Tap List | A Very Brief History of Women in Brewing

To say that women have contributed to the history of beer would be a radical understatement.

Did you know that the ancient Sumerians venerated Ninkasi, the goddess of beer, who along with her eight siblings was tasked with healing the Sumerian god of water who was on his deathbed? There’s even a hymn commemorating Ninkasi that dates back thousands of years, which also functioned as a beer recipe.

History doesn’t end there. Kubaba, the only known Sumerian queen, was known and recognized for her mastery as a brewer. The Egyptians also worshipped Menqet, the goddess of beer. Ragutiene, the Lithuanian goddess of beer, together with her husband Raugupatis, was known for watching over late night drinkers.

According to the National Women’s History Museum, Martha Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson’s spouse, supervised all the home brewing in Jefferson’s estate, and brewed up to 15 gallons of beer every couple weeks. She’s known as one of America’s first craft brewers.

Though women are not as well represented in the craft beer scene, the presence of women in beer is all but history. 

Courtney Servaes is the founder and owner of Servaes Brewing Co. — 10921 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas — the area’s only female-owned brewery. Servaes has a diverse lineup of beers in their arsenal, including hefeweizens, sours, stouts, and even hard seltzers. Support them this week by purchasing some of their pie-themed beers. Head over on Sunday to try one of their unique, fruit-based sour beers.

Beer Releases

Alma Mader Brewing — 2635 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri — released two beers recently. Tamper, which clocks in at a steady 8% ABV, is an imperial coffee porter made with coffee from Messenger Coffee in Kansas City. They also released a version of Tamper infused with coconut.

Torn Label Brewing Co. — 1708 Campbell St., Kansas City, Missouri — released a New England imperial IPA called Lüp Süp (8.1% ABV), which boasts of lime, peach and tropical fruit.

Callsign Brewing — 1447 Gentry St., North Kansas City, Missouri — is releasing 39 North Scottish Ale (6.4% ABV, 28 IBU), a beer dedicated to Frank Page, a high school teacher who spent 30 years as a naval officer who served in World War II and the Korean War.

3Halves Brewing Co. — 110 E. Kansas St., Liberty, Missouri — just dropped Billy Strange (7.6% ABV), an American IPA, in four-packs. This delicious brew was made with Cascade, Citra, Centennial, and Azacca hops.

To honor The Original Pub, Martin City Brewing Co. — 500 E. 135th St., Kansas City, Missouri — is releasing the Martin City Pub, a traditional pub brew that clocks in at 4.8% ABV. This crushable beer is loaded with malty goodness.

Beer Events

Wednesday, March 11

Apex Aleworks — 4356 S. Noland Road, Independence, Missouri — is your place to be this Wednesday for live music! From 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., lose yourself in blues music courtesy of Brandon Hudspeth and Jaisson Taylor.

Friday, March 12

After a short hiatus, Calibration Brewery — 119 Armour Road, North Kansas City, Missouri — is reopening its doors this Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Grab some food and delicious beer to celebrate Calibration’s recalibration. 

Saturday, March 13

If you’re looking for a place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this weekend, then head over to East Forty Brewing — 1201 W. Main St., Blue Springs, Missouri — this Saturday from noon to 10:30 p.m. for food and special Irish beverages.

This Saturday 6 – 9 p.m., Whiskey Mash Band will be performing at 3 Trails Brewing Co. — 111 N. Main St., Independence, Missouri. 

Outfield Beer Co. — 10953 Kaw Drive, Edwardsville, Kansas — will be releasing two new beers in commemoration of St. Patrick’s Day. Be there starting at 1 p.m. to try them out.