There are almost 3,000 whiskey distilleries in the United States and only 6% of them are female owned or operated. However, women make up almost 40% of whiskey and bourbon consumers in this global $60 billion dollar industry.

Women of Whiskey: Untold Stories of the Industry's Pioneers

THE SPIRIT OF WOMEN is the world's first feature-length documentary exclusively chronicling women's vital roles in the whiskey and bourbon industry. From the ancient female brewers who first distilled spirits for medicinal purposes to the modern master distillers breaking glass ceilings in hallowed rickhouses- this groundbreaking film uncovers how women have been systematically pushed into the shadows of one of the most recognizable trades they helped build: whiskey and bourbon.

Our narrative takes on the universal themes of sexism, inequality and the exploitation of women as a token in whiskey, rather than being credited as pioneers of it. More than just a documentary about whiskey, "The Spirit of Women" aimes to fundamentally reframe the manufactured mythology of whiskey as exclusively male terrain.

As we sit down with some of the most influential women and brands in the global whiskey and bourbon industry we uncover the true, untold stories of the pioneering women who were the backbone of this world-wide spirit. Our film features stories of groundbreaking figures who are responsible for the vision behind iconic global brands including;

• Margie Samuels of Maker's Mark: One of the most iconic women of all time in the whiskey industry. Margie Samuels transformed American bourbon forever as the creative force behind Maker's Mark. While her husband Bill formulated the bourbon itself, Margie engineered every element of its revolutionary presentation—creating one of the most recognizable spirits in the world.

• Mel Heim of Big Nose Kate Whiskey: Master Distiller and CEO Mel Heim leads Big Nose Kate Whiskey alongside partners Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone, honoring a true frontier legend. While history remembers Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, their contemporary Kate —a fearless saloonkeeper and entrepreneur—was erased from the narrative despite her significant contributions to the American West.

• Victoria Butler of Uncle Nearest Whiskey: Victoria is the first female African-American Master Blender in the United States. The Great-Great-Grandaughter of legendary Nearest Green, known as "Uncle Nearest," an enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel how to distill whiskey, yet remained uncredited for over 150 years. Victoria's work in the distilling world isn't merely groundbreaking- it's a powerful reclamation of her family's rightful place in whiskey history.
• And more......

Through truth-telling and visibility, we will transform whiskey's culture into one where women's contributions are no longer extraordinary but recognized as fundamental to the spirit's very existence.

WATCH AN EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK

Recognition & Milestones

2022: Selected among the "Top 20 Projects" in global development by Breaking Through The Lens, an official partner of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

2024: Our director and cast were selected as keynote speakers at SXSW in Austin, where over 47,000 people attend every year to discuss "The Spirit of Women" and its cultural significance.

2025: Building on this momentum, our team has been invited once again as keynote speakers at the inaugural SXSW London in June 2025, bringing our story to international audiences.

This consistent recognition from world-class film and cultural institutions underscores the project's importance and the growing demand for these untold stories.

LEIGHA KINGSLEY, DIRECTOR

The Spirit of Women

For three years, we've poured our hearts into "THE SPIRIT OF WOMEN" – a groundbreaking documentary that has earned international acclaim even before completion. Yet despite this recognition, securing studio funding remains an extraordinary challenge. Why? Because we're telling a story that has never been told before: women in whiskey.

While countless documentaries celebrate men in the whiskey industry, not a single film has documented the remarkable women reshaping this traditionally male-dominated field. This represents more than just a gap in whiskey storytelling – it's emblematic of the systematic barriers female filmmakers face, especially when championing women-centered narratives.

"The Spirit of Women" is not merely a documentary; it's part of a historical movement. Your support will not only bring this vital story to screens but send a powerful message that female filmmakers telling women's stories deserve their rightful place in cinema and society.

By backing this project, you become part of changing the narrative – both in whiskey and in film.

Breaking Barriers

Did you know? Until 1974, women were legally prohibited from working in the spirits industry. This changed only when Dixie Sherman challenged this discriminatory law—persisting through years of appeals and rejections until reaching the Supreme Court, which finally struck down this antiquated barrier. This just one of many shocking stories revealed in The Spirit of Women.

Leigha Kingsley, Director

Growing up in Kentucky's rolling hills—where 95% of the world's bourbon is produced—I never imagined there was a place for me in whiskey. Everything around me declared it a "man's drink," made by men, for men.

Nothing could have been further from the truth.

My research revealed an astonishing reality: women have been instrumental in creating America's signature spirit, yet their contributions remain largely unrecognized. This revelation sparked a profound question: if I, raised in bourbon country, was unaware of this history—what did that mean for the rest of the world?

This question ignited my determination to change the narrative.

Over three years, I've built personal relationships with the women featured in this film. I've witnessed their courage as they speak candidly about the inequalities, struggles, and triumphs they've faced, all while working tirelessly to elevate other women in the industry.

What began as an exploration of gender disparity in whiskey has evolved into something universally resonant. This isn't merely a film about bourbon—it's a story in which everyone can see themselves, regardless of their background, career, race, or gender.

"THE SPIRIT OF WOMEN" aims to unite us all while finally setting the historical record straight in this traditionally male-dominated field. It's not just about what was hidden from me growing up—it's about revealing these unsung heroes to the world.

Where will the budget be going?

After three years of unwavering commitment, we stand at the threshold of bringing "The Spirit of Women" to audiences worldwide. By supporting our film at this pivotal moment, you're not just funding a documentary—you're making history alongside us that honors the legacy of women who shaped an industry against overwhelming odds. Join us in this final chapter of our journey.

Your pledge directly enables us to continue post-production and here is where the money will be going:

:

• Post-production Crew: 85% of our budget will go towards our post-production costs and paying our post crew which includes; post-production supervisor, editor, assistant editor, colorist, sound mixer, sound design, composer, VFX artist, AI artists, AI Software, ADR, Voice over narrator.
• Legal Fees and Licensing Rights: 15% of our budget will go towards lawyer and legal fees that include fair use clearances, licensing rights for video and photography and musical licensing.
• Stretch Goal: If we hit our stretch goal of $100,000 this will enable us to cover the costs for an editing bay, post-production house, additional female interviews, film festival submissions, pick up shots, creation of accessible and screening formats .
• Stretch Stretch Goal: If we hit our stretch stretch goal of $250,000 this will enable us to deliver the film and expand our narrative to Scotland—birthplace of the original female whisky pioneers and ancestral home of the Samuels family behind Maker's Mark. This critical chapter would allow us to trace how Scottish women's distilling traditions that directly shaped America's signature spirit, spanning continents and centuries.

Together, we'll ensure these essential stories finally reach the screen they deserve.

THE FILM COLLABORATIVE: OUR FISCAL SPONSOR

The Spirit of Women is honored to have The Film Collaborative as their fiscal sponsor. They stand as one of the industry's most respected fiscal sponsors and their sponsored projects have garnered prestigious recognition including; Academy Award Nominations, Sundance Film Festival Awards, and international festival accolades at Venice, Toronto, Berlin and Tribeca. Beyond fiscal sponsorship, they are helping create pathways for authentic stories that might otherwise remain untold.

Join Us In Making History:

If you'd like to join us in making history, here are a few different ways you can help support!

PLEDGE:

1. Click the blue "Make a Pledge" button—every dollar helps and no pledge is too small! We've curated some amazing incentives, so please check 'em out.

SHARE:

1. Share our Campaign Page and Instagram with your online communities and friends!
2. Know someone who loves bourbon and whiskey or supporting women? Share this film with them! We are @TheSpiritOfWomenFilm (IG).

Here's a quick and easy message to copy and paste to your Instagram: Help support the completion of the first film ever made dedicated to women in the world of whiskey and bourbon by pledging or following @TheSpiritOfWomenFilm. A SXSW London 2025, SXSW 2024, & Cannes Film Festival recognized project by female filmmakers @Lkingsley7 + @itsmorganblake + @Gretchen_Bates Join the journey on Seed & Spark: https://seedandspark.com/fund/the-spirit-of-women-1#story

FOLLOW:

1. We'd love for you to follow our socials and like our Campaign Page! Our Instagram is @TheSpiritOfWomenFilm

STRETCH GOALS:

• $100,000 this will enable us to cover the costs for an editing bay, post-production house, additional interviews with whiskey women, film festival submissions, pick up shots, creation of accessible and screening formats.
• $250,000 this will enable us to expand and complete our narrative in Scotland—birthplace of the original female whisky pioneers and ancestral home of the Samuels family behind Maker's Mark. This critical chapter would allow us to trace how Scottish women's distilling traditions directly shaped America's signature spirit, spanning continents and centuries.

We hope you will join us on this historical movement whether it's through a pledge or sharing our posts! Every dollar counts and every share matters. We could not be more grateful to have you on this journey with us- after all, making the impossible possible is the true spirit of women!

MAKER'S MARK: THE VISIONARY WOMAN BEHIND THE LEGACY

Margie Samuels was the creative genius who transformed Maker's Mark into one of the world's most recognizable bourbon brands. She single-handedly created the distinctive square bottle, the iconic hand-dipped red wax seal, the brand name itself, and the elegant typography that defines the label to this day. Few spirits embody American craftsmanship more perfectly than Maker's Mark, a bourbon that transformed the industry through its unwavering commitment to quality and distinction. Through exclusive conversations with Margie's son Bill Samuels Jr. and grandson Rob Samuels, we uncover the pioneering woman whose marketing genius elevated an entire industry. The film also spotlights Maker's Mark's current female leadership team—Valerie Netherton, Kim Harmon, Beth Buckner, and Amanda Humphrey—who continue Margie's revolutionary commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality over quantity, ensuring her legacy thrives into the next generation.

UNCLE NEAREST WHISKEY: RECLAIMING A LEGACY

The Uncle Nearest story represents one of history's greatest reclamations of truth—sparked when Fawn Weaver, a bestselling author and entrepreneur, encountered a 2016 New York Times article revealing that an enslaved man named Nathan "Nearest" Green had taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey. Determined to restore this erased legacy, Weaver shares how she founded Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, assembling an extraordinary all-female leadership team that includes our cast of Victoria Eady Butler, Green's great-great-granddaughter who became America's first African-American female Master Blender.

Alongside Butler, we also sit down with Katharine Jerkens who serves as the company's Chief Business Officer while Vice President of Marketing Lucia Creed oversees the creative legacy—creating whiskeys that have earned over 650 awards in just six years. We learn that what began as a historical unearthing has evolved into the fastest-growing independent American whiskey brand in history, a company now worth over $1 billion dollars to date. Through meticulous craftsmanship and uncompromising dedication to truth, these women haven't just built a whiskey brand—they've fundamentally rewritten American spirits history while creating a legacy of excellence and opportunity.

BREAKING THE BARREL CEILING: WHISKEY WOMEN REVOLUTIONARIES

As the world's first female Master Bourbon Taster and founder of the Bourbon Women Association, Peggy Noe Stevens has fundamentally reshaped the whiskey industry for women. As we sit down with Stevens we learn of her extraordinary accomplishments and how she broke through Kentucky bourbon's male-dominated culture to challenge entrenched gender stereotypes about women in whiskey. Steven's influence reaches across an entire industry through her induction into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame and the establishment of the Bourbon Women Association, giving voice to an audience that had been systematically marginalized.

As Kentucky's first female Master Distiller since Prohibition, Marianne Eaves has carved an unprecedented path through the bourbon industry. As we follow her through the process of distilling we learn she began her career as a chemical engineer at Brown-Forman and shattered glass ceilings by becoming a Master Distiller. Eaves has redefined what it means to be a woman in whiskey not only for herself but generations to come as women pursue careers in distillation.

Master Distiller and CEO Mel Heim has partnered with actors Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone to create Big Nose Kate Whiskey, a brand honoring a true Western legend who was systematically erased from frontier narratives. While history books focused on Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, Kate Horony—Holliday's partner and a successful saloonkeeper—remained largely forgotten despite her remarkable independence and business acumen. This collaboration blends Heim's exceptional distilling expertise with McCarthy and Falcone's storytelling passion to craft an award-winning whiskey that reclaims female contributions to American history. Through their partnership, they're not just producing outstanding spirits—they're challenging the selective storytelling that has long marginalized women's roles in shaping the American West.

THE UNFILTERED LEGACY: WOMEN PIONEERING WHISKEY'S FUTURE

Brittany Penny, Maggie Kimberl, Samara Davis, Shaylyn Gammon, and Stephanie Ohnmacht represent a powerful new wave of influence transforming whiskey's landscape. Despite working across different segments of the industry, their collective impact is reshaping accessibility and representation at every level. As we sit down with each of these pioneering women during a roundtable event we learn of Penny's work as the Founder & CEO of 2Cents Inc. IX Bourbon Whiskey which she created during covid.

Kimberl, who has transformed whiskey journalism by elevating diverse perspectives previously missing from industry coverage, and how her leadership as a content editor for American Whiskey magazine has created unprecedented platforms for women's voices in whiskey media. Davis's groundbreaking Black Bourbon Society, which has created a 30,000+ person community for underrepresented enthusiasts. Gammon's role as the first female Whiskey Director at state of the art Blue Run Spirits and how her influence brings forward-thinking approaches to a brand that not only celebrates women but creates an environment of inclusion. Meanwhile Stephanie Ohnmacht is a fifth-generation farmer and co-founder of Whiskey Sisters Supply alongside her sister Felicia Ohnmacht who have transformed whiskey production by creating America's first woman-owned grain supply operation dedicated to craft spirits.

What unites these trailblazers is their commitment to dismantling barriers without waiting for permission. Rather than simply finding their individual places within the existing industry structure, they are actively reconstructing it—creating mentorship pathways, reforming exclusionary practices, and establishing support networks that ensure the next generation of women won't face the same obstacles. Their collaborative approach to leadership, emphasizing community over competition, signals a fundamental shift, ultimately creating a more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable future for American whiskey.

BARRELS WITHOUT BORDERS: THE GLOBAL STORY OF WOMEN IN WHISKEY LOCATIONS

Our filming journey has taken us deep into America's whiskey heartland—from Kentucky's rolling limestone hills, where we documented the pioneering women behind bourbon's most iconic brands, to Tennessee's historic distilleries where female master distillers are reclaiming erased legacies, to the innovative craft operations of Santa Fe where women are redefining what American whiskey can be.

Our next chapter will cross the Atlantic to Scotland, where we'll trace the origins of these traditions and uncover how generations of Scottish women distillers directly influenced America's signature spirit through immigration, family knowledge, and cultural exchange—completing the transatlantic circle of female contribution that has been systematically overlooked in whiskey's official narrative for centuries.

AGAIN, HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO SUPPORT THE SPIRIT OF WOMEN!

PLEDGE:

1. Click the blue "Make a Pledge" button—every dollar helps and no pledge is too small! We've curated some amazing incentives, so please check 'em out.

SHARE:

1. Share our Campaign Page and Instagram with your online communities and friends!
2. Know someone who loves bourbon and whiskey or supporting women? Share this film with them! We are @TheSpiritOfWomenFilm (IG).

Here's a quick and easy message to copy and paste to your Instagram: Help support the completion of the first film ever made dedicated to women in the world of whiskey and bourbon by pledging or following @TheSpiritOfWomenFilm. A SXSW London 2025, SXSW 2024, & Cannes Film Festival recognized project by female filmmakers @Lkingsley7 + @itsmorganblake + @Gretchen_Bates Join the journey on Seed & Spark: https://seedandspark.com/fund/the-spirit-of-women-1#story

FOLLOW:

1. We'd love for you to follow our socials and like our Campaign Page! Our Instagram is @TheSpiritOfWomenFilm

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT! We cannot do this without you, and are so excited you're on this journey with us! Stay tuned for more... Much Love, Leigha & Morgan

BRAND SUPPORTERS

We are so grateful to the following brands who believe in our project and have showed their support for this film! And a truly special thanks to Maker's Mark who believed in this film from the very beginning and without which- this film would not be possible. This is true change in the industry from industry leaders who have said, YES! We want to see The Spirit of Women film get made! And we are hopeful more will join this movement with us. Thank you so much to the following: