By Vanessa Brazeau

Last week I attended “Women and Beer,” an event providing much deserved exposure to the females behind crafting some of the best pours in the country. Hosted by The Refinery on Granville Street, my arrival was greeted by the hospitable smile of Lundy Dale, Vancouver Campaign For Real Ale president. I was given a personal glass for the night and pointed in the direction of the welcome keg filled with R&B Brewing Co’s Extra Special Bitter resting several feet away.

The décor was mixed- private wine cellar meets New York social lounge – muddled with the barn my Grandpa built to keep Grandma in the dark about his poker addiction. The evening featured a tasting of five beers crafted or owned by the industry’s most innovative women. I recall my glass being filled no less than ten times- perhaps math isn’t as relevant to beer making as I had imagined. (Not that I’m complaining!) The beer menu varied for all taste buds, each distinctly complex and unique from the other:

Aly Tomlin, Operation manager, R&B Brewing – Raven Cream Ale
Becky Julseth, Co-owner, Saltspring Island Ales – Heatherdale Ale, Whale Tail Ale
Leslie Fenn, Owner and Director, Howe Sound Brewing – Three Beavers Ale
Rebecca Kneen, Co-owner and assistant brewer Crannog Ales – Backhand of God Stout

My personal favorite (and new summer beverage of choice) was Saltspring Island Ale’s Heatherdale Ale, a light, refreshing beer with scotch-like flavour and a ‘honey blonde’ quality. It was paired wonderfully with a Saltspring Goat Cheese. Co-owner and co- conspirator Becky Julseth is on a mission to advance the “cottage” brewery movement in Canada and beyond.

Each brew was further complimented by its own Canapé prepared by The Refinery’s Chef, while Truffles from Rachel at CocoaNymph made a great finish to the night.

The overall experience proved that these ladies are reinventing the boys club that is the North American beer industry. Who knew I could be refreshed and satisfied by a beer that wasn’t served by butt and/or boob cleavage? I was blown away by the engagement of each of these women and their passion for beer making. Everyone I spoke with had a genuine enthusiasm to discuss the art and process of crafting beer.

The support that exists amongst these women was truly inspiring. There was no competition or hostility- only a sense of community and friendship. It was clear that the priority of the evening was much more than marketing a product; it was acknowledging the achievements of women in a male dominated industry and celebrating their success.

Ladies in beer is no longer limited to braless girls pouring beer on their white T-Shirts, so get these beers in you, ladies!