Friday’s ad is for Miller High Life, from 1955. I know this type of minimalist design was popular then, but it looks like a fake store set used by a high school play, not a national ad campaign. While I was born in the 50s, barely, I didn’t have to live through it, but it seems like a very odd decade. People dressed up to do everything. And the only thing that looks gourmet about tat shop is the name. I do like the tagline though; “Quality is always in good taste.” Too bad the second part of that doesn’t ring as true.
Archives for March 8, 2013
Happy International Women’s Day
As you may be aware, today is International Women’s Day, and although I’m up to my eyeballs in work, I do want to pause and celebrate the many, many women in beer. Time was, beer was an all-boys club, and to a certain few it still is, but I couldn’t be happier to see an ever-increasing number of women attending beer events, writing about it and brewing it. There was a time when brewsters made almost all of the beer, but then men grabbed the reigns and kicked women to the curb. I, for one, think beer was all the poorer for that decision, but then it happened centuries before I had any say in the matter.
Because I don’t want to leave anybody out, I’m not going to even try to list all of the wonderful people I’ve met over the years I’ve been writing about beer who just happen to have been born female. To them, today and really on every day, I raise a toast to you.
Although I’m not naming names, here are a few others who have, and some organizations, too, that are also worth singling out. It’s not complete, of course, and I’m confident there are others I’m forgetting, but suffice it to say I mean to include everyone. To all of you, thanks for what you do, and making the world of beer a better place to work, to play and to enjoy life.
- 10 Amazing Women in Craft Beer You Should Know and Follow by the Beer Wench
- Barley’s Angels
- Brewess: The Blog for Women Who Brew Beer
- Ladies of Craft Beer [website currently down?]
- The Pink Boots Society
- Queens of the Beer Age by the Weekly Pint
- Real Women Drink Craft Beer
- Women Enjoying Beer
The Pink Boots Society, founded by Teri Fahrendorf, “created to empower women beer professionals to advance their careers in the Beer Industry through Education.” Today there are nearly 900 members for all facets of the beer industry.
Barley’s Angels, co-founded (I think) by Lisa Morrison in Portland, Oregon. “Barley’s Angels is a growing collection of individual chapters around the world that work with craft beer focused breweries, brewpubs, restaurants, alehouses and other public beer establishments to advance the female consumer craft beer enthusiast, resulting in increased patronage and revenue from women, while encouraging education and interest in beer among this often under-recognized demographic group.” There are currently 25 chapters in 18 states, plus 12 international chapters in five countries.
Women Enjoying Beer, started by Ginger Johnson. “Women Enjoying Beer develops and serves the female beer enthusiast. We’re the only organization anywhere doing as much, from the consumer vantage point, to benefit the craft/beer industry.”
Making Your Own Beer
Today’s infographic finishes our week of work by Matt Anderson Design of Rochester, New York. He did five beer-themed posters, the fifth of which is entitled “Making Your Own Beer.”
Click here to see the poster full size.
Finding Balance In The Next Session
For our 74th Session, our host is Bryan Roth, who writes This Is Why I’m Drunk. His topic is about finding balance in life, recognizing that however passionate or obsessed any of us are about our beer, life is more than just beer. Or as Bryan says it. “Beer is more than the alcohol that goes into it – it’s the passion, history and community. Beer is also just one of many interests I have in my life, whether it’s exercise, continuing my education or keeping tabs on how social media impacts society. Beer doesn’t define me, even if it may be something I can ramble on about for hours and hours. These are all things I love spending my time on, but what about you?” So here’s his invitation to I’m Having a Party and You’re Invited: “The Session” for April 2013:
April’s topic is “Finding Beer Balance.” It’s a discussion I hope will offer a variety of responses as people consider their interests outside of finding the perfect pint.
Is beer your vice? Is beer your reward? Does beer really have to be either? Do you find lifestyle balance through work, hobbies, family or maybe even “Dry Days” like David Bascombe? There are a variety of ways to find balance.
These questions are simply a jumping-off point. No matter what your answer, I’d love for you to join us in April. Here’s how to participate:
Think of a response to post on your blog. Or just leave a response in the comment section – no blog (or blogging experience) necessary.
Post your response on “Finding Beer Balance” on April 5.
Come back to this post and leave a comment with a link to your response.
It’s that easy.
So on Friday, April 5, take a moment to reflect on the other things in your life that are important to you, and how you balance those with your love of great beer. C’mon grasshopper, give us your zen wisdom; a few koans for the pub. What is the sound of one hand drinking a beer? Let us know with your Session post on the first Friday in April.