One of the first axioms learned in home brewing is Charlie Papazian's Proverb: "Relax. Don't worry. Have a home brew." Two weeks ago I heard that refrain on the Brewing Patio at Black Bridge Brewery, here in Kingman, Arizona. A Belgian Blonde was being brewed by two women, Rachel & Sharon. They were both questioning temperature as the beer was being transferred to the fermentation vessels. They were told to 'not worry so much.' Their response was, 'we're women. We worry.'
The declaration made me wonder: do women, in fact, worry more than men? What is the objective of their worry compared to men? Are they concerned about their reputations? Or are they concerned about the well being of those they serve? Or is it pointless to even make that a thing because, we are all, you know, people? After all, let's not forget it was a man who penned the above warning regarding worry. Many men have read that warning and have had to remind themselves of it during a stressful brewday.
Before you continue reading, I feel I must warn you - there are no answers to the above questions. At least, not from me. Go forth, then, and have a full discussion of gender roles.
Traditionally women have been entrusted with domestic management. They have always been concerned about how and known the way to take care of their family. An important part of family life is centered around food and drink. Beer - or wine, or mead, or alcohol of choice - has always been a part of human life; from ancient times women were usually bread makers and beer brewers. It was a home activity. Once it became a profession or an industry men arrogated it. More women are becoming involved in the commercial brewing industry now. Women may especially worry about their performance in this industry and others because they are working in what has now become a man's environment and they feel they must prove themselves. Whose fault is that?
The point? Humans have brewed. Humans are brewing. Maybe we should just leave it at that. Gender politics should not be a thing. Therefore, I have mixed feelings on whether I should write this up the way I am. But here I am doing it. Fine. I'll throw this in - one difference I noted in the Belgian brewday was the number of selfies happening. I have no idea how that fits into the gender role discussion.
As noted above the beer being brewed was Belgian Blonde with additions of prickly pear. From what I recall, it was a beautiful beverage - outstanding clarity and bright purple color. It had a light body and drank quickly and easily. It's Belgian-ness was not overpowering, nor was the prickly pear.
Here we are in the post-modern information age and still arguing over race and gender. I'm simply going to argue that No Pricks Allowed was a good beer last time around. And If I recall correctly, last year's iteration of this beer encouraged Janelle, another female employee of Black Bridge, to begin her own home brewing adventures.
Politics, gender or otherwise, may be a verboten subject at the brewery (yeah, I'm pretty sure that's not true) but beer and brewing is always on the table. Raise a glass to the people in your life.