What a day! Yesterday the ladies of VT Beer Shepherd attended our fourth annual Pink Boots Society Brew Day at Four Quarters Brewing! The Pink Boots Society is an international nonprofit dedicated to supporting and empowering women and non binary individuals in the fermented beverage and alcohol industry. They do this primarily through scholarships and other educational opportunities designed so that women can learn from other women in the industry.

Each year the Pink Boots Society releases a special hop blend that brewers can purchase and feature in their own unique brew through a collaborative brew day. Not only is this brew day the Society’s largest annual fundraiser, but more importantly it’s an opportunity for brewers of all genders to come together to teach, inspire, and honor women in the beer industry.

The ladies of VT Beer Shepherd have been attending Four Quarter’s collaborative brew day since 2019. 4Q began the tradition in 2018 when owner Brian Eckert’s then 5yr old daughter, June, began showing interest in learning how to brew. He created the Juniper Rose IPA in celebration of her. Since then, Four Quarters has hosted a Pink Boots Collaborative Brew Day which the ladies of VT Beer Shepherd have been honored to attend.

“Each year it’s been a great experience of community and empowerment and learning for all the women involved.”

— Indy Ewald

“This was my third year brewing with June and it’s been so incredibly cool to watch her do her thing and become more and more involved every year. Each year I learn more about the brewing process and appreciate the opportunity to ask questions, be engaged in the brewing process, and meet other women in the industry. It’s a special day and one that I look forward to every year.”

— Kate Ewald

June’s energy and stoke for learning how to brew is infectious. From running up and down the ladder carrying grain to continuously checking and monitoring the tanks, June clearly has a bright future in brewing ahead of her. It’s wonderful to see her surrounded by the staff at Four Quarters who are so committed to fostering her love of brewing.

To say it was a special day is an understatement. A huge thank you to the team at Four Quarters for their hospitality and including us in this incredible tradition. See you next year!