About… Allison Parc
As the first New York City Whisky Blogger & founder of Brenne Whisky…
The Whisky Woman, Allison Parc, wears a lot of hats and never a straight face. 😉
In addition to writing this blog, I founded, produce and own my very own whisky: Brenne (keep in the loop by liking us on Instagram HERE & Facebook HERE), a limited-edition Single Malt made seed-to-spirit in Cognac, France (despite being a New Yorker). I couldn’t be more excited because I’ve introduced not just a new player in the World Whisky category but also a new taste profile in the Single Malt category. In brief, Brenne is a Single Malt from France that is finished in Cognac casks. My first release, the Estate Cask, is extremely smooth, approachable and a very fruit-forward. I always say, “You can’t lead by following” so why create something that’s already been done?
I think New York is the best city in the world – but I have always been inspired by France. I’m thrilled that after years of hard work (including running my own spirits import/export company, Local Infusions), I believe we have captured the essence of the South of France in this stunning single malt.
Now that that’s out of the way … it is important to me that you know I am not writing this blog to specifically promote my business or any particular products. Rather, I feel so fortunate to work in one of the best industries, filled with amazing people that I needed to create a place where I can share my experiences with you as they relate to one of my very favorite spirits: WHISKEY! I hope you enjoy my non-traditional approach to whisky-blogging. There are plenty of awesome bloggers out there writing really thorough product reviews and where I will do a product review on (the very rare) occasion, I’m more excited to share with you all of the many facets of the wonderful world of whisky. You’ll find most posts are currently about my journey as an entrepreneur in the whisky world but occasionally I’ll also write about other distilleries, distillers, stories, stores, recipes, tastings, bar-ware, books, events, whisky travel … really anything that I’m into & think we should be talking about.
I promise, if I ever write a post in hopes of it benefiting my company, I will certainly make it known! Thanks for following, for joining in on the conversations, for always teaching me something new, and for all of your amazing support.
Cheers.
PRESS
*Named one of the TOP 10 WOMEN IN WHISKY by The Drinks Business Magazine*
Featured on: CBS, ESPN (TKS & PTI shows), WSJ’s MarketWatch, Food & Wine Magazine, Crain’s New York Business Review, Chicago Tribune, Cigar & Spirits, judged ’13 WWA (World Whisky Awards), SeirousEats, Heritage Radio, Unfiltered Magazine, Uncrate, Redbook Magazine, WhiskyCast, Whisky Advocate, Whisky Magazine, Liquor.com & more.
She also won Whisky Magazine’s Whiskey Brand Innovator of the Year 2014, Highly Commended and an American Graphic Design Award for Brenne Whisky.
Allison has been recently included in these books:
Whiskey Women: The Untold Story of How Women Bourbon, Scotch and Irish Whiskey, by Fred Minnick
Booze for Babes, by Kayleigh Kulp
Guide to Urban Moonshining: How to Make and Drink Whiskey, by Colin Spoelman & David Haskell
Allison has also been interviewed here (this list is independent of Brenne Press which is all listed by clicking HERE):
Allison Patel gets a “shout out” from Tony Kornheiser on ESPN’s PTI show (Episode 11/5/12 at around minute 22:25)
“Girls for Whisky” by Whisky For Girls
Allison Patel interviewed by Miss Whisky
Local Infusions + Champagne and Heels Whisky Tasting
Allison Patel at School of American Ballet Winter Ball
For more press about Allison or her whisky, check out the Brenne Whisky Press page HERE
The Whisky Woman 
Hi , I love your blog, I would like you to follow mine as well, it’s a bit more narrow in scope , just single malt scotch , but you might enjoy it, thanks Ken
http://thesinglemaltsnob.wordpress.com/
Hey Ken!
Thanks for the positive words and for taking the time to come by and say “hi” – blogging takes a lot of time & patience so I love supporting other bloggers who are out there spreading the good word of the dram! I’m now following your blog too. Thanks again and I’m looking forward to chatting about our favorite subject!
Slainte,
-Allison
Hi Allison,
Thanks to your kind comments on the commentary at The Hip Flask on my Atlantic Article. I love single malt whisky (got married in Scotland so only 1 spelling for me!). Love your site and hope you will drop by ours (and like FB page) at http://www.whatscookingwithdoc.com. Perhaps you will be doing a tasting sometime if we visit your town. Stay in touch,
Cheers,
Doc
Hey Doc!
Thanks so much for your comment here! (Sorry for the lateness in my response … I didn’t see that you had posted a comment here!). I think you have a great blog! Love the information you provide on your site.
Are you in the VA/DC/MD area?
Thanks again!
-Allison
Thanks Allison. I am in Tampa. Are you on FB or Twitter? I sotimes make it to DC so we’ll have to have some wine and whisky when I do!
Oh I love Florida! I’m actually in NYC (I was taking a guess on DC based on the Hip Flask connection). I am on twitter: @whiskygirls – don’t have a FB page for my blog but do for my biz: http://www.facebook.com/LocalInfusions
Let’s definitely connect if/when you swing through NYC next!
Will do. I am WCWD on twitter as well. I was born in the Bronx. If you check out my new book, let me know if/how you like it. A chapter on wine and alcohol; health benefits and as part of healthful eating strategy. Feel free to use in your promotions!
So happy to find your delightful blog! We are great single malt fans here at LairdWilliam.com – I’ll visit often!
Hello Laird Will,
Lovely to e-meet you! Thank you for coming by and leaving me a nice note! Happy to know 2 more single malt fans 🙂 I am liking your site too! I think I’ll have to become a “Lady” later … just need to decide which crest! Great fun!
Cheers,
Allison
French single malt whiskey? Well, okay. I’m a MacAllan and Glen Livet man myself. Have been to France many times, open to suggestions. Please add me to your media list, thanks. We periodically review fine liquor.
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the comment! You should give Brenne a try! 😀 Hopefully it’ll open your mind as to some other possibilities of flavor exploration within the Single Malt category!
Cheers,
Allison
Allison, listen for your shout out at the end of PTI today! Send more product!
Hi Allison,
I am a friend of Sarah’s and tried your wonderful whiskey last weekend, LOVED it! Can I find it anywhere in NJ? I would love to promote it on my blog, Stacey Snacks.
Best, Stacey
Hi Stacey!
Thank you so much for your Brenne-thusiasm (couldn’t resist!) and support! I’m a big fan of your blog & very honored to have Brenne mentioned. It’s not available in NJ yet but it’s definitely available in NYC as well as online retailers who can ship to most states! Check out the list here: http://drinkbrenne.com/buy & thank you again!
Cheers,
Allison
Ms. Patel –
I’ve read much about your new business venture and wish you all the best with Brenne Whisky. I have had no success locating a local retailer of your product, and wonder if you might point me in the right direction for retailers in the Sacramento area (where I live) or San Francisco (where I frequently travel for work and fun). I’m quite partial to cask strength single malts that are aged in sherry or port casks, and while I’ve never tried a cognac-casked whisky, I’m quite intrigued to try one.
Thanks again for any leads you might provide.
Craig
Hi Craig!
Thanks so much for such a lovely comment. As of February 2013, Brenne is only available in brick & mortar shops in New York state, however, there are a growing number of e-commerce sites that offer Brenne online and can ship to most states (I know they can ship to CA with no problems). Please check out the list HERE and click away! Thank you so much!
Cheers,
Allison
Hi Allison,
Thank you for the visit, and the follow! Look forward to more of your posts and reviews.
Cheers from Boston!
Wm
A Single Malt
The water of life
Sweet welcome pleasure
I pour you with love
Others drown you forever
They mix you with coke! even lemonade!
The poor uninitiated
How they ruin your taste
Never a teenager,12 yrs you mature
Freed from the cask, to be impisioned in bottles once more
Sweet water of life
Sweet welcome pleasure
Bring me the freedom
Release me forever
Kevin Campbell
[…] owner of Local Infusions, LLC an import/export company, and whisky blogger at TheWhiskyWoman. The About Page on her website gives most of her background that one would need to know so I won’t rehash all of […]
[…] // As I stated in my last post, I was able to meet and interview Allison Patel of Brenne French Single Malt Whisky a few days ago. Previous to that meeting we heard about Brenne […]
Hi Allison – Great blog, always good to find a fellow whiskey chica blogger. So interested in your non-traditional whiskey reviews – can’t wait to try and find some of these in my neck of the woods. Do you export to France…?
It’s not all drinks, but I’d love it if you stopped by to visit me at champagnewhisky.com – hope to be able to attend one of your events in NYC next time I’m there.
Hi Paula,
Thanks for your comment! Whisky & champagne, 2 of my favorite beverages! I’m sure I’ll enjoy reading your blog. Brenne isn’t available in France yet but do keep following our facebook page for regular updates!
Many thanks,
Allison
Hi Allison : )
I wondered if I could trouble you for some advice.
My family and I are of Scottish decent and are great whisky drinkers and appreciators!
We have always had a yearning to label a single 10/12 year old Scottish malt whisky to wholesale to retailers in this country, and to export.
Do you, as a company (or do you know another) who would sell us a relatively large quantity of whisky (say 10,000 litres).
You mention having your own brand, how does one go about that?
I would very much appreciate any information you can give me, to move our dream forward.
Regards
Nicola Wayman
Hi Nicola,
Not sure what country you live in which may or may not make your goal hard or harder – but that’s not to say it’s not impossible. Unfortunately, I don’t have any Scotch producer contacts that I could share with you – I’m not an independent bottler (IB) but I would suggest teaching yourself first by learning what’s out there – who is doing what – and figuring out how you could offer the world something different – and then seeing if any of the IB’s would take a call with you. But I would ultimately suggest learning as much as you can from the web & books before speaking with anyone – you’ll want to maximize your time with them by asking questions you know you CAN’T find with a simple google search. There are many, many facets to this business – no matter how small or large your brand may become you’ll still have to deal with and work within all of the various angles.
Hope that’s at least somewhat helpful. It’s certainly not easy – I would never lie to someone and have you believe that it’s something that can be done halfway – it’s not. The alcohol industry is big business – and all of the many rules and regulations, no matter which country you’re in, create many road blocks – but if you remained focused on your vision, are smart about how you move forward, are not afraid of hearing “no” have the passion, drive and the funds to back it all up … then by all means jump aboard and godspeed!
Cheers,
Allison
[…] Kate Middleton’s Biography.com profile picture. Doesn’t she look like “The Whisky Woman?” […]
Hi Allison,
Do you ever find yourself in the UK – specifically London? Here at The Athenaeum Hotel – http://www.athenaeumhotel.com/food/whisky-bar- we are developing a marketing campaign to bring more women to the world of whisky, and I would love to connect with you.
Best wishes,
Lorraine
Allison it is inspiring that you are doing something you love despite it being a “boy’s club.” I blog about surfing which is dominated by guys so I can relate on a small non-whisky level. 🙂
I just recently started appreciating Whisky so hopefully I’ll learn a few things. Thanks!!
Karen,
It’s a pleasure to e-meet you! I just looked at your blog – which is fantastic & I’ll now be happily following along – but you certainly caught my attention with the surfing! That is something I have always wanted to do … The closest I got was an hour-long wrestling match with a full-body wet suit, in the hot August sun where there was plenty of sand finding its way between my suit and my skin. It felt more like an exhausting exfoliation-treatment-meets-personal-sweat-lodge then it did like any sort of activity PREP I’ve ever done. (seriously, I’m not a big person but you should have seen my friends stuffing me into this thing like they were punching down rising dough or filling a really large sausage! I was paralyzed with laughter … which didn’t help at all). After they finally zipped up my suit, I was SPENT and had run out of time! LOL. Haha, one day I’ll make it back out there. In the mean time, there is your blog! Keep writing & surfing safely.
Cheers!
Allison
Oh Allison! Your story made me laugh out loud. And let me tell you…we’ve all been there. If you ever get a chance to try again-maybe try summertime where wetsuits may not be needed! 😉 Seriously, if you’re ever in Southern Cali and want to try again…we’d be happy to have you join us!! Maybe we could have a glass of whisky as a post surfing celebration! Thanks for following and for the positive comments!!! Best, Karen
Now THAT sounds like an excellent plan!!! You keep surfing, I’ll keep whisky-ing and maybe one day soon we could meet up and share the two! 😀 Looking forward to reading more from you –
Thanks for finding me!
Allison
Hello Allison!
Is Brenne available in upstate NY specifically WNY (Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse)?
I enjoyed reading your story and am curious about the use of Cognac barrels to age whisky.
Slainte!
Lindsay
Hi Lindsday,
Thanks so much for your comment & inquiry – apologies for the extreme delay! We are expanding into that area but I’m not sure if it’s shipped yet. I’ll update the list HERE: http://drinkbrenne.com/find-brenne/buy once I have something but in the mean time, you could always buy it online! If you’re friendly with any stores in your area, feel free to ask them about it and tell them it’s distributed through Lauber 🙂
Cheers!
Allison
Found you through the Coopered Tot. I love what you’re doing. One day I hope to taste your elixir.
Thanks! Josh Feldman of the Coopered Tot is a wonderfully passionate blogger – I love his posts and it’s been an honor of mine to be the subject of his writing with Brenne. Really appreciate you taking a look at my blog & also having an interest in my whisky! Hope you get to try it one day too! 😀
I had Brenne for the first time this past Shabbos. It was amazing. I have some questions I would like answered that involves understanding the kosher aspects of this whiskey. To whom shall I write?
Hi Stephen,
Glad you enjoyed it! Regarding your whisky + kosher questions, I am no authority on the matter, however, you’re welcome to contact me via http://drinkbrenne.com/contact-us. If you’re questions are Brenne-specific, I’ll do my best to help. If they’re more generic then perhaps you’d also like to reach out to the guys over at the Jewish Whisky Company (http://singlecasknation.com/).
Cheers!
Allison
Hi Allison,
I love your blog as well as Brenne whisky! I would love to set up a whisky tasting at our flagship location with your brand! Is there a contact I can reach out to regarding setting something up? In any case, your story is very inspiring!
Best Wishes,
Kimberly Donlin
Operations Manager
John Allan’s LLC
http://www.johnallans.com
Hey Kimberly!
Thank you so much for the kind words & for following along! I’m way overdue for a post but hopefully will get another up this weekend. 🙂 Just sent you an email – I’d love to do an event together!
Cheers!
Allison
[…] inherently Scottish drink from France. Allison Patel is known to many in the whisky community as “The Whisky Woman” through her blogs and her tweets. But, Allison is more than a member of the community. She […]
[…] the commonalities shared by independent whisky and writing, as I focus on efforts by Molly Greene, Allison Regnault Patel, Johanne McInnis and […]
Hi Allison, we’re writing a guide to choosing scotch on Qosy at the moment and would love to feature you as one of our experts. If interest could you drop me an email (marcus at qosy.co) and I can send more info over?
Thanks
Just double checking if you sell your whiskey and moonshine at Amathus in London? Love the packaging! LOL I missed out on buying a bottle and now I want to buy one even more. I’m in San Francisco.
Really likes your brand and blog, as a French girl and whisky lover, you’re a truly inspirational figure for me. Keep on doing what you do and making whiskey women proud 🙂