Open letter to Beam Suntory













Dear Sir or Madam at Beam Suntory









I love Macallan. I love Highland Park. And I’ve been a Friend of Laphroaig for many years. I even have my own square foot on Islay. Needless to say, that I’ve been a member of the Jim Beam Signature Malts for quite some time.





But recently I received an e-mail from the marketing team of Beam-Suntory Germany that really made me think about the strategies and values of your company.





Due to a change of names (from Signature Malts to Malts of Distinction), a new online membership program has been launched.





But when I clicked the link to log in, I was just flabbergasted: The new name of this online membership program is “Men of Malts”.





The problem is: I can’t become a” Man of Malts”. Because I am a woman.





Am I not wanted?





Am I not worthy of any consideration from your company?





Do you really wish to exclude half the population from the pleasure of enjoying your Whiskies?





Don’t get me wrong. I highly respect men like John Campbell, Ronnie Cox, Bob Dalgarno and all the other “men of malts” in the industry, who are doing a great job creating excellent malt whiskies. And I always enjoy having a good dram in the company of fine men.





But there are also dozens and hundreds of great women working in the industry, and I know many, many women who enjoy drinking single malt whisky. Not to mention the bourbons.





A company that only cares for “Men of Malts”, is not for me.





Sorry, but I am a woman. And I won’t log in.







