Over the years, I have developed a relationship with various food and drink establishments. I love the industry. This is the brew story of the Pink Boots Society.
A few years ago, my friend Luca was doing an interview with the folks at Frogg Brewing on his radio program, Cooking With Luca. Listening to that interview made me want to visit and find out more about them
At that time, they were in Marlborough, New Hampshire, with plans to build a new, spacious brewery in Swanzey, New Hampshire. And they did! Following the principle of “if you build it, they will come,” they did… And they did!
They put on tons of events that you would be hard-pressed not to find an outing that you would enjoy. Cars, food, crafts, music, and more.
A few years ago, I attended a car show and met a man named Bob. Over time, I became friends with him and his wife. One day, we were at the Frogg Brewing Cruise Night, and he told me his great-granddaughter, Briauna, worked there.
She was serving tables and pulling beers, but apparently, there was a whole lot more going on.
About a month ago, I walked inside, and while I was waiting, I saw there was a statue of pink boots. I sat at the table with my grandson, but curiosity got the better of me. I went up and asked about it, and I discovered it had to do with the Pink Boots Society. I asked the right person. Briauna was the developer of the beer that I ordered and a member of the Pink Boots Society. It was delicious, and I went home and did some research.
“Pink Boots Society aims to assist, inspire, and encourage women and non-binary individuals in the fermented/alcoholic beverage industry to advance their careers through education.” That is from the society’s page.
I thought this was a fun topic to write about. The next time I was in, I asked Briauna if I could do an interview with her. She said “yes”, and I sent her the questions
Here we go!
In the words of Nancy Sinatra… “These boots were made for walking.”
Personal Journey
What inspired you to pursue a career in brewing? Was there a specific moment when you knew this was your calling?
Only recently did I realize that Brewing would be a potential career option for me. I am a Chemistry Major at Keene State College and have a fond appreciation for all things chemistry.
Because they knew I was a Chemistry Major, Steph, Michael, and Alex at Frogg Brewing all agreed that it would be fun for Alex to teach me how to brew. Initially, it was going to be a one–time thing – learning just for the sake of learning. Once I started exploring bits and pieces of the brewing world, though, I found it intriguing and a beautiful blend of chemistry and creativity, so I decided to take an online Craft Brewing course through Cornell University and to partake in the Pink Boots Brew for the year. Brewing the Pink Boots Brew, I think, was the moment when I knew that brewing was something I would love to do long-term.
Publisher-I love this!
Can you describe your journey to becoming a brewmaster? What challenges did you face along the way?
Though I am not qualified to wear the title “brewmaster” (for this, you need other certifications, classes, and years researching and studying to obtain this title), I can certainly still discuss my journey so far.
As I stated previously, I first started with a craft brewing course through Cornell University, which took me roughly 12 weeks to complete this past winter. This class immersed me in the more theoretical side of brewing – knowing how things happen and why they do – as well as exploring different types of beers and their flavor profiles. This class was challenging in the sense that there wasn’t always a “right answer” – much of the analysis performed on hops and beer styles was very opinion-based, as well as dependent on what specific aromas and flavors you, as an individual, could detect in a beer.
Moving forward, once my class was complete, I was able to brew this year’s Pnk Boots brew with Alex (or rather I brewed two of said brews…), and then I continued (and am still continuing) to brew with Alex every week at Frogg while on my summer break.
This in itself has come with its own onslaught of challenges. My class at Cornell did not cover a lot about the steps to brewing, or how to brew in general. So, learning in the brewery from Alex was difficult in the sense that there is so much to learn all at once. Now that I have been brewing with Alex for three months or so, I feel that I have a good level of base knowledge, and the small pieces here and there are becoming easier – but there are still many more nuances for me to learn, as each beer and beer style is different, and every brewhouse runs just a little differently. It’s the nuances that have been the hardest part – remembering to hook up this hose when such and such is boiling or that this specific beer does better with a mash temp 2 degrees lower than another beer – the small things like that.
Despite the challenge(s), my confidence is building each week, and I feel I am on a good path to becoming a proficient brewer.
Publisher-In the world of food and drink (I worked in the food industry for years, and my parents worked in restaurants and brought us up with skills and knowledge), and while theory is often required, it is the hands-on that tests us.
Were there any mentors who helped shape your path? What advice did they give you?
My biggest mentor is Alex Rice, the brewer for Frogg Brewing. He has been the one spending hours in the brewery with me, answering my thousands of questions (No joke – I am sure it is thousands), and guiding me through each brew day (and cleaning day). He teaches in the best way – he demonstrates, explains, then takes a step back and lets me go for it. It’s those moments when he walks away and lets me take over that I learn the most, for I always know he is there if I need his help, and yet I get a chance to experience doing it myself. The best advice Alex gave me was to not rush the process – to take my time and to triple-check everything – and this has truly helped me in this field. It’s the brews that you take your time on and complete with finesse that come out the best.
I also have to shout out Stephanie and Michael Guitard, the owners of Frogg, who have let me become the “brewer’s assistant” and who support me every step of the way.
Experiences as a Female Brewer
Have you ever felt that being a woman in the brewing industry presented unique challenges or opportunities?
So far, I have not seen that being a woman has affected my experience in the field. I think the one thing it may do is provide some more opportunities to be a trailblazer, simply because there are fewer women in the field than men. It also gives me the chance to partake in groups such as the Pink Boots Society.
How has the industry changed in terms of inclusivity and representation since you started? Does it affect you?
I don’t think I have anything to say on this topic – I have only been in the brewing side of the industry since this past April, so I have much more to experience and see before I feel I can comment on this.
Do you think public perception of female brewmasters has shifted? If so, how?
Honestly, I think the public doesn’t always immediately think of females as brewers, but is very accepting of those who are. When waitressing, and customers hear that I am learning to brew, all have been very supportive and seem to be excited to see where the career takes me.
Brewing Philosophy & Approach
What’s your signature brewing style? Are there particular ingredients or techniques that define your work?
As of right now, I don’t really have a ‘signature’ style, and the brews I have completed, I cannot claim as my work. But I can say that I have become very comfortable with brewing IPAs, specifically juicy, hazy, New England-style IPAs. I think this is one that I am becoming comfortable with because it is one that I would say Alex excels at making, so learning from someone who is great at it is really helpful.
Your background-does it help?
The chemistry definitely helps! I think I could definitely succeed in the field without it, though it gives me a step up. I understand the science behind what is going on (which is not only exciting to know, but can help determine what will yield certain results). Not only does the knowledge help, though, but the experience in the lab, with following procedures and using lab techniques has helped. I feel there are a lot of parallels between the brewing world and the world of chemistry.
Do you feel there’s a difference in how women approach brewing compared to men, whether in creativity, collaboration, or methodology?
I think that there are not too many differences. Maybe women are more prone to collaborate, but that may just be a result of not having as many women in the field.
Is there a beer you’ve brewed that you’re especially proud of? What was the story behind it?
As I am writing this, this beer has not been put on tap yet, BUT this week, a beer called “Smack Talk” will be returning to tap at Frogg Brewing. Though it is a brew that Alex has made before, this time around, he let me adjust the recipe myself to make it into something a little different than before, so I would say I am very excited and proud of this one. Also, it was my first double IPA that I have brewed! (And what makes it fun? Some good ol’ Honey Smacks cereal is brewed right into it!
Role in Pink Boots Society
How has the Pink Boots Society impacted your career and personal growth?
Pink Boots Society helped to give me an easy reason to try out brewing – it was great to be able to talk to Steph and say, “Hey, I would love to do the Pink Boots brew this year”. It helped to get my foot in the door (whereas otherwise I think I would have been too nervous to just ask to learn to brew).
What initiatives or programs from Pink Boots do you find most valuable for female brewers?
PBS offers many scholarships at the state and national levels. I think this is an incredible way to get more women into the field, for sometimes financial barriers are hard to surpass to take classes or become certified (tests are expensive!). I am looking to apply for some of these scholarships.
What advice would you give to women considering a career in brewing?
I would say just go for it! I would recommend trying to start at a small craft brewery. I have noticed my ability to be in a small brewery has helped me to learn more sides of the brewing industry than if I were at a larger brewery.
Future of Brewing & Women in the Industry
What’s next for you in your brewing journey? Any exciting projects or collaborations on the horizon?
Next is to keep working with Alex at Frogg for the remainder of the summer, and to pick up brewery hours as much as I can. I also plan on becoming cicerone certified!
How can breweries and organizations better support and empower women in the industry?
I think many breweries are doing a great job – maybe I would just say that I highly recommend becoming more involved in the Pink Boots Society – either join nationally or your local chapter for many great opportunities!
What would you like to see change for future generations of female brewmasters?
I just hope that the field keeps expanding as it is!
Publisher-
WOW! There is a lot there. As a dad with three girls and five granddaughters, I want them to be all that they can be. Seeing this story with Briauna at Frogg Brewing unfold is awesome. Thank you, Stephanie, Michael, and Alex, for opening the door to Briauna and this journey.
I sent her a note yesterday to ask if there was anything else to add.
“I honestly cannot think of anything else to mention! Just that I am excited to pursue this career!”
