Brew York is releasing a new West Coast pale ale to mark Brave Noise, a global collaborative brew project advocating for a better beer industry. The beer goes on sale at noon today.
In May 2021, Brienne Allan, of Notch Brewing in the US, asked on Instagram: “Have you ever experienced sexism in the beer industry?”. This quickly triggered a response which would send shockwaves throughout craft beer.
To keep the momentum going, and to show support for all those who spoke out, breweries around the world were invited to brew their own Brave Noise beer, actively share their code of conduct, and make a donation to a cause that
exists to help shape a better beer industry where everyone is safe and welcome.
“The impact Brienne’s question has had is being called the beer industry #MeToo, and some important conversations and self-reflection has resulted,” said Rachel Auty, head of marketing at Brew York.
“In making this beer, Brew York declares a commitment to looking at how we can do better, and support other projects and good causes along the way. We care deeply about the wider industry we operate within, and we want to do what we can to make it the best it can be. This is work that will never be ‘finished’ and we should never rest on our laurels. We are learning all the time.”
A donation from the sales of Brew York’s 5.2% ABV Brave Noise beer will go to The Egalitarian for its Safe Place Project. The Egalitarian exists to challenge systemic gender inequality and injustice. It offers community-led and data-driven training and certification for pubs, bars, and clubs, designed to keep people safe and help businesses thrive.
It recently ran an anti-sexual harassment, assault, and violence programme with 20 Head of Steam management teams. Their venues are now all certified Safe Places. Brew York recently brewed a collaboration beer with them to go on the bars at Head of Steam venues.
The Egalitarian also trains students’ unions, such as Reading and Salford so far, and events companies and festivals,
such as Cirque du Soul and El Dorado, on unacceptable behaviour on a night out, effective allyship, and how to create an empowering and respectful workspace.
The donation from Brave Noise will help fund/subsidise anti-spiking and effective ally taster sessions for bars and venues, which include advice on how to identify, prevent, and respond to inappropriate behaviour in the night-time economy.
