The craft brewing industry in the U.S. has been growing at an extreme pace. The collective brewing volume of craft breweries has doubled in the past six years in the U.S. In 2012 the number of craft breweries operating in the U.S. surpassed the industry's peak that was set in the 1880's. This growth has introduced many new flavors and styles of beer to the U.S. and has allowed women to discover a new love for the beer.
A craft brewery is a brewery with an annual production of 6 million barrels or less.
In the United States, craft brewing employs an estimated 110,273 people. The craft brewing ecosystem continues to grow steadily as sales rose from 13.2 million barrels in 2012 to 15.6 million barrels in 2013. This amounts to $14.3 billion in sales from 2,768 U.S. craft brewers.
California
268 breweries
Washington
136 breweries
Colorado
130 breweries
Oregon
124 breweries
Michigan
102 breweries
Pennsylvania
93 breweries
Wisconsin
75 breweries
New York
72 breweries
Texas
59 breweries
Illinois
54 breweries
In ancient civilizations, women brewed for their families and sold of the excess to others nearby. Beer in Ancient Egypt was almost solely produced and sold by women, and when the U.S. was first colonized women were the primary brewers. Producing beer made from ingredients like corn, oats, wheat, and honey. Brewing didn't become a male dominated industry until the Industrial Revolution, when the potential business opportunities were realized.
A 2012-1013 survey by the Gallup pole showed that 20% of women prefer beer to other alcoholic beverages. In comparison 53% of men chose beer as their first choice of alcoholic beverage.
Women account for 25% of total beer consumption by volume in the U.S. and account for 37% of total craft beer consumption.
An Auburn University study found that women make up 29% of brewery workers.
According to a recent poll, beer has taken the first choice of drink away from white wine in women in the 18 to 34 year old segment.
Founded in 2007 with 60 members, this organization aims to help women advance their careers in the beer industry. Members must earn at least a portion of their income from the beer industry. Currently the organization has 1,035 members.
Chapters around the world dedicated to creating an environment for women to learn and explore the craft beer industry.
Stoudt's Brewing Company
Intercourse Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company
Six Rivers Brewery
Portneuf Valley Brewing
Jackalope Brewing Company
Full Sail Brewing Co.
Urban Growler Brewing
A study of more than 238,000 women found that moderate alcohol consumption could decrease one's risk of rheumatoid arthritis by 22%. Women who drank beer moderately had a 31% decreased risk when compared to those who did not drink beer.
Beer can increase blood-vessel function by more than 50% and contains many antioxidants just like wine and it also contains flavonoid compounds that are potentially beneficial for heart health.
Compare with: Belgian-style wheat beer
Common flavors include orange and coriander
Compare with: Stouts
Common flavors include chocolate and caramel
Compare with: Saisons or Farmhouse Ale
Common flavors include yeast and florals
Compare with: Belgian Quadrupel
Common flavors include raisin, date, and fig
Compare with: India Pale Ale or Amber Ale
Common flavors include grapefruit, pine, and florals
Compare with: Lambic or Gueze
Common flavors include fruits and sours
The craft beer industry has opened the door for women to gain a more prevalent role in the beer industry. The U.S. has a long way to go from tearing down the walls of the male dominated beer drinking industry, but as the local and fresh trends continue, more women are going to find themselves pairing their meals with a craft beer.
Inside Look: The Craft Beer Revolution By Steve Hindy
More women getting into craft beer, not just as drinkers but also as brewers
Craft Brewing Facts
10 best craft brew states in America
Women and Beer: A 4,500-Year History Is Coming Full Circle
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