Culinary
Women Love Whiskey!
Written by: Cristina Deptula
Sheila Jackson and Natasha McCrea
Sheila Jackson and Natasha McCrea Launch a New Line of Whiskeys Aimed at Female Connoisseurs
Sheila Jackson and Natasha McCrea discovered their mutual passion for whiskey one night over dinner as Natasha sipped an old-fashioned.
“We had connected over our love for wine and had no idea we shared an appreciation for whiskey as well!” says McCrea.
As for their personal tastes, Jackson loves to explore a variety of whiskeys—from Angel’s Envy to Oban to Basil Hayden to the Japanese whiskey Tenjaku. McCrea enjoys smokey flavors and is disappointed that many other brands don’t lean into the smoky flavors enough. She says the smoke gets her attention, and she gets a kick out of the perfect balance of smoke, spice, and just a little bit of caramel.
“We had connected over our love for wine and had no idea we shared an appreciation for whiskey as well!” says McCrea.
As for their personal tastes, Jackson loves to explore a variety of whiskeys—from Angel’s Envy to Oban to Basil Hayden to the Japanese whiskey Tenjaku. McCrea enjoys smokey flavors and is disappointed that many other brands don’t lean into the smoky flavors enough. She says the smoke gets her attention, and she gets a kick out of the perfect balance of smoke, spice, and just a little bit of caramel.
Breaking Into the Market with a Taste of California
This shared enjoyment led the two to start Jackson McCrea Whiskey, the first Black woman-owned whiskey brand in California.
Jackson had wanted to launch a brand and had already been exploring the wine industry when she got the idea for a line of whiskeys. When McCrea said she had the same idea, the rest was history.
“During COVID, sales of wine and spirits increased by 65 percent,” says Jackson. McCrea, who considers herself and Jackson to be natural disruptors, was excited to break into that market.
They source the finest rye they can find in the South and blend it in California.
According to McCrea, “Jackson McCrea is inspired by California sunsets and all the things that we love about California life.” Jackson says that the state’s wine country is chief among them. They are creating their signature flavor by resting their rye in French oak and Syrah barrels to create a premium blend with a rich, smooth body and notes of caramel, vanilla, smoke, and spice.
Jackson had wanted to launch a brand and had already been exploring the wine industry when she got the idea for a line of whiskeys. When McCrea said she had the same idea, the rest was history.
“During COVID, sales of wine and spirits increased by 65 percent,” says Jackson. McCrea, who considers herself and Jackson to be natural disruptors, was excited to break into that market.
They source the finest rye they can find in the South and blend it in California.
According to McCrea, “Jackson McCrea is inspired by California sunsets and all the things that we love about California life.” Jackson says that the state’s wine country is chief among them. They are creating their signature flavor by resting their rye in French oak and Syrah barrels to create a premium blend with a rich, smooth body and notes of caramel, vanilla, smoke, and spice.
Never Miss a chance to be Inspired!
Start your trial today.
Don’t Just Scroll, Evolve! Explore the Unexplored with TrooRa.
Subscribe for Insights and Stories Not Found Anywhere Else!
Already Have an Account? Sign In
