bigbootslogodateSome argue that the lack of women in the craft beer industry is a because craft beer doesn’t afford women the same opportunities as men. Tap Trail’s own Ariana, has expressed her frustrations with being a craft beer lover in a male dominated industry.

Society has sadly associated drinking beer as a “manly pastime.” Given that there are plenty of women who not only love to drink beer but are also essential in its production, there seems to be a serious problem of sexism in the beer community.

Organizations like Pink Boots Society are hoping to encourage more women to not only become interested in craft beer, but to seek out employment in the industry. According to the Brewers Association, young women (21-24) now make up 15% of total craft volume. But this doesn’t account for the lack of women in the craft beer industry.

How to Participate.

On March 5th, Pink Boots Society hopes to take strides to change that. Big Boots Brew Day’s goal is to raise the profile of women in the industry and to raise the profile of beer to women. On Big Boots Brew Day, Pink Boots chapters, members, breweries, and supporters all get together, don their pink boots, and get brewing!

The closest chapters to Bellingham, WA are in Seattle and Vancouver, BC. We’d love to see Bellingham organize a local chapter and encourage women to participate in the industry. Now is as good a time as any, especially with the opening of Skagit Valley College’s Craft Brew Academy.

So how do you participate in Big Boots Brew Day? See the graphic to your right and search the map below to see what breweries are participating in Big Boots Brew Day. To learn more about the event head to the Pink Boots Society website.

If you organize any event, we want to hear about it!