The women of Ballard unite for Collaboration Brew Day

Early on the morning of Sunday, March 8, women are gathering in the new production facility and taproom for Reuben’s Brews. It’s International Women’s Day, and the group has come together with a mission in mind: advancing the role of women in the beer industry.

It’s also Collaboration Brew Day, an annual event hosted by the Pink Boots Society (PBS; a professional association that supports educational and employment opportunities for women working in the beer industry). Breweries across the country form female-helmed teams to brew a special beer in honor of the event, using the same hops blend but with any flavor and style, with all proceeds from beer sales benefiting PBS.

This year, for the first time, the women of the Ballard Brewed District are coming together to brew the same beer. They hail from each of the breweries of Seattle’s hottest beer ‘hood: Reuben’s Brews, Stoup Brewing, Peddler Brewing Company, Obec Brewing, Maritime Pacific Brewing Company, Lucky Envelope Brewing, Hale’s Ale’s, Fair Isle Brewing, Populuxe Brewing, Urban Family Brewing Co. and Lagunitas Brewing Company. And these women represent every facet of the brewing industry, from tasting-room staff to the owners themselves.