Women of Beer: Mary Beth McWhirt of Round Trip Brewing

 

- Women of Beer: Mary Beth McWhirt

Mary Beth McWhirt   Round Trip Brewing Atlanta, Georgia   By Kerri Allen   Round Trip Brewing Company prides itself on bringing German-inspired beers to the Atlanta, Georgia, market. Mary Beth McWhirt works as the lab manager and assistant brewer for this deliciously crafty brewery and serves as the chapter leader for the Atlanta Pink Boots Society.   While working towards her graduate degree in microbiology, Mary Beth worked as a bartender for a craft beer bar. She says, “The bar’s beer school training and classes with brewery sales reps ignited my passion for craft beer styles and sales.” After graduating from college, I sought quality control jobs in the brewing industry to combine my science background with my love for beer. Through mutual friends, I met Craig Mycoskie from Round Trip, and I've been here ever since.”   Embracing Education & Connections   Mary Beth also ranks as one of many brewers and craft beer industry workers who became a BJCP judge. In the mid-nineties, few female beer judges existed, even though initiatives existed to encourage women to join the ranks. Although familiar with the Beer Judge Certification Program, Mary Beth’s interest in joining came with Jen Blair’s training course aimed at increasing female judges. Mary Beth recalls, “Jen's weekly Zoom sessions covered sensory techniques, descriptive language, and beer-style breakdowns. The experience of training with a group of like-minded women was enriching. After completing the course and additional tastings, I took the exam. Judging around Atlanta has greatly enhanced my sensory skills and expanded my network.”   What has always made the craft beer community special are the relationships. At Round Trip, Mary Beth says, “We collaborate rather than compete, which strengthens the local beer scene.” This love of community shines as her favorite attribute of being part of a brewery. She acknowledges, “Although I’m not often behind the bar anymore, I love connecting with our customers and educating them about beer. Creating a product that brings people together and fosters an inclusive environment is incredibly rewarding. The Atlanta craft beer community has proven extremely supportive of Round Trip.”     A Taste for Tradition   In a market filled with pastry stouts, hazy IPAs and kettle-soured ales, Round Trip has focused on traditional styles since opening in 2021. Mary Beth notes, “This focus has been gratifying as the market shifts back to appreciating these styles. Being part of Round Trip's growth, from the early days of building the quality control program to our current expansion with a new location in East Cobb, has been an incredible journey.”   Transitioning from a science background and bartending to hands-on brewing has been Mary Beth's biggest challenge. She notes, “With a small team, I had to learn cellar work, packaging, brewing and quality control simultaneously.” With challenges come rewards. Mary Beth remarks, “My most rewarding moment involved brewing my first beer solo. Knowing that every Round Trip beer has been crafted by me is immensely satisfying.”   Diversity Leads to Success   Since the early reemergence of craft beers in the 1990s, we are finally seeing more women in the industry. When asked why women and minorities are vital to the industry, Mary Beth comments, “The industry should focus on not repelling interested individuals from diverse backgrounds. Many women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ people are interested in craft beer but face barriers like lack of opportunities or unsafe working conditions. Addressing these issues and removing those responsible for perpetuating them is crucial. The beer industry needs diverse perspectives to innovate and grow.”   For women in the craft beer industry, whether in sales, brewing, front of house, etc., The Pink Boots Society is a great organization and an excellent way to network with other women working in the industry. Mary Beth explains, “I encourage eligible individuals in the fermentation industries in Atlanta to join our local Pink Boots chapter for educational and scholarship opportunities.”   Let's all raise a toast to Round Trip's Mary Beth McWhirt for her creativity and dedication. Prost!

Highland Brewing's Leah Wong Ashburn

 

Highland Brewing's Leah Wong Ashburn

Women of Beer: Leah Wong Ashburn   CEO of Highland Brewing in Asheville, NC   By Kerri Allen   Leah Wong Ashburn's journey in the craft beer industry has been a dynamic and evolving one, shaped by her experiences and the influence of her father, Oscar Wong, founder of Highland Brewing in Asheville. Initially turned down for a brewery job by her father, Leah pursued roles outside the family business, gaining valuable experience in sales, marketing, and leadership. Leah acknowledges, “Being turned down for a job by my father was disappointing at the time, but now I know that gaining my own work experience outside the family business was the best move for everyone.” Eventually, in 2011, Leah joined Highland Brewing Company and gradually rose through the ranks to become President in 2015 and CEO in 2018.   Despite the challenges and pressures of leading the brewery during a period of industry growth and change, Leah found immense fulfillment in being a part of Highland Brewing, a company deeply ingrained in the Asheville community. She values the collaborative and supportive nature of the craft beer industry, where she can work with passionate individuals and continue to learn from expert brewers and scientists within the company. Leah shares, "What I love most about being part of a brewery is the beer we create and our brewery family that's deeply woven into the fabric of Asheville."   A Love for Asheville   When asked why Asheville is a special place for beer, Leah explains that the town is known for its independent spirit, stunning natural surroundings and vibrant, creative community. The region's abundant resources, including high-quality water for brewing, contribute to Asheville's reputation as a hub for craft beer enthusiasts. “We are surrounded by creators in beverages, music, art, food, clay, paint and much more," Leah declares. "We have incredible water for brewing. Our reservoirs are so close that they are visible from some of our hiking trails.”   To protect the water and gorgeous surroundings, Highland Brewing, under Leah’s guidance, has the brewery running on solar power. Highland boasts the sixth-largest solar array of all independent or craft breweries in the USA and the 22nd-largest worldwide. The wood used to build the bars at Highland's event center was harvested from brewery property, and the light poles in front of the center come from used kegs. "Our goals at Highland revolve around an ethos of reduce, reuse, and recycle,” Leah notes.   Leah takes pride in Highland Brewing's involvement in community programs. She explains, "We have a philanthropic program called Pints for Purpose, with proceeds going to five community partner organizations which focus on natural resources, people in need, animals in need, health, wellness and cultural resources."   A Head for Business   Leah acknowledges that a big challenge has been balancing the demands of her brewery role amidst industry shifts and external pressures. However, her dedication and leadership were evident in the successful rebranding of Highland Brewing in 2018, a decision that proved to be a rewarding milestone for the company. The rebrand tops Leah’s list of rewards as leader of Highland Brewing. She says, “I was immersed in it and believed in it. I took a lot of heat. More accurately, we received a lot of heat that I chose not to read. Rebranding paid for itself in one year, exceeding my expectations.”   Possessing good instincts and knowing your business can bring success, even in tough times. Leah shares, ”My biggest challenge has been accepting that I’ve done enough of the right things. With slowing growth, the pandemic, cost increases, changing staff needs and staff changes, it can be hard not to think about it constantly.”   Beer is for Everyone   Recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in the beer industry, Leah emphasizes the need for women and minorities to have a seat at the table. "Breweries can enhance their business practices and better connect with consumers by fostering a diverse workforce and welcoming a broader audience," she comments. “I found that having women in leadership positions attracts more women to the company at all levels. Beer is for everyone.”   Readers should definitely put a visit to Highland Brewery on their radar. As the first craft brewery in Asheville since Prohibition, Highland has achieved the rank of largest family-owned, female-led brewery in the Southeast. Under the thoughtful leadership of Leah Wong Ashburn, Highland Brewing continues to create exceptional beer and holds a revered place in the hearts of regional craft beer lovers.

Women of Beer: Jen Price

 

- Women of Beer: Jen Price

By Kerri Allen   Women exist everywhere in the beer industry. We focus on brewers, brewery owners and the like, but it takes many people to create a beer community. Jen Price (pictured to the right) ranks as one of these people. Jen founded Crafted for Action, an events company that builds community through safe, inclusive and welcoming experiences, including an annual conference. Jen also co-founded Craft Women Connect, a community of diverse women whose goal is to explore and connect through a shared love of craft beer.   Like many who find a home in the craft beer community, all it took was that first good craft beer to lure us in. When asked how craft beer became important to her and how she arrived at her current position, Jen answers, “I've loved beer my entire life, and my first taste of beer came from my dad when I was about five years old! I got introduced to craft beer during a college internship in the 90s. I was in Boulder, Colorado and had been accustomed to drinking pretty underwhelming beer until I was introduced to Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. I was immediately hooked! I spent the next few decades learning about craft beer and being in the 'mix' locally by volunteering at beer festivals and participating as a steward at homebrewing competitions.    Early Motivations & Accomplishments   Jen remembers her disappointment at never seeing many people of color or women at these craft beer events, so she eventually started hosting her own tastings and pairing events with the goal of exposing a diverse crowd to the joys of great ales and lagers. "Diversity in this industry has always been really important to me," she says. "I then took the level one cicerone exam, self-published a book called The Chick's Guide to Beer and eventually started working toward my dream of opening a craft beer retail shop - The Atlanta Beer Boutique. I found a space in 2019 and built it out, but then the pandemic happened, and I basically lost everything that I invested in the space. This experience was the impetus for Crafted for Action, which I launched initially as a virtual conference. Now, the event is more of a hybrid format.”    With some of the negativity documented over the last few years in the beer community towards women and people of color in the industry, it is essential to focus on the positive. Jen believes that the community aspect is what she loves most about being a part of the beer community. When building her business, Jen remembers, “ I reached out to so many people and potential competitors when opening the beer boutique, and everyone was willing to talk to me, give me advice, have a beer with me, and help review my business plan. People were honest with me about the challenges and lessons learned; almost everyone wanted to help me and see me win. The community aspect is why, after having to shutter the doors of my business before it even opened, I returned to the industry and launched a new business.”   Jen Prices taps a cask at Crafted for Action   Generating Interest & Support   What formed a big challenge for Jen when creating the conference? “Honestly, getting started and convincing myself that anyone would attend, participate in and support a black woman-produced beer conference worried me," she recalls. "Like lots of folks who find themselves in spaces where they may not totally feel they belong, I suffer greatly from imposter syndrome. It was hard for me to really believe that an annual conference would work.” Jen talks about her greatest reward by saying, "Ironically, seeing people actually show up to support the conference has been extremely satisfying." This level of support sounds like positive validation that these types of events are needed in the beer community.   A Demographic Offering Potential for Growth When asked why women and minorities are vital to the industry, Jen responds, “Diversity in any industry begets innovation and creativity. Beer is no different. This seems obvious in recent trends in the market with brewery closures, shifting tastes of consumers, and people adopting healthier lifestyles. Additionally, the fastest-growing craft beer consumer groups are people of color and women of color. Beer consumption by white men has remained the same for decades, and the same is basically true for white women. So, women of color and people of color are the future sustainability of this industry. It makes good business sense to pay attention to this. And finally, everyone should feel welcome and enjoy a sense of belonging. We can do more to ensure that taprooms, beer events, conferences, festivals and any place where people drink beer feel like spaces that are open and welcoming to all.”    What strategies does Jen see as key to attracting more women and people of color to the industry? She reiterates, “I think we attract more women and people of color through direct marketing, creating opportunities and events that are unique and fresh and making taprooms physically more inviting and attractive.”    Readers wanting to learn more about Jen Price and Crafted For Action should check out a future conference. People can participate by submitting a panel idea, becoming a sponsor, volunteering, spreading the word, or simply buying a ticket to attend.   Learn more: www.CraftedForAction.com/conference

Women of Beer: Amanda Mailey

Amanda Mailey of Magnanimous Brewing in Tampa, Florida

By Kerri Allen

Beer fans, let's give a magnanimous welcome to Amanda Mailey, brewer for, well, Magnanimous Brewing in Tampa. Amanda has an impressive resumé, and she was happy to share her brewing history.

            “I started my beer career at Red Cypress Brewery in Winter Springs, Florida. I was hired as a bartender when the brewery opened in 2015 and was shortly promoted to bar lead. That position led me to come in, clean the tap lines and help out on canning days. I soon realized that I enjoyed working in the brewery and wanted to get back there as much as possible. I was able to start coming in on my days off to help wash kegs. After a few months of working the bar and assisting part-time in the brewery, I was hired full-time in production. Garrett Ward was the head brewer then and took the time to train me. After working on the cellar side, I was eventually trained on the brew deck and was promoted to assistant brewer. Garrett left to open up his own Sideward Brewing, and I was then promoted to head brewer."

After Red Cypress, Amanda got a lead brewer position at Ivanhoe Park Brewing in Orlando. This was the first time she could write her own recipes and brew the beer styles that interested her most. "In 2022, I won a bronze medal at the World Beer Cup for our Vienna lager," she recalls. "This award was definitely an exciting moment for me and my career. Honestly, it still seems wild and surreal to think about."

With a desire to be closer to family, Amanda eventually moved back to St. Petersburg. She notes, "Before moving back, I always made Magnanimous Brewing a stop whenever I was in Tampa. I loved the beers they were turning out and knew I wanted to join the team. I started with Magnanimous in June of 2022. When we eventually opened another production facility and taproom in Bradenton, I helped get that location up and running. It’s still rewarding to look around the brewery and see how far it’s come."

Obviously, Amanda ranks as a knowledgeable and passionate member of the craft beer community. When asked what she loves most about being a part of a brewery, she expresses an appreciation for the camaraderie shared between folks in the industry. "It’s cool being able to connect with people not only in your own city and state but also throughout the country," she says. "Not only forming friendships but also knowing that I can reach out and ask for advice and learn about their techniques."

Amanda also loves being creative when concocting new recipes and beers. Magnanimous recently celebrated its third anniversary in October, and Amanda's team tried a variety of barrel-aged beers to decide how to blend them for a few anniversary beers. "It’s fun discovering what flavors everyone else is picking up when comparing tasting notes,” she explains. "This is solid proof that most breweries are families, and teamwork makes the dream work. At the end of the day, I really love going to work and making beer with some rad people who are some of the smartest and funniest people around. It’s always been a good balance of taking the job seriously but also having fun.”

Amanda considers herself fortunate to work for men who have supported and encouraged her career. However, she still notes that her biggest challenge sometimes revolves around being seen as an equal in a male-dominated industry. She adds, "I always feel that I need to prove myself more than my male colleagues. While at work, I hate asking for help because I never want my height or size to stop me from completing a task and then having my coworkers think they have to do my job for me. There have also been countless times I’ve been at a beer festival, and someone automatically asks my male coworker a question about the beers instead of me, even though I’m the one who brewed them. This seems like an issue that many women face in the industry. Women have to sort of over-compensate to be seen as equals. I’ve observed other women in the industry burn out because they feel like they need to push themselves at work and then perform extra duties outside of work to get a seat at the table.”

On the flip side of these challenges, hard work that one enjoys always offers rewards. Amanda notes that her greatest reward revolves around creating a product that many people will enjoy. She declares, “It’s kind of surreal to think that I’ve been brewing for a while now, and I still get a sense of pride and excitement when seeing someone drinking a beer I brewed."

            When asked why women and minorities are vital to the industry and how we can attract more, Amanda responds, “Women and minorities are vital to the beer industry because they bring different perspectives and new ideas. If we want to expand the beer consumer demographic, we need to include people with different backgrounds and perspectives involved in all aspects of beer. This means not only brewing the beer but also being involved in marketing, sales and management.”

Amanda makes the point that everyone in the craft beer industry possesses the power to change the business for the better. Amanda relates, “I enjoy being involved in the industry and making it a safe and welcoming space for everyone. I've been a member of The Pink Boots Society since 2017 and held a board position in the Florida chapter since 2019. I've been the social media manager for the Women's Craft Fermentation Alliance's WIBS Craft Fermentation Summit for the past two years. In South Florida, we also host the FemAle Brew Fest, which showcases women who work in production, marketing, sales, management and brewery ownership. Organizations and events like these help promote women and minorities in the beer industry and attract more."

     Breweries that host Pink Boots Society collaboration brew days help provide education and experience for women. Having the female staff and members of the organization get together to develop a beer recipe, brew the beer and design the label demonstrates that the brewery values women in the industry and points out the wide array of available careers.

            Beer lovers wanting to learn more about Amanda and drink her beer should definitely plan a trip to Tampa. If you are in the area in March, Amanda invites you to swing by Magnanimous Brewing during Tampa Bay Beer Week, which takes place March 2-10. She plans to offer some impressive collaboration brews and special beer releases each day of the celebration.