2023 ACG Boston: Women's Connection Lunch

Rhonda Kallman has nearly four decades of experience in the alcohol beverage industry and is considered one of America’s beverage industry thought leaders. Kallman was instrumental in paving the way for craft beer acceptance by making it available throughout the US while educating consumers on American craft beer superiority. In addition, as the pioneering women in the beer industry, she was able to lead the way for other women to earn the respect and credibility they deserve.

In 2012, Ms. Kallman founded Boston Harbor Distillery, creating proprietary craft spirits that integrate rich history, distinctive experiences, beverage culture and Boston pride into each bottle it produces. Housed in a pre-Civil War era building overlooking Boston Harbor, this urban distillery serves as an educational facility, event space and production facility that hand crafts Boston’s finest spirits featuring Putnam New England Whiskey varieties; Demon Seed Whiskey; award winning innovative Spirit of Boston— distilled from Sam Adams beer varieties a testament to her beer industry legacy; Lawley’s Small Batch Gin & Rum and craft disruptors Boston Harbor Maple Cream & Coffee Liqueurs and ready-to-drink Espresso Martini.

In 2001, she founded New Century Brewing Co., to produce and market innovative American craft beer styles. After losing a well-publicized battle with the FDA over adding trace amounts of caffeine to beer, New Century Brewing closed in 2011.

In 1984, she cofounded The Boston Beer Company (NYSE:SAM), now the most successful and influential craft beer company in the US. Ms. Kallman served as EVP, overseeing sales & marketing as well as the company’s human capital. Rhonda built the most admired sales organization in the industry. She was a member of BBC’s management committee, executive committee and board of directors. In addition, She innovated many of the company’s most successful styles and brands. As a testament to her impact, she was honored by The Institute for Brewing Studies with its Recognition Award for being the “Pioneering Woman in the Beer Industry”.

A few of her distinctive awards and recognitions include being featured as “INC. Magazine’s “25 Entrepreneurs We Love (and what makes them great) along with other luminaries like Jeff Bezos, Steve Jobs, Larry Page/Sergey Brin. She’s been recognized as the Top 10 innovators in the beer industry by “Draft Magazine” and is the recipient of the 2011 Maverick Award presented by “Beer Business Daily”. Ms. Kallman had the esteemed distinction of representing the City of Boston during 2001 Winter Olympic Games relay, she was the featured subject in a movie called “Beer Wars” and was included in books titled “Inspirational Women of Boston” and “Quench Your Own Thirst”.

Ms. Kallman is currently on the board of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and past-chairman of the board of The Jett Foundation, a charitable organization helping to raise awareness and funds on behalf of those afflicted with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, in addition to supporting numerous charitable organizations centered around the health and well being of women and children. Ms. Kallman is married to Matt Shanley for >25 years. Both are entrepreneurs and lifelong residents of the Boston area. Together they have three children: Callie, Alexander and Courtney. RHONDA@BOSTONHARBORDISTILLERY.COM 781-710-1720