Beer says 'cheers' to women

Cannery Brewing is saying "cheers" to women this year, launching a special brew for International Women's Day made by women from their organization which will promote women in the beer industry.

Women from the front of house, administration and even co-owner Patt Dyck were involved in every step of production of the Ceres Hazy ISA. 

"So we did two brews and all the ladies here were invited to come help out with the brews," said Ellie Farley, who isn't normally involved in beer-making but stepped up to be involved when she heard about the cause. "7 o'clock in the morning, I did a bit of stirring, stirring the mash, which is a lot harder than the guys make it look!"

They used a special hop blend from Yakima Chief Hops which is provided to breweries around the country. 

"A certain amount of the proceeds from the sales of the hops go toward the Pink Boots Society, which is helping out women in the beer industry with scholarships and things like that," Farley said. 

The Cannery's head brewer Ross Thompson oversaw production of the beer as a guiding hand. He's pleased with the outcome, saying it has a low alcohol content so that more can be enjoyed. 

"It's a very hop-forward, easy drinking IPA, basically," Thompson said. "You can consume a four-pack without having to fall asleep in your armchair I guess."

A customer who happened to be at the bar when Castanet was filming got a sneak taste from Farley, and was thrilled. 

"It's really nice it's light, it's easy to drink I think it's going to be a summer beer," she said, adding that the fact proceeds from sales will go to a female-forward cause.

The women involved were also happy to be part of something that promotes women in the industry. 

"The beer industry is predominantly men," Farley said. "I always think it's good to expand industries like that to women, open it up a bit more and make it a little easier."

The beer will be available on tap and in four-packs starting March 8, International Women's Day, at Cannery Brewing. The team does not yet know how much will be available, but they are sure it will sell quickly.