- Make sure the photo is good quality and has a nice flow and overall balance
- Engagement- will this picture engage the viewers and generate comments?
- Theme- Does this picture flow with the one before it and, is it on theme with my overall content?
Is Whiskey a Passion, a Hobby or a Way of Life? and.. frankly speaking, is there really a difference between the 3 if its a way of life.
L: D. All of the above. Live, breathe, eat, drink, whiskey. Rinse and repeat.
Pick one bourbon you had to drink everyday for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
L: Elmer T. Lee
It’s like Goldilocks and the three bears “this bourbon is juuuuuust right”
You have been involved in some podcast interviews on the ABVNetwork. Can you tell us a little about that project.
L: The ABVNetwork is so fun! It’s a group of amazing, passionate people that want to share their love of whiskey with the world!
Every now and again they invite me to come on the show and it’s a lot of fun. There’s nothing like drinking a good whiskey, hanging out with friends, talking about life and whiskey. Am I right? #ABVnetworkcrew
Your website Mainebourbongirl.com has cocktail recipes. How do you go about creating a recipe, or is it more of a trial and error basis?
L: Well I’ve been bartending for 13 years, so at this point I’m pretty familiar with what flavors blend well together. Don’t get me wrong, I am ALWAYS learning, which is what I really love about the bartending world. I’m fortunate enough to be immersed in a job where I get to think about drinks and food 24/7. Sometimes a recipe comes from just elevating a classic cocktail. Other times it comes from trial and error. I love going to the Farmer’s Market or Co-op and finding inspiration. Normally, I’ll come home with a bag full of garnishes, herbs, fruit, etc. and I go from there. Other times, I challenge myself to make drinks from items I already have on hand. Overall I do my best to keep the cocktails simple and approachable.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
L: I love chatting about bourbon, so please feel free to reach out! Also my website just launched this month so be sure to check it out: www.mainebourbongirl.com.
Thanks for having me!
