Imagine a gorgeous gradient of gold poured into a glass. Frothy, white foam tops it. The aroma that lingers is a malty scent. The taste is crisp, refreshing to the palette. This is beer.
Though the description beautiful, beer has carried a masculine connotation. But this was not always the case as women (called brewsters) were in charge of the beer scene thousands of years ago. In an article from beer historian Alan D. Eames, he examines the role women had in early times:
Brewster is the feminine form of the word brewer and it is likely that a woman presided over the birth of beer some ten thousand years ago. This most ancient of women’s skills was probably learned before the first baking of bread and certainly before the appearance of wine.
Traditionally, historians locate the birthplace of beer in the areas of ancient Babylon, Sumeria, and Egypt. New findings, however, indicate that beer may have first been brewed in the Amazon basin some ten thousand years ago. Certainly, early civilizations of Amazonia had all necessary components available to brew the same styles that continue to survive today among the tribes of Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador.
Four thousand years before the birth of Christ, women brewers enjoyed great prestige making dozens of kinds of beer in Babylon and Sumeria. Called “Sabtiem,” Sumerian brewsters had the distinction of being the only tradespeople with private deities. Ninkasi–“the lady who fills the mouth”–and the goddess Siries watched over the daily ritual of brewing. Only women were allowed to brew and these Sabtiem made beers from such strange ingredients as spices, peppers, tree bark, and powdered crab claws.
Despite the historical role women have played, beer is perceived as a man’s beverage of choice. In a most recent Gallup poll, 53 percent of men chose beer as their preferred drink while only 20 percent of women chose it.
“Beer is probably more of a man’s drink because it is so hoppy,” said Ana Falteisek, 21, a college student new to the drinking scene. “Women don’t drink dark beer.”
Dark, hoppy beers are known for their bitter taste.
Ruana Silva, 24, said that the reason she doesn’t like beer is specifically because of the taste.
Most women tend to stray from strong, bitter taste and gravitate towards something much more light.
Light alternatives in beer have been created that greatly differ from their dark counterparts. Some beers are more floral, some malty, and some even offer sweet undertones. There is such a variety in the types of beer being brewed and marketed.
Photo credit: Renee Apodaca
“I would be more inclined to drinking beer if I found one that tastes good to me,” said Silva. “I tend to be drawn to more fruity and chocolate flavors.”
The Arizona Brewnette 