Beer Explorer

In honor of International Women’s Day today, let’s take a brief dive into the bubbly and frothy history of beer, with a view to the women who have often been the unsung heroines of brewing. With their tales stretching across the globe and through the sands of time, let’s take a playful stroll through this effervescent history of women in the brewing of beer:

Ancient Times: Where It All Began

• Mesopotamia and Sumer: Picture this: ancient Mesopotamia and Sumer, where brewing was not just a job but a prestigious calling for women. Imagine chanting the Hymn to Ninkasi, the goddess of beer – yes, a divine recipe in verse form from around 1800 BCE. Talk about spiritual brewing!
• Ancient Egypt: Fast forward to ancient Egypt, where women brewers were the queens of the Nile… of beer, that is. Beer wasn’t just a drink; it was breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a must-have at every party with the gods.

Medieval Europe: Alewives & Brewsters

• The Middle Ages in Europe were buzzing with women known as “alewives” or “brewsters” who brewed their hearts out. They were the original homebrewers, turning their homes into the go-to spots for a good pint. Their tools? A cauldron, some barley, and a magic touch.

Witches or Brewers? A Mysterious Brew

• Here’s where things get a tad spooky. The iconic witchy look (pointy hats, brooms, cauldrons, and cats) might just be the medieval alewife’s work outfit gone rogue during the witch hunts. It turns out, marketing your brew with a broom and a cat by your side was trendy until it… wasn’t.

Industrial Revolution: Men Steal the Keg

• Enter the Industrial Revolution, where brewing scaled up, and women were nudged out. As beer making shifted from the home to the factory, it became a boys’ club. But fear not, the story doesn’t end here.

20th Century & Beyond: The Frothy Comeback

• Fast forward to the late 20th century, and we’re witnessing a craft beer renaissance with women brewers hopping back into the scene. Groups like the Pink Boots Society are kicking open doors for women in the brewing world, mixing tradition with innovation in every batch.

So there you have it, a cheeky glance at the history of women in brewing. From divine hymns to accusations of witchcraft, and making a grand re-entry into the craft beer scene, women have brewed their way through history with resilience, creativity, and a dash of rebellion. Cheers to that!