Raising the Bar: Inside the World of Lodestar Whiskey
Headshot photography by Sally Peterson
In an industry traditionally dominated by men, the founders of Lodestar Whiskey are breaking barriers and redefining what it means to craft exceptional spirits. With a shared passion for whiskey and a bold vision, these trailblazing women have created a brand that blends heritage with innovation. Recently, we sat down with the powerhouse female founders to discuss their journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and how they’ve carved out a unique space in the world of whiskey, all while staying true to their authentic values and mission.
EM:What inspired you to start Lodestar Whiskey, and how did the idea first come to life?
As cousins, friends, and colleagues, we spent over a decade working together in music and film. Having acquired a taste for whiskey backstage and in countless venues, bars, and restaurants across the country, we started really understanding what flavor notes we liked. We also noticed that we, as female millennial consumers, did not feel very represented in what was out there.
We had long wanted to create a whiskey that wholly represented us, and when the pandemic hit and everything in entertainment came to a screeching halt, we realized there was no better time. What we loved most about our work in entertainment was bringing people together to connect over shared experiences. We developed a flavor profile we loved and we feel is approachable, put it in a bottle and set out to create a brand that invites everyone to the party.
EM: Can you tell us about the meaning behind the name "Lodestar"? What does it represent for your brand?
A Lodestar is a navigational star or something that guides and inspires you. When we first started dreaming up the kind of brand we wanted to create, we always came back to the things that guide and inspire us every day – community, inclusion, and joy. That’s what we navigate by, and we wanted the name of the brand be connected and so Lodestar felt like a perfect fit.
EM: How would you describe Lodestar Whiskey's brand identity in three words?
Community, Inclusivity, Joy
EM: What sets Lodestar apart from other whiskey brands in the market today?
Lodestar Whiskey is high quality yet approachable in both flavor and price and it can be enjoyed by seasoned whiskey drinkers and whiskey newbies alike. We believe Lodestar can be enjoyed by everyone and embodies the laid-back lifestyle of our California base and the universal truth that life’s special moments are always better when shared.
EM: Is there a specific audience or type of whiskey drinker you had in mind when crafting Lodestar?
We set out with the intention to invite a more diverse consumer into the whiskey category and to create a brand for whiskey lovers who are currently not being marketed to by most brands. This includes more women and people who shy away from whiskey or are intimidated by it because of preconceived ideas that you need to know a lot about whiskey to enjoy it or that it is more of a male drink.
EM: What unique ingredients or techniques do you use that make your whiskey distinct?
We followed the flavor and knew from the get-go what kind of profile we were trying to achieve and to get there we created a blend of High Rye Bourbon and American Single Malt – something we had not seen in the market before.
EM: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting Lodestar Whiskey, and how did you overcome them?
Starting out in a new industry that is heavily regulated and strongly male dominated definitely had its challenges, but we spent a long time learning about how whiskey is made and we rolled up our sleeves, trusted our taste buds, and did not take no for an answer.
EM: What has been the most rewarding moment since launching Lodestar?
Every time we meet people who say, “I’m not a whiskey drinker” or “I don’t really like whiskey” and then seeing their surprised and positive reaction when they try Lodestar.
EM: What is your vision for the future of Lodestar Whiskey? Are there plans for new products or expansions?
We were very intentional about starting in Southern California and building a strong organic foundation here and we are looking forward to expanding into new markets. We really got into how creative and fun blending is and since we caught the blending bug, we look forward to creating another expression down the line as well.
EM: Are you exploring any collaborations or partnerships that align with Lodestar’s values and mission?
We constantly partner and collaborate with organizations and other brands in Los Angeles. That includes fashion brands that speak to our consumer and non-profit organizations that work to support causes that are important to us and advance community and equity.
EM: How do you stay connected with your customers and the whiskey community?
We do a ton of events, and we love to connect with people directly. We also stay in touch and connected with our customers in the hospitality industry to continue to build strong and lasting relationships.
EM: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into the spirits industry?
Stay true to yourself and follow your instincts. The industry seems ready for a change, and this only happens if new voices enter the space
EM: If you could go back to the beginning of your journey with Lodestar, is there anything you would do differently?
Start earlier!
Follow @Lodestarwhiskey