We can brew it!

Celebrating women in craft beer can be a delicate dance. Breweries run the risk of seeming “too” girly (remember glitter beer?) or alternatively, not focusing enough on inclusivity to appeal to a growing (but still minority) demographic.

But every March 8 for International Women’s Day (IWD), breweries from across the country participate in a slew of women-centric beer events to promote the increasing roles of women in the industry. Two of the biggest movements include International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day (IWCBD) and Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day. Both campaigns allow breweries to create their own recipes around a loose theme; this year, IWCBD’s theme is “Forage” with individual breweries donating to a charity of their choice. Pink Boots Society asked participants to create any style of beer using an exclusive hop blend from Yakima Chief Hops with proceeds going toward scholarships, education and programming.

This year, Second Chance Beer Company decided to turn a feminine stereotype on its head for Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day and embrace the rosé trend. Dubbed “Women Everyday Rosé”, the dry blonde ale with fresh citrus, Semillon grapes and rose petals was collaboratively created by women working in all facets of beer, including public relations, designers, and, of course, brewers.

“The beer industry historically has been portrayed by hairy men in flannels,” said Virginia Morrison, CEO/co-founder of Second Chance. “We brought together a rainbow of San Diego women busting ceilings in our local, independent craft beer community and beyond. Women Everyday Rosé can be enjoyed with girlfriends, boyfriends and family of all colors and genders, identity be damned! We believe that’s what true community and love should be.”

Profits from Women Everyday Rosé will go in part to benefit Pink Boots’ scholarship program for women aspiring to advance in the brewing industry.

“So many women — across many industries traditionally male-predominate — are change-makers,” Morrison said. “I want to draw attention to that fact and show how our indie beer community can bring us together for a great cause and fantastic beer!”

Beers brewed during International Women’s Day are generally available a few weeks afterward, so check your favorite brewery’s social media for upcoming #IWCBD and #pinkbootsbrew releases.

Who’s brewin’?

Check the Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day 2019 map for participating breweries. Additional local breweries joining IWCBD include, but aren’t limited to:

• 2Kids Brewing Company
• Amplified Ale Works
• Boochcraft
• Chula Vista Brewery
• Coronado Brewing Company
• Culture Brewing Company, Solana Beach
• Duck Foot Brewing Company
• Eppig Brewing
• Fall Brewing Company
• Fourpenny House
• Hodad’s Brewing
• Home Brewing Company
• Karl Strauss Brewing Company
• Mikkeller San Diego
• North Park Beer Company
• Pizza Port, Bressi Ranch
• Societe Brewing Company
• Stone Brewing
• Thr3e Punk Ales Brewing Company
• Viewpoint Brewing Company
• White Labs

Beth Demmon is a San Diego-based craft beer writer whose work has appeared in BeerAdvocate, Playboy, Thrillist, MUNCHIES, Tales of the Cocktail, and more. Email her at beth@bethdemmon.com.