Meet Jenna Elie | Whiskey Specialist, Writer and Brand Development Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenna Elie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenna, why did you pursue a creative career?
I did not intentionally pursue an artistic or creative career, as I never saw myself quite in that light, but over the years it has morphed into some elements of that. When I first began my career, it was a hobby that was fueled by pure curiosity, and that still rings true today. In the beginning, had I boxed myself into the categories of artistic or creative, I would have felt an unnecessary pressure, as I did believe I was those two things. So I just continued to lead with curiosity, passion and a deep love for my industry. I then added in a constant dedication and a lot of hard work to further my knowledge and reach within the world of distilled spirits. That gave me the ability to learn more and share that with others, and meet some incredible humans which have all come together to get me where I am today. So, if you are starting a new career path or hobby, try not to box yourself into vague categories. Let your natural passions and abilities lead the way, creating something special of your own!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work is mostly focused on whiskey and spirits education, all while building a community for every person to feel comfortable enjoying them! How this usually works is through my channels on Instagram and Substack, but also in person tastings for groups, corporations, private clients and seminars.This too includes consultancy work with whiskey brands! I want the knowledge to be approachable and fun and welcoming to everyone. On top of this, I also have started working in partnership with some of my favorite distilleries to bottle whiskies of my own! My first was with a small distillery in Ireland called Killowen, and they are making some of the best whiskies in the category as we speak, maybe even in the world. Truly world class!

I don’t have a playbook of how I got here, I think I can attribute most of my success with three things: being open minded and staying genuine in my love and curiosity for this industry, and working diligently to make sure the work I put out is intentional and impactful. I always want to be true to who I am and I think that shows in my work.
There have been many challenges along the way, including a big learning curve! There is so much to learn about the world of whiskey and it is always changing and growing! The opportunities to learn are endless, and I can go an entire lifetime and not run out of things to learn! Also, being a woman in a heavily male dominant industry has come with numerous challenges and uncomfortable situations. Women have been the backbone of this industry since its inception from bootlegging to distilling to being responsible for the success of some of the world’s most iconic brands today! I am proud to be a part of the movement of women who are changing the landscape of the industry in so many ways from management to production to advertisements and beyond! Since I started this journey I have been featured in a number of films (some being released very soon!) and had opportunities to work closely with distilleries around the globe, judge spirits competitions, work with governmental agencies regulating food and beverage around the world, and grow with a community of people that I am so lucky to be a part of. The next goal is to bring this to a physical space that everyone can come and enjoy and learn and be a part of this amazing community of whiskey lovers! Stay tuned!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of my favorite spot in the city are Heart & Seoul Cafe in Roswell for breakfast or lunch! It is some of the best Korean food you’ll have because its made with 100% love and care. Plus, their coffee is outstanding and all pastries are homemade! I would then pop over to Variant Brewing across the street for a beer or two and chat with the kindest crew around! Then for dinner, I’d finish at Minhwa Spirits in Doraville for their sweet potato tostada and goguma mandu (these made me cry they were so good!), and a soju tasting!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not be where I am today without the support and encouragement of my husband Jorell. He saw something in me a very long time ago that I could not have ever seen for myself, and has shown me how to keep elevating myself in many aspects of my life. And I must also shout out the incredible humans in the world of whiskey who have taught me, shared with me, and supported me along the way. It is such a special community, and I am immensely grateful to be a part of it.

Website: https://whiskyagogirl.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskyagogirl/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-elie-0b523972/

Image Credits
Last photo by “From Barrel to Bottle”