Sisterly Love Collective throws ‘Women in Spirits’ in partnership with The Chef Conference

The Sisterly Love Collective in partnership with The Chef Conference is putting on a new event intending to empower female-owned businesses in the food and hospitality space. 

The result is ‘Women in Spirits’, a charitable initiative taking place this Friday, and it puts the spotlight on women in the beverage industry—including Sofia Deleon, founder of Tenango Rum, El Merkury, and the Sisterly Love Collective’s Co-Chair. 

Most know of El Merkury through its two locations, on Chestnut Street and in Reading Terminal Market. And as a release notes, after receiving accolades and a “Best of Philly” award for her fast-casual Central American street food and churro bar, she expanded El Merkury to become a thriving culinary destination with a mission to uplift Guatemalan women artisans.

Deleon has most recently created Tenango Rum, an authentically produced, high-quality spirit that was largely inspired by her own great-great-grandmother’s distillery. 

 “I’m super excited to be joining a panel of other bad*ss women to talk all things spirits, especially after recently launching Tenango Rum in Pennsylvania,” said Deleon in a statement. “I hope to empower other women to break into the industry, just as my great-great grandmother inspired me to start my very own rum brand.”

‘Women in Spirits’ will feature an evening filled with “inspiring” conversations, a panel of empowering women, plus drinks and light fare. Tickets ($35) include one cocktail, a 2oz pour of Tenango Rum, and bites from The Twisted Tail ( 509 S 2nd St.), where the event is also held.

“We’re honored to host this event at The Twisted Tail,” commented Codi Bixler, Co-Founder of The Twisted Tail in a statement. “This topic is near and dear to our hearts, as our restaurant prides itself on featuring an extensive array of bourbons and whiskeys – what better place to host so many celebrated women in the spirits industry?”

The main draw of the event comes from the panel, which features Deleon, Bixler, Becky Paskin (Founder of OurWhisky Foundation) and Lynn House (Heaven Hill’s National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist.) The festivities will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and it all will benefit the OurWhisky Foundation, a global nonprofit organization recognizing, supporting, and empowering women working in whiskey.

To purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com. For more information on the Sisterly Love Collective, visit sisterlylovephilly.com