Vancouver is undoubtedly notorious for its craft beer scene with small bloggers, connoisseurs, and even homebrewers in abundance. Heck, even I used to run my own blog. But, did you know that a few wonderful women are spearheading their own spotlight on the scene? If not, meet the Beer Birds.
As you may have guessed, the Beer Birds are, yes — all women.
Chere (Cherry Critter) is s founding Beer Bird, and along with Shawna and several guest birds they have created a source of coverage on events, reviews, all there is with craft beer. It’s refreshing to see the passion and raw personalities that come across in each review and post. Not only do they have blog posts, but they host Twitter chat sessions using the hashtag #bcbeerchat every Thursday at 7pm to get people actively engaged and excited about craft beer, and even a Ladies Craft Beer Book Club (with beer and pizza) at Dogwood Brewing the first Thursday of each month!
But I had to ask first, why the name “Beer Birds?” As Chere says, the term “bird” is used commonly in the UK when referring to a girl or woman. She says “One of the original Birds spent considerable time in the UK rowing professionally, suggested the name and it just clicked”.
When I asked what inspired her to begin writing, reviewing and posting about craft beer, Chere says she felt inspired to focus on beer from a woman’s point of view, because the craft beer scene was mainly a “male-dominated industry”. She goes on to explain “Whether it be from a marketing standpoint or the service I received in pubs and restaurants, I felt there was no voice for women who love beer.” You don’t even really need to think about it; it’s currently still a male-dominated industry. But why is that? Surely there are more than just a handful of women who love their beer.
With regards to the proportion of women to men in the craft beer scene, I asked if she thinks women have a smaller influence at the moment. Chere explains “I think at the moment yes, we have a smaller voice and that’s simply due to ‘old school rules’. As craft beer gains in popularity and more women show up at events, show an interest or work in the industry, that will change.”
And they’re definitely on the right path to that change, with posts covering events such as the Great Okanagan Beer Festival, to brew reviews featuring a Jalapeno IPA (yeah, it’s called Ay Caramba), the Beer Birds are drawing attention to the community. As Chere puts it best, with regards to the influence of women: “It’s starting to shift dramatically”.
A great place to look is the on Twitter for the hashtag #bcbeerchat as it turns the social media platform into a forum for Q&A discussion. You can join in the discussion simply by adding in #bcbeerchat to your Tweet and it will be seen by everyone participating. While Tweets are short and sweet, you can add links to articles, your blog, or even topics related to your answers. Some of BC’s biggest craft beer bloggers and advocates take part; perhaps you should, too!
Well, how would one get involved? I know a few Birds who’d love to guest-write, or submit content about their favourite (or least favourite) brews. “We love to have new perspectives on the craft beer scene and welcome female writers to contact us on how to be a guest Bird”. Additionally, while it’s recommended, there’s no requirement to be a CAMRA member to write for the Beer Birds.
If you’re not looking to write, but maybe get out of the digital world 
and have some real-life interaction, the Beer Birds are running a Ladies Craft Beer Book Club! How can you resist great conversation, craft beer and freshly made pizza? It all goes down at Dogwood Brewing’s tasting room, and the next one is happening on June 2nd. Click here for details! Can’t make this month? Keep it tuned to their website to find out what the next book will be.
All that said, if you haven’t checked out the Beer Birds yet, what are you waiting for? Check them out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I’m certain you’ll also see them at different craft beer happenings throughout the city!
Cheers,
Adam Dewji
Secretary, CAMRA BC – Vancouver Branch
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