For the fourth year, local members of the national Pink Boots Society – consisting of women in the brewing industry – are collaborating with Third Space Brewing to create a special beer for Women’s History Month in March.
Like a Girl IPA is being brewed Wednesday at the brewery in the Menomonee Valley, with Third Space brewers Samantha Danen and Lindsey Akersloot taking the lead. The beer will debut at a release party on March 8, International Women’s Day, at Third Space and likely arrive in retail locations statewide shortly thereafter, said Third Space brand manager Lizzie Tenant. The theme for Women’s History Month in 2024 is “women who advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion,” which resonates in a brewing industry where women are largely underrepresented.
The annual Third Space brewing event is a chance for women to work together to generate awareness and a few dollars to help their cause. Some of the proceeds from the sale of Like A Girl benefit the Wisconsin chapter of the Pink Boots Society, an international organization dedicated to empowering women and nonbinary individuals in the beverage industry through education and support. Last year, those funds enabled a Pink Boots Society member trips to the Malteurop malting facility in Winona, Minnesota, and to Four Winds Hop Farm near Madison. One Pink Boots member also received a scholarship to attend a workshop at Briess Malt in Manitowoc.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
“Our Like A Girl brew day holds immense significance for me, serving as a reflection of my journey in the brewing industry over the past nine years,” said Danen, the production manager at Third Space and the first woman craft brewer in Milwaukee. “Throughout my career, I’ve dedicated myself to advocating for and uplifting women in this field. In the early days, I often felt isolated and unseen, navigating an industry largely dominated by white males. Hosting these collaboration brew days and witnessing the participation of numerous women and non-binary Pink Boots members from across the state fills me with profound joy. It’s a testament to the progress we’ve made and the inclusive community we’re building together. This reaffirms my belief that beer is for everyone, and that there’s a place for each of us in this industry.”
Each year Like a Girl features a unique hop blend voted on by Pink Boots Society members and sold by Yakima Chief Hops, which also donates a portion of sales to Pink Boots. This year’s blend features Ahtanum, El Dorado, HBC 638 and Idaho 7 hops, and Like a Girl also uses malt donated by Malteurop. Expect tropical aromas of berry, citrus and stone fruit.
“What I find most exciting about this recipe is how the hop blend changes every year, making each batch unique,” explained Danen. “What sets Like A Girl apart is that it’s perfectly balanced, featuring a sweet foundation that allows the hops to truly stand out.”
