A Woman’s Brew

In this festive episode of A Women’s Brew, we dive head-first into the most chaotic and comforting corner of Christmas: Quality Street, Roses, Heroes, Celebrations… and the Vault City beers inspired by them. We kick things off by sorting ourselves into our “chocolate houses,” reminiscing about the glory days of Woolworths pick-and-mix, and fiercely debating which sweets truly count as Christmas classics. Along the way, we discover that not all orange chocolates are created equal, that desiccated coconut remains controversial, and that some beers deserve to be enjoyed without any chocolate interference whatsoever. From chocolate-orange sours that somehow turn into Christmas-morning mimosas, to a coconut-strawberry concoction that tastes like boozy strawberry yogurt, to the absolute star of the episode—the stunning Truffle Berry Bliss—we taste our way through Vault City’s festive lineup and (attempt to) pair each beer with its confectionery counterpart. There are big reactions, bigger opinions, and a surprising amount of emotional processing about textures, ABVs, and holiday breakfast traditions. We also share some of our favourite Christmas-and-beer memories, chat about the myths around “festive” beers, and peek at what we’re excited to crack open this holiday season. Whether you’re Team Roses, Team Celebrations, or simply here for the chaos, pour yourself something seasonal and join us for this merry, sweary, sweet-filled festive episode.   Get in Touch: Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism Joanne: @lovebeerlearning Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew Jo's Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LoveBeerLearning   Join our 2025 drinking challenge here   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this episode of A Woman’s Brew, we’re joined by the brilliant Lucy and Lizzy of Closet Brewing—Scotland’s only openly queer-owned brewery. We chat about their journey from literally brewing in a cupboard in their Leith flat to becoming a fast-growing, award-winning brewery known for bold flavours, community focus, and killer artwork. From exploding fermenters at 3am to DIY mash tuns crafted from Tesco coolers, the pair share the chaotic, hilarious, and deeply personal beginnings of their brewing story.   We dive into the evolution of Closet Brewing: scaling up equipment, learning the hard realities of brewing commercially, and balancing being brewers, business owners, marketers, event managers—and occasional electricians. They talk us through the science (and cake-based experimentation!) that led to beers like their beloved lavender pale ale, Gal Pals, and give us a peek into their incredible queer artist collaboration programme responsible for some of the most eye-catching labels in UK craft beer—frog butts and all.   Finally, we explore Closet’s commitment to queer community, accessibility, and creating spaces that uplift and celebrate everyone. The duo share their pride in award wins, their manifesting list for the next few years (a taproom?!), and how much their success is rooted in the village of people who support them. So, check out their newly reopened webshop, grab a beer and settle in for an episode full of heart, humour, and truly excellent brews.   Visit Closet Brewing at their website and grab some beers here, there is also 10% off merch until the end of 2025! https://closetbrewing.com/   If you are in Leith, grab a beer at The Bowler’s Rest: https://bowlersrest.com/   Find them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/closetbrewing/   And the artists you should look into:   Jumper designs by Audrey Subra @aud_pizzanova – https://www.instagram.com/aud_pizzanova/ @zuzamakes - They're Turning The Friggin Frogs Gay, Thine Cup Runneth Over – https://www.instagram.com/zuzamakes/ @gawrjuhsart - Lemon Soul, Bright Young Things – https://www.instagram.com/gawrjuhsart/ @ajd.illustrates - Gal Pals – https://www.instagram.com/ajd.illustrates/ @hamillustration - Fault Lines, Hidden Track – https://www.instagram.com/hamillustration/ @hicarbi - Freudian Slip – https://www.instagram.com/hicarbi/ @enbean_art - Spectre, Vampire Spa Day – https://www.instagram.com/enbean_art/ @_lostastronaut - Lost in the Sauce – https://www.instagram.com/_lostastronaut/ @ergi.world - Alex, Lucy's sibling, Tattooist and designer of several of our early can labels inc. GOAT, Mieter*innen, Smoke Signals and Last Train Out of Manchester – https://www.instagram.com/ergi.world/ @scotsqueerfilm – SQIFF https://www.instagram.com/scotsqueerfilm/     Get in Touch: Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism Joanne: @lovebeerlearning Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew   Join our 2025 drinking challenge here   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

We’re back! We finally reunite after a whirlwind of holiday travel, festivals, and award ceremonies! In this bumper November catch-up (or “Novembeer,” as we’ve christened it!), we catch you up on our latest globe-trotting escapades in Germany, the US, and Japan. We celebrate some massive milestones—like Joanne winning Beer Communicator of the Year at the Women in Beer Awards and being shortlisted for 2 British Guild of Beer Writers awards while Tori regales us with tales of navigating Tokyo’s subways and finding a Sapporo Vintage 2025 lager.   Tune in for our usual blend of beer geekery, silly tangents (Modelo! Dessert Dash! Dirndls for any occasion!), and a deep dive into beer industry news. We discuss new World Beer Cup categories, non-alcoholic beer trends in Germany, and the surprising uses of AI in Japanese craft brewing. Plus, find out how Untappd’s latest expansion has us rethinking our beer tracking habits. Grab a beer, settle in, and get ready for plenty of laughs—and maybe a few travel tips—straight from your two favourite beer-loving presenters!   Links we mentioned:   World Beer Cup introduces new categories: https://www.worldbeercup.org/news/registration-now-open-for-the-2026-world-beer-cup/   German non-alcoholic beer sales boom: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/10/11/germany-nonalcoholic-beer-sales-boom/   Global non-alcoholic beer market growth: https://www.brewersjournal.ca/2025/09/03/global-non-alcoholic-beer-market-set-for-robust-growth-projected-to-reach-usd-43-9-billion-by-2035/   Non-alcoholic beer sales: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/non-alcoholic-beer-sales-9-194518058.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com&guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9jaGF0Z3B0LmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAABHkwqz6WHn-EPW6wiQ4MOGryoSaaVDSAOdko5KhDrR9FA3tsLX_yITQjLY08QasdBtxqQpLFFnhk8VtDHc3Y6zvOggRVgdQmdx2KkKV_Jk694qHYqw0VpzvxI5zq0Qca1uOdo1Bq6hdXm66kO479urtKoLyCE5TQdiMY7_HglCK   Innis & Gunn recreate 150 year old beer: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/rare-bottle-150-old-beer-134642397.html   AI-driven fermentation time: https://asiabrewersnetwork.com/news/ai-driven-fermentation-time-of-craft-beer-cut-by-28-in-japan-trial?utm_source=chatgpt.com   Untappd expands beyond beer: https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/untappd-expands-beyond-the-beer-category/   Get in Touch: Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism Joanne: @lovebeerlearning Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew   Join our 2025 drinking challenge here   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this episode, we’re cracking open a true bucket-list classic: Allagash White. We share our personal history with this iconic Belgian-style witbier—how we’ve somehow managed to drink loads of it over the years without logging it on Untappd, the memories it brings back for both of us, and the pure joy of that first coriander-and-orange-kissed sip. From flipping the can to “rouse the yeast,” to admiring that unmistakable milky sheen, this beer had us grinning right from the pour. We also take you through what makes a proper witbier, diving into BJCP style notes and talking aroma, flavour, and mouthfeel—because yes, we’re going full beer geek on this one. We look at Allagash Brewing’s story, the early struggles to get people on board with hazy Belgian flavours, and how it eventually became the most-awarded witbier in the world. And of course, we go off on our usual tangents—everything from airport beer choices to seafood pairings we’ll never eat, to the eternal debate over frosty mugs. If you love wheat beers—or think you don’t—this episode is a ride. So grab an Allagash White if you can, pour it into your fanciest glass (or whatever’s clean), and drink along with us. Cheers, friends! 🍻 Links we mentioned:   About Allagash: https://www.allagash.com/about/our-story/   Vinepair article: https://vinepair.com/articles/the-oral-history-of-allagash-white/   Hop Culture article: https://www.hopculture.com/11-things-you-didnt-know-about-allagash-white/   Food and Wine article: https://www.foodandwine.com/hefeweizen-vs-witbier-what-s-the-difference-8657632?utm_source=chatgpt.com   Reddit Article: https://www.reddit.com/r/52weeksofbaking/comments/f5hxq8/week_5_beverage_pairing_allagash_white_inspired/   Under the Jenfluence – BJCP prep videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpb8Fu5Y8LU4zkqj6qAexh41JtPf9TYYo   Her deep dive into Belgian beers here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SygcOSkdKpw&list=PLpb8Fu5Y8LU4zkqj6qAexh41JtPf9TYYo&index=13&t=21s   Get in Touch: Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism Joanne: @lovebeerlearning Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew   Join our 2025 drinking challenge here   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

It’s our 5th birthday! 🎉 In this episode, we’re raising a glass (or five) to celebrate five years of A Woman’s Brew. From our very first chat about Burnt Mill and women head brewers, to 243 episodes, 73 interviews, countless styles explored, and more pumpkin spice beers than we probably should admit—we’re looking back at the journey with plenty of laughter and a few stats that even surprised us. Along the way, we share memories of recording in conservatories, battling Zoom’s time limits, and figuring out if hanging duvets for soundproofing was really necessary.   To mark the occasion, we each picked five beers that represent different parts of the podcast’s history—from our Burnt Mill beginnings to pumpkin spice indulgences and beyond. Expect quiz questions, tangents galore, and a celebratory cheers to everyone who’s joined us over the years. With more than 25,000 downloads and so many brilliant conversations with brewers, beer lovers, and beer-adjacent creatives, we’re feeling grateful, giddy, and just a little bit nostalgic. Here’s to five years of beers, cheers, and brilliant company—and to the next round still to come! 🍻   Get in Touch: Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism Joanne: @lovebeerlearning Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew   Join our 2025 drinking challenge here   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com