International Women’s Day Ventures into the Craft Beer Scene

March 8th ­– Ogden, Utah. On International Women’s Day the world celebrates female leaders, changemakers and the many historic milestones in moving equality forward. But in Utah, one group of gals is trying to make a little history of their own and kick preconceived notions to the curb. 

Starting 2018, Roosters Brewing Co. – a local brewery based out of Ogden, Utah – has made an annual gathering of female brewers from across the state to host a “Pink Boots Brew Day” on International Women’s Day.

“Ever since joining the Pink Boots Society three years ago, and brewing Femintation last year, I’ve been trying to connect with women in Utah’s beer industry,” said Jacquie Wright King, the girl boss brewer from Roosters leading the charge on Collaborative Brew Day. “Two summers ago, Julie Schuler from Strap Tank brewing started up a Utah Chapter of Pink Boots. With the formulation of the Utah Chapter, I thought this was naturally the next step.” 

Jacquie got the ball rolling for the 2018 Women’s Day event which also served as the first official “Pink Boots Brew Day” for the Utah chapter. She goes on to explain her excitement for this historic day, “Women still only account for 2% of Head Brewers nationwide. We obviously are a very, very small portion of this industry, so events like this help women and girls everywhere realize that it is attainable to work in beer!” Jacquie is once again taking the lead on the 2019 event, hosting at her home brewery Roosters which has just opened an additional brewery and canning facility where the ladies will be meeting up.

Utah is not well known for being one of the major beer capitals in the US and has received a fair share of negative press about women’s equality in the work force. People are surprised to find there are several award-winning breweries based here and that more and more breweries are bringing women on board. “Together, we’re not only changing perceptions, we’re changing realities,” said a spokesperson for Roosters Brewing.

Last year it was “Mash the Patriarchy,” this year the group has selected a Pink Boots exclusive hop blend and will be brewing together on Women’s Day to create a Cold IPA. Lady brewers are coming from all over the state including Kiitos, Wasatch/Squatters, Epic, Uinta, Strap Tank, Red Rock, Proper, Fisher and Talisman.

The collaborative brew – “On Wednesdays We Wear Pink Boots” Cold IPA - will take a couple weeks to ferment but once it’s kegged, will be pouring across the state of Utah, starting with a few local restaurants and of course the participating breweries. So, what’s the big deal getting some female brewers to brew together? The whole point is to draw attention to the disparity of women in the workforce, particularly in the craft brew segment.

If it means more beers like Femintation and Mash the Patriarch, we say, Yes, Please!