⁣On International Women’s Day, we speak to the Queen of Beer, Annabel Smith who has been instrumental in supporting women working in the beer industry and challenging male-orientated advertising. ⁣⁣⁣⁣

“A lot of women still feel judged for drinking beer, and perceive beer to be bitter, heavy, bloating and fattening. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Typically, half a pint of a 4% lager actually has less calories than a single shot gin and tonic or a small glass of wine! ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Also, many small batch, craft beers are typically made only from all-natural ingredients and are unpasteurised which keeps all the vitamins and goodness in the beer. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Educating people about the different flavours and taste-profiles of beer is a fascinating journey – I love to see people who don’t think they like beer to be amazed by the range of wonderful styles and delicious flavours. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Years of male orientated advertising has put some women off beer. We are working to overcome these outdated stereotypes, and we are pleased to see the landscape changing.”⁣⁣⁣

Annabel is a beer sommelier and founder of research and beer education companies Dea Latis and BeerBelle, and co-author of The Gender Pint Gap and the Beer Agenda.