Bessie Williamson: The Woman Who Saved Laphroaig
Bessie Williamson (1910–1982) was a pioneering figure in Scotch whisky, best known as the first woman to own and manage a Scotch whisky distillery in the 20th century.
Born in Glasgow, she initially had no plans to enter the whisky industry. In 1934, she took a summer job as a secretary at Laphroaig Distillery on Islay, working under owner Ian Hunter. However, her intelligence and dedication quickly impressed Hunter, and over the years, she took on more responsibilities. When Hunter suffered a stroke in the late 1940s, he entrusted her with running the distillery. Upon his death in 1954, he left Laphroaig to Bessie in his will, making her the sole owner.
Under her leadership, Laphroaig expanded significantly. She championed the global rise of peated whisky, particularly in the American market, recognizing the growing demand for single malts. She also played a key role in advocating for Scotch whisky regulations, ensuring its authenticity and protecting its heritage.
In 1967, she sold Laphroaig to Long John Distillers but remained involved in whisky advocacy and promotion until her retirement.
Bessie Williamson’s legacy endures as a trailblazer who broke barriers in a male-dominated industry, helping establish Islay whisky as the powerhouse it is today.