{ DISHING WITH THE DIVAS } “I would not be able to do what I do without him, literally and figuratively. He sacrifices a lot so that I can attend events, meetings and complete lots of work at home. He is also the most supportive of me and my career. He listens to a lot of venting, problem solving and logistical planning. A close second is my daughter, Maeve. She’s a-year-and -half. I tell her daily I am building a legacy”. - Lexi
IPA and I’d be more suited for a blueberry wheat or a shandy. My favorite move was being told that, I tried appeasing them by trying these fruit beers and continuing to order the double IPA. I then introduce myself and shake their hands letting them know, I was an assistant brewer. I feel since I’ve been distilling, Buffalo has really come around and is incredibly supportive. Adam is so supportive of me as a woman (in a power position) and distiller. I’m pretty sure I am the only female distiller in the area. All local distillers and industry folk have been respectful.
she is also named as the event bar manager. She describes what she does: “I mill, mash, distill and package all spirits. I collaborate with Adam and sometimes other parties about creating new seasonal cocktail menus. I make most of the bar syrups (grenadine, sour mix, several flavored
Her parents encouraged creativity but also instilled a great work ethic for all of their children.
There are so many degrees of feminism. I do agree I am a feminist, but I chose to view women and men as equals instead of trying to put men down for gain. Ultimately, I felt their female agendas hurt female-to-female relationships Which is in the end isn’t that the most important?”
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ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018
Allie recalls one of the obstacles she had to overcome in life was being diagnosed as an epileptic at age 16. This was trying for her as a young woman trying to obtain her driver’s license. She struggled with the changes she went through as a teen ager. She is happy that as a young adult she grew out of it! Allie is thankful of her parents being so supportive in her life. They are both in the medical field. None of their three children followed in their footsteps. They are all in creative or trade fields. Allie’s one brother is a mechanic. The other is studying Culinary and Allie is a graphic designer and distiller.
I do feel women aren’t taken quite as seriously would be my only complaint now. Sadly, as a brewer, at first, I had a lot of blow back when trying to collaborate with other female brewers. Some issues I agreed with, while others I felt were outlandish. After getting to know people in the industry the experience is very positive.
Allie knows the value of being a team player. She has worked for local business exclusively. She learned early to become a jack of all trades. She shares “I am first a distiller”. She has functioned as a bar tender etc. Now,
and grooms regarding their signature cocktail needs. I work most efficiently when I am working as a multi-tasker”.
simple syrups and any crazy concoctions we come up with!) I bartend, set up for weddings/events, ensure the bar runs smoothly and meet with brides
Allie reflects saying, “My Dad used to buy variety packs of craft beer. We’d taste them and talk about them. I feel this is what sparked my interest in home brewing, which grew to brewing and now distilling. I would like to do a similar thing with whiskey. I find whiskey at stores and take-home different brands to experiment with creating cocktails. This is the start of my excitement in starting the whiskey program at Lakeward. Since distilling, I like to toy with fun ingredients and mixing new creative cocktails with all of our spirits”.