From the Beer Writer: Earlier this week, we shared how Pink Boots Society members throughout San Diego County participated in brew days on International Women’s Day, collaborating to craft specialty ales and lagers fortified with a special, designated hop-blend to promote the importance and impact of females in the brewing industry. Today, we’re focusing on one of those creations, Causes and Cures from Bay City Brewing. This 7.3% Belgo IPA presents a bouquet rife with tangerine-like aromas. On the palate, there’s even more citrus, plus a hint of herbaceous spice (think rubbed sage). A bit of floral character is there care of the Belgian yeast strain used to ferment the beer, but that Old World component is kept in check, making for a mostly SoCal IPA experience. The beer was named for a book authored by Hildegard of Bingen, a German nun known for her artistic, philosophical and scientific endeavors. That tome outlining man’s place in nature, plus diseases and a host of holistic treatments, was called Causae et Curae or “Causes and Cures.” It’s a tip of a hat to a historically great woman from females making their presence known in the here and now.
From the Brewers: “We decided to partner with Pink Boots for International Women’s Day because we love and support that they are inspiring and encouraging female beer-industry professionals to advance their careers. Even though we only celebrate Women’s Day on March 8, this is not just a one-day thing. You tend to see a lot of women bartenders but you do not always see women behind the scenes in production. Pink Boots Society serves as a reminder that women are continuing to advance in this industry. We created a Pale American Belgo-style beer. The characteristic Belgian-yeast esters benefit from being paired with the Pink Boots hop blend (donated by YCH Hops), which has citrusy, sharply fruity aspects commonly found in American hops. Our beer’s light color will draw in those who might be hesitant to try a hoppier style, and the interplay between Belgian malts and the American hops results in great balance.”—Clare Bublitz & Audrey Olena, Bay City Brewing Company