Girls Pint Out Steps into the Golden Age of Brewing

Many know the names Adolphus Busch and Eberhard Anheuser and the monumental role they had on beer in America, but few know the pivotal roles that women played over the years. It is a well accepted fact that since brewing started thousands of years ago, it was considered a domestic duty to be performed by the woman of the house. In the ancient cultures of Sumeria and Egypt, brewers and tavern keepers were primarily women as evidenced by hieroglyphs and other historical artifacts. In South America, noblewomen oversaw brewing operations for chicha (corn beer), and many of today’s chicha brewers are women.

There were also a few women who took an active role in the opposition of beer, that cold, sweet nectar of the gods. Carrie Nation rose to notoriety during the temperance movement that eventually led to Prohibition. Carrie was known for carrying a hatchet to bars and destroying the bar if it didn’t didn’t stop serving beer. Her antics and the work of groups like the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union and the Anti-Saloon League helped to pass the 18th amendment years later.

Now that we’re 81 years past the repeal of Prohibition and in a golden age of brewing, women are returning to their roles in the brewing community. Women like Carolyn Stout of Stout’s Brewing Company, Martha Paquette of Pretty Things and Michelle Kirms from Grey Sail may be leading the brewing charge, but there’s also a place for the female casual beer drinkers — Girls Pint Out (GPO). GPO is a organization of women dedicated to learning about craft beer, building a community with other women, and advocating for craft beer.

Girls Pint Out started in Indianapolis in 2010 and the idea quickly spread to other states within just a few years. Now there are 45 chapters in 25 states, a testament to women’s interest in craft beer. The Rhode Island chapter of GPO started in early 2013 and already has a visible presence in the local beer scene. The RIGPO chapter calls themselves “Gals into grolsch. Ladies into lagers. Princesses into pilsners. Angels of ale.” The Rhode Island Chapter was born after the founder, Meredith Crane, participated in an event with the Massachusetts chapter of GPO at the Harpoon Brewery. The timing was perfect because at the time, there were a number of breweries opening in RI.

RIGPO has worked with local breweries like Foolproof, Bucket and Grey Sail to host events aimed at introducing their members to new craft beers. Other players in the beer scene, such as Campus Fine Wines, RI Craft Beer Festival and Drinking Sherpa, also have collaborated on events. RIGPO wants to plan more events with other local brewers in the coming year, so keep an eye on them. Also look for them in the Providence Craft Brew Race on July 20 when they compete against other brew teams, including Rhode Island Brewing Society, Bucket Brewery and Foolproof. Their team is open to anyone. If you’re interested, join Team GPO or contact them if you’ve already registered.

The RIGPO is a very informal group of gals, which means they don’t have membership requirements or monthly meetings. Their events are open to all those interested — even men for select events — and occur every month or two. Information can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Facebook: facebook.com/RIGPO ; Twitter/Instagram: @rigirlspintout

Mix a Six

* Brutopia announced an opening date of May 5.

* Keep your eyes out for a few new brews from Two Roads — Road Jam, an ale with black raspberry and lemongrass; Hizzöner, a maibock, and others.
* The Malted Barley of Westerly wants to open franchises in the area and hopes to have a new franchisee in the coming year.
* The Rhode Island Brew Bus is getting revved up to take people on regional brewery tours. They’ll start service this summer therhodeislandbrewbus.com.
* The contract brewery proposed by Isle Brewers Guild has been delayed by the Providence Economic Development Council pending further information.
* American Craft Beer week is May 12-18 this year. Keep your eye on craftbeer.com for event listings.