"Bourbon Women" Debuts with Spring Event

Bourbon Women is a new consumer organization that will focus on providing networking, educational, philanthropic and social opportunities for women with an interest and affinity for bourbon. Peggy Noe Stevens, chairman of the group, and other directors, will target an often overlooked, but extremely important group of bourbon consumers - professional women. Through a calendar of innovative events beginning with an inaugural event in April, 2011 at the Governor's Mansion in Frankfort, Ky., the organization will host seminars, tastings and distillery tours.

"Women are often overlooked as bourbon consumers, but they're an extremely important and growing audience," said Peggy Stevens of Peggy Noe Stevens & Associates, the group's founder and chairwoman. "This consumer organization will attract a dynamic group of professional women dedicated to the preservation of bourbon's unique cultural heritage," she said. "They can express and enjoy their bourbon loyalty while leveraging this powerful network."

Bill Samuels, president of Maker's Mark commented, "I love the idea of a group that formally associates women and bourbon since my mother was the driving creative force behind Maker's Mark. She designed the bottle and came up with the name, and it was her sense of style that was my father's guide to position the brand among all the other whiskeys already out there. She would have been the first to sign up for this new group."

Representatives from Kentucky's signature distilleries congratulated Stevens on the new group and offered their support. "This is an innovative and exciting idea, and we look forward to working with Bourbon Women to salute our legendary industry's rich history and proud heritage," said Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers' Association.

In addition to a slate of unique events and networking opportunities, Bourbon Women will donate financial proceeds to a scholarship for a female student through Sullivan University. Membership is $50 a year. Women over 21 years of age are eligible. Sponsorship opportunities are available to businesses interested in helping Bourbon Women produce quality events and form relationships through their company and products.

For more information on Bourbon Women or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Nick Vaccaro at nvaccaro@aecmanagement.com or 502.456.1851 X2.