The recent Drams for Fams fundraiser, hosted by the Edmonton Scotch Club, was a resounding success, raising more than $35,000 for Edmonton’s Food Bank. While the event has long been a staple of the local spirits scene, this year saw a powerful new addition to the lineup: a dedicated Women in Whisky Panel, presented by the Dram Fine Podcast.
A new chapter for the industry
The panel brought together a powerhouse of technical expertise and industry leadership, featuring Caitlin Quinn, distillery manager at Alberta Distillers Limited and former master distiller at Eau Clair Distillery; Jamie Johnson, Canadian brand ambassador for Glenfiddich and The Balvenie, named Icons of Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year at the World Whisky Awards in 2025; and Reece Sims, Flavor Camp and Flavour Report founder, named Best Whisky and Spirits Writer at the 2026 Canadian Whisky Awards.
The discussion moved beyond simple representation, diving deep into the past, present and future of the industry. The panel highlighted the significant accomplishments of women who have long been part of the whisky world, noting that “women aren’t new to whisky; the industry is just late to them.”
Beyond the glass: allyship and advocacy
A core focus of the session was providing a “reality check” on the signals that shape who feels they belong in whisky spaces. By discussing language, access and representation, the Dram Fine Podcast helped carve out a tangible roadmap for allyship, encouraging the community to help create more inclusive spaces for women and LGBTQIA2S+ folks.
Excellence recognized: the J Wheelock Memorial Award
The weekend’s impact was further cemented when Pamela Dobbin, who founded Dram Fine with Chelsea Belec, was honoured with the J Wheelock Memorial Award.
“Being recognized by the Edmonton whisky scene for community building and inclusive events means so much,” Dobbin said on the Dram Fine Podcast.
This award serves as a testament to her hard work in community building and inclusion within the Canadian whisky scene, ensuring the industry continues to move toward being a space of opportunity for everyone.
