BeerDorks.com: Reviews, Commentary and Opinions on Midwest Craft Beer and Microbreweries

 
October 10, 2012

Beer Issues:

Here’s to the Ladies

Craft beer, and history, proves that beer isn’t just for the guys.
by Rings

Rings is an equal opportunity imbiber. He can also be found sampling his way across multiple continents, or wasting time at TheFatty.com and KentBaseBall.com. Prost!
Contact Rings»
It’s amusing and frustrating that the beer industry is often pegged as a “guy’s world.” Much of this probably has evolved from the historical Women’s Christian Temperance Movement (yes, it still exists), Carrie Nation and the ilk that resulted in the “Noble Experiment” of Prohibition. It may also have something to do with the idiotic marketing departments at major beer companies who continue to push the rather insulting idea that bikinis and bosoms are the best way to sell beer (not that I’m against either, but it’s certainly never the reason I choose my beer).

Reality is, women were historically far more often the brewers in the homes before industrialization and the rise of commercial brewing. In the craft world, where what’s inside the beer counts, we’re seeing the emergence of a fairer voice again.

The stigma of beer as only for men may have something to do with the idiotic marketing departments at major beer companies.
Personally, my original German brewmaster, under whom I did my apprenticeship in Munich, was female, so I had long taken note of women in the industry. There are some fantastic blogs, including Kelli at MIBeers.com (see Facebook) and Jessica at GirlsLikeBeerToo.com here in the Midwest. Women are emerging as talented brewers and owners (New Glarus, Arbor Brewing Company) as well. There’s even a regular column in the Michigan Beer Guide by Brenda Cooke/Wood, specifically on issues important to many women, particularly sustainability.

Point is, the fermented arts are open to everyone, male or female … and quite honestly, much more pleasant when we all enjoy them together.

Cheers!