So, they call you “The Nose.” Can you elaborate?
CQ: It’s true! It’s a reference to the perfume industry. We obviously don’t create fragrances, but I use the same methods to select sweet and bitter orange peels and create the highest quality aromas and essences.
Are there many women in your science-driven field?
CQ: More and more women are becoming Master Distillers or Master Blenders in the whisky and cognac industries, as well as in wine.
As Master Distiller, I am the guardian angel and the “nose” of Cointreau. I am very proud to be a woman and proud to be in this role, but that’s it. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from — your job is to bring your knowledge of aromas and experience to the creation of the liqueur.
Do you have any real-life heroes?
CQ: Absolutely—I tend to look up to groundbreaking scientists and strong women throughout history. Thomas Pesquet, Louis Pasteur, Marie Curie, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Marie Stuart, to name a few.
What do you hope to be your legacy at Cointreau?
CQ: We celebrated our 170th anniversary last year and I want my legacy to be preparing the House of Cointreau for the next 170 years. We create our product using time-honored methods, and this is really what sets us apart from our competitors. I’m here to ensure that we continue this proud tradition of excellence.