Bristol brewery signs initiative to tackle sexism in the beer industry

It started as a simple question on Brienne Allan’s Instagram story last year: ‘Have you ever experienced sexism in the beer industry?’.

The response was overwhelming, and quickly became an inquiry that sent shockwaves through the craft beer industry.

The inquiry inspired a subsequent Instagram page called Women of the Bevolution, creating a movement to highlight gender discrimination, racism, sexual assault, and harassment, and to bring further awareness to the issues that women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ individuals face in the industry.

Now Brienne, who is co-founder of American brewery Sacred Profane Brewery and Tank pub has co-created a collaborative brew called Brave Noise to highlight the importance of the movement.

The pale ale is the product of a global collaborative effort from more than 250 breweries across the globe to provide an inclusive and safe environment for women and non-binary people.

The Brave Noise pale ale will be showcased at Bristol Craft Beer Festival this year – photo: Jackalope Brewing Company

By joining the Brave Noise initiative, alcohol-related companies must post their code of conduct publicly, commit to the long-term work for safe and discrimination-free workspaces, and donate a majority of proceeds to a non-profit that reflects the Brave Noise mission.

Lost & Grounded in St Anne’s is one of two Bristol breweries adopting the beer in solidarity with the movement, and are celebrating their commitment to Brave Noise as part of Bristol Craft Beer Festival.

Lost & Grounded founder Annie Clements has been pivotal in the brewery’s production of Brave Noise Brew.

“Change can’t happen overnight,” Annie said. “But initiatives like this one are monumental for steering the conversation and change in a promising direction.”

Lost and Grounded opened up its brewery to discuss what steps the company was taking to be more inclusive – photo: Mia Vines Booth

Co-founder Alex Troncoso added: “A number of us have known for a long time that brewing is a typically white male-dominated industry.

“I think what’s happened in the last twelve months or so is that a lot of white male brewers have realised it’s not so rosy for a lot of other people that are trying to be in the industry.

“Our approach at Lost & Grounded has always been to be humble and inclusive.”

Emma O’Neill-Parsons, co-owner and founder of Merakai Brewing based in Sussex, recently visited Lost & Grounded on Whitby Road. Emma’s brewery was one of the first UK breweries to brew the beer in February.

Brave Noise will be showcased as part of Bristol Craft Beer Festival at Lloyds Amphitheatre over the weekend of June 10 and 11.

Speaking about the importance of festivals showcasing the brew, Brienne said: “Accountability, transparency and action. That’s what we want to see through the Brave Noise collab and initiative. It’s great to see We Are Beer festivals stepping up to create safe spaces at their upcoming events.”

Lost and Grounded will be showcasing it’s selection of beers alongside the Brave Noise brew – photo: Mia Vines Booth

Only ten breweries in the UK have taken part so far, so Brienne hopes that events like Bristol Craft Beer Festival will bring the brew to the public and increase support for the movement.

Main photo: Mia Vines Booth

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