In Beverly Hills, where late evenings settle into quiet conversations and polished glassware, The Maybourne Beverly Hills is marking Women’s History Month with a focused shift inside The Whisky Bar. The hotel’s “Women in Whisky” residency is now fully centered on Lodestar Whiskey—a female-founded brand shaping a more inclusive and contemporary approach to the category.
Running through March 31, the residency highlights Lodestar’s signature blend of straight high rye bourbon and American single malt, a profile that leans into caramel, citrus, and warm baking spice while maintaining a smooth, approachable structure. At the center of the experience is the Lodestar Cacao Nib Old Fashioned, a layered reinterpretation of the classic built with cacao nib–infused whiskey, crème de cacao, apricot eau de vie, cacao bitters, and a touch of saline. The result is a cocktail that feels familiar but pushes into deeper, more textured territory.
Guests can also explore the residency through a dedicated tasting format, designed to slow the pace and invite conversation—an intentional contrast to the long-held perception of whisky culture as exclusive or insular. The program reflects a broader shift happening across the spirits industry, where women are not only participating but actively reshaping how whisky is produced, presented, and experienced.
Lodestar, co-founded by Anna Axster and Wendelin von Schroder, was built with that shift in mind. Drawing from their years in music and film, the founders approached whiskey as a shared experience rather than a closed circle—crafting a spirit that reflects California’s laid-back sensibility while maintaining technical depth. The brand has quickly gained industry recognition, earning multiple gold and platinum awards across international competitions.
“We are proud that The Whisky Bar is doing its part to challenge the notion that whisky is a ‘man’s drink,’” says bartender Natasha Nightingale. “Some of the most exciting and versatile expressions today are being created by female-led brands, and this residency gives them the space they deserve.”
Upstairs from The Terrace Restaurant, The Whisky Bar remains one of Beverly Hills’ more discreet destinations—an intimate room lined with rare bottles, including one of North America’s largest Macallan collections, alongside Japanese and American selections. It’s a setting that encourages guests to sit longer, sip slower, and engage more deeply with what’s in the glass.
The Women in Whisky residency continues through March 31 at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, 225 N Canon Drive. The Whisky Bar is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to midnight. For more information, visit maybourne.com or call 310-860-7800.
The Women in Whisky residency continues through March 31 at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, For more information, visit maybourne.com or call 310-860-7800.
Hours: The Whisky Bar is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m.-midnight.
Address: 225 N Canon Drive., Beverly Hills
Photo credits: Photo courtesy of business/venue
