Stone Brewing World Garden & Bistro hosted Women Only: Celebrating Craft Beer last Wednesday night (Nov. 9). Women attendees were able to sample seven tasty beers, while learning about the craft beer industry. Although this event took place during San Diego Beer Week, the discussion was not limited to San Diego craft breweries.
Wednesday’s affair was not intended to discriminate against men; but rather, encourage women to become more involved with the growing craft beer scene. Up until the 1600s, women were considered the primary brewers of beer. As men began to realize the money that came from brewing and selling beer, this began to change. Even further back, ancient Sumerians worshiped Ninkasi, a goddess of beer and fermentation, whose powers were believed to bring good batches of brew. Since 2007, Ninkasi Brewing Company has been making beer under this goddess’ name. Historical facts such as these were presented by hosts, Kathryn Bouscaren, Copy Editor/ Indoctrination Specialist and Samantha Loveira, Indoctrination Specialist.
Women that were able to attend the event had the opportunity of sampling AleSmith Nautical Nut Brown, Ballast Point Black Marlin Porter, Lost Abbey Red Barn, The Bruery Autumn Maple, Great Divide Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti and Stone 15th Anniversary Escondidian Imperial Black IPA. Although Moylan’s Hopsickle Imperial Ale is not from San Diego, Moylan’s Brewmistress is Denise Jones. Drinking a beer from a female Brewmaster was necessary in order to celebrate this occasion.
Also, Kathryn and Samantha informed their audience about Pink Boots Society’s efforts. This organization was featured earlier this year for our March issue (link s to PDF). PBS’s main goal is encouraging women to become more involved with the craft beer industry, whether it is through a career in the field, homebrewing or educating other women about beer. This organization was founded in 2007, and 24 people were at its first meeting. Now, there are close to 700 members.
Unfortunately, marketing efforts from big beer companies mostly exclude women. Bouscaren and Loveira explained how these tactics are very unwise. Advertisements continue to deliver a message telling women that they should prefer, “low-calorie, lite beer.” In reality, dark brews are usually more appealing to the female palate. According to Bouscaren, women tend to prefer beers with a smoke or chocolate flavor, for example flavors from a porter or stout. She continued to mention how women’s tongues are more sensitive. Bouscaren explained how this could be why most women initially dislike bitter beers.
The audience’s most enthusiastic moment during Wednesday’s event occurred when an image of Chick Beer appeared on the projector screen. “Sadly, Chick Beer is not a joke,” Kathryn said. Although this beer is made by a craft brewer, she discussed how it may be damaging for women’s relationship with craft beer. Her crowd seemed to agree by the negative comments and reactions they displayed. The marketing tactics for this brew seem to suggest women should choose low-calorie, light beer. Chick Beer was designed by a women that did not feel she had a beer appealing directly toward her. As a women that is a part of the craft beer industry by working for Stone Brewing Co., I don’t think I could ever find myself choosing Chick Beer in a pink and black bottle, or any “fizzy yellow beer” for that matter.