master-cooks | Women Once Totally Dominated The Beer And Brewery Industry

For centuries, women held a pivotal role in the beer and brewery industry, a tradition rooted in ancient civilizations. In societies like Sumeria and Egypt, women were the primary brewers, often revered as priestesses of the craft. This was largely because brewing was considered an extension of household duties, and women were responsible for managing food and drink. Deities associated with beer, such as Ninkasi in Sumerian culture, were often female, underscoring the gender-specific association with brewing. During the Middle Ages in Europe, women known as alewives or brewsters continued this legacy, brewing beer in their homes both for family consumption and for sale. This practice provided a source of income and independence. However, as brewing evolved into a commercial industry, the perception of brewing shifted from a domestic task to a male-dominated profession. The Industrial Revolution catalyzed this transition, as brewing became mechanized and moved into factories, excluding women from the process. Despite this shift, the historical dominance of women in brewing laid the foundation for contemporary efforts to reclaim their place in the industry. Today, there is a growing movement to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women brewers, both past and present, as they reassert their role in the craft beer renaissance.

What happened to female brewers?

In the 1500s, as beer became a lucrative venture, women known as "brewsters" were marginalized, depicted not as the skilled creators of a flavorful, hoppy beverage but rather as witches concocting potions in a simmering cauldron. This shift led to a male-dominated brewing industry, where even the act of consuming alcohol became a male privilege. In Ancient Rome, affluent men enjoyed drinking, while women were restricted to a diluted, sweet version of wine called passum. Women were viewed as property, so the notion of them indulging freely was frowned upon.

Fast forward thousands of years, and the beer industry remains largely male-dominated. Male brewery owners outnumber their female counterparts by three to one, with only 7.5% of brewers being women, according to the Brewers Association. Given that women constitute 51% of the population, these statistics are striking. Fortunately, as Tara Nurin, a beer and spirits contributor for Forbes, noted in Wine Enthusiast, "We are witnessing women's involvement in beer at levels not seen since colonial times."

While women have played a crucial role in the production and development of beer, their influence extends far beyond the drink itself. They are responsible for the creation of bars, advancements in Champagne, and the popularization of single malt scotch, among other contributions. So, the next time you enjoy a lager, pilsner (which are distinct), or a sparkling Champagne, take a moment to raise a glass to women like Hildegard von Bingen (who likely first scientifically described hops) and Barbe Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot (who produced the first known vintage Champagne) for making these experiences possible.

Women Once Totally Dominated The Beer And Brewery Industry

What happened to female brewers?

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