In recognition of Women’s History Month, Adams and Reese is pleased to feature client and partner executives leading their businesses, along with leaders at our law firm.
Alex Castle is the Master Distiller and Senior Vice President at Old Dominick Distillery in Memphis, Tennessee.
Alex’s journey began at the University of Kentucky in chemical engineering. After school, Alex landed at Wild Turkey Distillery as a production supervisor. Her education and experience in the spirits industry made her a natural fit when cousins Alex and Chris Canale sought to revive their great-great grandfather’s long-dormant spirits brand in 2015.
Instrumental in development of the distillery facilities and production of the spirits, Alex describes herself as “a restless experimenter.” Her drive to explore, innovate, and experiment has resulted in spirits from the company’s 44% rye bourbon mashbill to its use of the rare Honeybell orange to elevate vodka to something truly unique. “We’re always in pursuit of inventive ways to push beyond the usual — and into the extraordinary.”
What is the best advice you received throughout your career?
“My parents always taught us to not pay attention to the hurdles and roadblocks out there. If you focus on them even a little bit, you make them bigger and more solid, thereby making them even more of an obstacle in your path. Instead, focus on the goal itself and the path will seem less treacherous.”
What is the biggest professional hurdle you overcame, and what did you learn from it?
“My biggest hurdle thus far has probably been my age. I entered distilling as a newly turned 21-year-old and have continued to be one of the youngest people at the table, and more senior employees tend to not notice you. It’s been my experience that to overcome that you need to work at presenting yourself as the professional in the room.
Don’t give them any further reason to see you as the ‘kid’. I’ve seen men much older than me throw a tantrum in a meeting…and trust me, you don’t want to be that guy.”
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
“Women’s History Month is a chance for me to hear about other amazing women who are breaking down barriers and shattering ceilings, and I love knowing that this is a dedicated time for these women to have that spotlight on them.”