Julie Macklowe’s entrepreneurial spark ignited early. “The entrepreneurial bug bit when I was in fourth grade,” she recalls. Her first venture involved buying candy in bulk from Woolworths and reselling it from her locker. This enterprising spirit, however, led to suspension from school. “The school would have preferred I played with blocks,” she quips, but it was clear that Macklowe’s path would be anything but conventional.
After college, Macklowe spent more than a decade in the high-stakes world of private equity and finance. In an environment dominated by high testosterone, she found a unique way to fit in: developing a taste for single malt whiskey. “I started drinking whiskey as a way to fit into the boy’s club and found that I really enjoyed it,” she says. Macklowe’s first major entrepreneurial leap came with the creation of V Beaute, a skincare and cosmetics company. “I wanted to work in a category where I got to create the product, the marketing, and the image of the brand,” she explains. The beauty industry resonated with her, allowing her to blend creativity with business strategy.
The inspiration for The Macklowe, her American single malt whiskey, came during a moment of reflection on her extensive whiskey collection. Despite its global diversity, she noticed a glaring absence: no American single malts. “I decided to create it on my own,” she says.
Creating The Macklowe was a meticulous process that combined market research, brand positioning, and a deep understanding of the best ingredients and sources. The evolution from idea to execution took years, compounded by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions. However, this period also allowed the liquid to age to perfection, setting the stage for a high- quality product launch.
Macklowe draws inspiration from nature, finding her best ideas during solitary walks, hikes, and bike rides. “I often have my best thoughts when I am not thinking about work at all,” she says. Living in New York City also provides a rich tapestry of fashion, art, and architecture, fueling her creative spirit.
Macklowe’s approach to entrepreneur- ship is a blend of planning and adaptability. Product development, especially in the whiskey industry, requires meticulous planning due to the long aging process. “It takes about four to five years to launch a product,” she notes. However, when it comes to sales, the landscape is more unpredictable. “We have to stay nimble and flexible, listen to market feedback, and pivot as needed.”
The launch of the rye whiskey exemplifies this adaptability. Despite preselling the entire batch, Macklowe emphasizes the need to wait patiently for the next to age to perfection. Among the many memorable moments in her career, one stands out: the unofficial launch of The Macklowe at her 45th birthday party. “We had 1,000 people come, and Bob Moses played for nearly three hours in a leather-and-lingerie-inspired party, complete with a seven-foot Macklowe ice sculpture,” she recalls.
Looking ahead, Macklowe’s mission is clear: to build The Macklowe brand bottle by bottle, focusing on the right markets and customers. “We are constrained by the aging process of the product, as we will only bottle the highest quality liquid,” she explains. This commitment to quality ensures that The Macklowe remains a distinguished name in the world of whiskey. As Macklowe continues to carve out her legacy in the whiskey industry, her experience serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere, proving that with vision, resilience, and a bit of boldness, anything is possible.
