When Kate Mead co-founded Wyoming Whiskey in 2006 with her husband, Brad, and co-founder David DeFazio, she was already breaking barriers—as a lawyer, a rancher, and now a whiskey maker. Wyoming’s first legal distillery, located in Kirby, has since grown into a nationally recognized brand.
Throughout her career, Kate has championed women in traditionally male industries, helping others rise alongside her. From hiring female blenders to fostering mentorship, she’s proving that whiskey isn’t just a man’s world. This Women’s History Month, Kate reflects on the progress made—and the barriers that still remain for women in whiskey and beyond.
The Reality of Gender Barriers in Ranching and Whiskey
For much of her professional life, Kate Mead has worked in industries where men dominate the landscape—law, ranching, and now whiskey. While she once believed gender equality would be a given by now, her experiences have shown otherwise. “I really felt like there would be no need to have special months for women’s history because there would be equity,” she says. “But it’s been pretty obvious to me as I age that we’re not quite there.”
In ranching, she recalls a worker refusing to ride the range with her because his wife “would never countenance it.” In whiskey, she noticed stark gender divisions early on. “Most distributors had women as receptionists, but few on the sales teams or executive boards,” she says. “It was more segregated, in my view, than law or even ranching was.”
Despite these challenges, Kate credits her resilience to the mentorship of Brad’s mother, a formidable rancher who ran the family operation alone. “She was tough as nails and really tough on me, but it was good,” Kate reflects. “It set me up to understand just how difficult it can be for women. Women in any industry have to have thick skin. You have to stand up for yourself.” That experience prepared her for a trailblazing career in whiskey—where she’s now ensuring other women get the opportunities she once had to fight for.
Championing Women in the Whiskey Industry at Wyoming Whiskey
Kate has always believed in recognizing talent, regardless of gender. At Wyoming Whiskey, she has made it a priority to elevate women within the industry, ensuring that opportunities exist beyond the traditional roles assigned to them. One of her proudest success stories is Nicole Martin, who started in the distillery’s gift shop but quickly proved she had a rare talent.
“She has a superpower—her nose and her taste,” Kate says. Recognising Nicole’s potential, Wyoming Whiskey supported her transition into blending. Today, Nicole has not only created standout releases like Independence Rock—Kate’s new favorite expression—but has also trained with Kirsteen Campbell, The Macallan’s Master Whisky Maker, in Scotland.
“It’s fantastic to see a woman move up in the industry—someone who started in retail and is now working as a blender. Nicole has even gone to Scotland to train with Kirsteen Campbell, which has been an incredible experience for her. I’m particularly proud of what she’s achieved in the whiskey business.”
The Changing Industry Landscape
While whiskey remains a traditionally male-dominated industry, Kate Mead has seen significant progress in recent years—particularly in distilling and blending. “Women being whiskey makers, Master Distillers… that’s really changed,” she says. “It wasn’t always like that.”
She points to industry leaders like Kirsteen Campbell, The Macallan’s Master Whisky Maker, and Jane Graham, a key figure at Edrington, as examples of women shaping the future of whiskey. At Wyoming Whiskey, she’s proud to have played a role in that shift, from hiring blending expert Nancy Fraley to fostering Nicole Martin’s rise from the gift shop to blending.
Still, Kate believes there’s more work to be done. “I wish I had found a mentor, or mentored more women myself,” she admits. “We were so busy getting the business off the ground, we didn’t have time to think about it.” Despite this admission, Kate has clearly taken an active role in elevating and guiding women in whiskey within her sphere. Now, she hopes to see more women step into leadership roles—and have the support they deserve.
A Legacy of Progress and Possibility
Kate Mead’s journey through law, ranching, and whiskey has been one of perseverance, breaking barriers, and lifting others along the way. At Wyoming Whiskey, she has helped create opportunities for women in an industry that, for too long, left them on the sidelines. From mentoring rising talent like Nicole Martin to working alongside trailblazers like Kirsteen Campbell, she has played a key role in shaping a more inclusive future for whiskey.
As Women’s History Month highlights the achievements of women across industries, Kate’s story is a reminder that progress doesn’t happen by accident—it takes champions willing to challenge the status quo.
