GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — The burn of good whiskey. The stir of a cocktail shaker. The hum of women learning and laughing together over a shared pour.

That’s the atmosphere Debra Halliday is hoping to create on April 10, when the Western Slope Whiskey Club hosts its women-focused whiskey education event at SoCo Social in Grand Junction. Part tasting, part mixology class, part history lesson — the event blends it all into a night centered on women in a space that has long been dominated by men.

“I wanted to create a space for women, who are notoriously left out of marketing, left out of the whiskey space, a chance to learn about whiskey and other spirits,” Halliday said.

A club shaking up tradition

The Western Slope Whiskey Club has been a fixture for spirit enthusiasts in Mesa County and beyond. From tastings to distillery collaborations, the club has attracted a growing base of followers — but Halliday noticed something missing.

Or rather, someone.

“For a long time, whiskey has had this macho image — cigars, dark wood, suits. But women are curious. They want in. They just haven’t always been invited,” she said.

That’s what led her to create a series of events specifically tailored for women — not to exclude others, she says, but to make space for discovery without intimidation.

What’s in the glass

The April 10 event will include hands-on mixology tutorials, complete with historical context for each cocktail. Halliday, who’s known for her approachable and humorous teaching style, says the goal is for attendees to walk away with more than just a buzz.

“I always say — if you can leave learning one thing, just one new term or a fun fact, then that’s a win,” she said. “Maybe it’s about barrel aging, maybe it’s about why rye has a spicier profile — it all sticks when you’re tasting as you learn.”

The event will spotlight women-owned whiskey brands and lesser-known distilleries that challenge the big-name boys’ club image of American whiskey.

Participants can expect a guided tasting that includes:

• A breakdown of flavor profiles and notes

• Cocktail-building demos with tips on presentation

• Stories behind women who’ve made history in distilling

Beyond bourbon: Empowerment in every pour

While whiskey is at the heart of the club, the intention is broader: to empower women in unfamiliar spaces, whether that’s at a bar or a boardroom.

“There’s something symbolic about reclaiming this space,” said Halliday. “It’s about giving permission — not that women need it — but creating a place where curiosity is encouraged and knowledge is accessible.”

The response so far has been strong. Events like this tend to sell out quickly, and Halliday says she’s seen participants return again and again, often bringing friends along for their second or third visit.

“Whiskey is just the vessel,” she said. “What happens around it — the laughter, the learning, the confidence — that’s the real spirit of it all.”

Women in whiskey: Still a rare pour

Despite major shifts in the beverage industry, women remain underrepresented in both the production and marketing sides of the whiskey world. A 2023 report from the Distilled Spirits Council found that only 13% of master distillers at major U.S. operations were women — though that number is slowly rising.

Meanwhile, advertising and branding for whiskey continues to skew toward masculine aesthetics, often reinforcing outdated tropes.

But the tide is turning. Women-led whiskey festivals, women-owned distilleries, and clubs like Halliday’s are chipping away at the stereotype, one dram at a time.

“There’s power in being seen,” Halliday said. “And there’s something really cool about hearing a woman describe the mouthfeel of a good cask-strength bourbon better than half the guys in the room.”

SoCo Social: A fitting backdrop

Located in the heart of Grand Junction, SoCo Social — a hybrid social space and event venue — offers a sleek, intimate setting for the gathering. Its modern aesthetic contrasts with the often-rustic image of whiskey culture, making it an ideal location for an event that aims to redefine expectations.

“We’re thrilled to host something that feels both educational and inclusive,” said a SoCo Social representative. “It’s a great example of how local events can shift the culture in subtle but meaningful ways.”

Looking ahead: More events, more momentum

The Western Slope Whiskey Club plans to expand its offerings throughout 2025. Halliday says upcoming events will include whiskey and chocolate pairings, meet-the-distiller nights, and co-ed sessions focused on international spirits.

Still, she insists the women-only events will remain central to the club’s mission.

“There’s a demand. Women are showing up. They want to know more, and they want to do it in a space where they can ask questions without being mansplained,” she said with a grin.

And for Halliday, it all comes back to the same principle — curiosity, confidence, and community.

“Whether you’re new to whiskey or you’ve been sipping Scotch since college, there’s always more to explore. And there’s room at the table — or the bar — for everyone.”