In this special Valentine’s Day episode of A Woman’s Brew, we’re celebrating love in all its forms—romantic, platonic, and definitely beer-related! We dive into how to craft the perfect beer pairing for a romantic date night, from selecting the ideal flight to sharing a few heartwarming (and hilarious) stories about how beer has played a role in our relationships. Whether it’s a love for beer, breweries, or even our favourite beer-related traditions, we’re here for it all.

We may not be the biggest fans of Valentine’s Day (no cards, no flowers), but we’re all in when it comes to planning the ultimate brewery date night. Think cozy spots, great brews, and food that’s definitely more than just a sad bowl of nuts. From tips on choosing the right venue for your first date to how to make the experience feel extra special, we cover it all. So grab your favourite beer, get comfy, and let’s raise a glass to love, beer, and everything in between! Cheers to a fun, beer-filled Valentine’s celebration!

Beer pairing for date night: https://mojavecider.com/blog/say-i-do-to-these-romantic-beer-pairings-for-date-night

Breweries for date nights: https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/lifestyle/londons-best-bars-for-a-first-date-3287

Last minute Valentine’s activities needed?  Check out Jo’s beer tasting kits here:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1386712002/valentines-beer-and-chocolate-pairing?ref=shop_home_active_2&dd=1&logging_key=7285c6700743586ea1265284fec9961b0dee61b8%3A1386712002

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1395279683/valentines-blind-beer-tasting-kit?ref=shop_home_active_1&dd=1&logging_key=e08f04c54b81595cfbe951160ae4aa83df20c5ac%3A1395279683

Bookshop Crawl website: https://www.bookshopcrawl.co.uk/londonprogramme

Get in Touch:

Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew

Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism

Joanne: @lovebeerlearning

Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk

Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew

Join our 2025 drinking challenge here

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Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this episode of A Woman’s Brew, we’re officially dusting off the crystal ball and looking ahead to what beer might look like in 2026. Fresh off a reset—new goals, new microphones, and a renewed sense of purpose—we dig into why now feels like the right moment to talk trends. With lagers in our glasses, we reflect on the state of the industry, the post-COVID reality for breweries, and why stories of decline don’t tell the full picture. Beer, as ever, is cyclical, resilient, and deeply tied to how and why people choose to gather.

We chat through some standout insights from recent trend pieces, including the idea that Gen Z isn’t “killing beer,” but simply approaching it differently—seeking flavour, quality, and experience over volume. From the supposed rise of the “golden lager” to the continued popularity of hazy beers, we unpack what feels genuinely meaningful versus what might just be hype. We also touch on the resurgence of iconic brands like Guinness, how smart (and sometimes surprising) marketing can shift drinking habits, and why accessibility—both in flavour and format—matters more than ever.

Finally, we turn our attention to what might be heading our way in the UK: a broader range of lager styles, evolving packaging formats, drinks beyond beer, and the continued growth of low- and no-alcohol options. As always, we approach it with curiosity rather than certainty. Whether it’s a smoked lager, a tiny can, or a genuinely good alcohol-free stout, our hope for 2026 is simple: more choice, more inclusivity, and more reasons to enjoy great beer together.

Em Sauter's Forbes Article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/emsauter/2026/01/07/craft-beers-current-trends-show-its-cyclical-resilience/

Lotte Peplow's article: https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2025/12/08/five-us-craft-beer-trends-heading-to-uk/

Vinepair trends article: https://vinepair.com/articles/drinks-trends-to-watch-2026/

Get in Touch:

Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew

Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism

Joanne: @lovebeerlearning

Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk

Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew

Join our 2025 drinking challenge here

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Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this episode of A Woman’s Brew, we’re calling last orders on 2025 and raising a glass to a fresh start in 2026. We chat through our end-of-year rewind, reflecting on what was a surprisingly huge year for the podcast, even when life, travel, and work got wildly busy. From rethinking how we structure our wrap-ups (goodbye quarterlies, hello half-years) to acknowledging just how high a bar we accidentally set for ourselves, this episode is very much about taking stock, having a laugh, and giving ourselves a bit of grace.

As always, beer is at the heart of the conversation. We talk about what we’re drinking, from winter warmers and nostalgic classics to truly bucket-list beers (yes, that one), alongside stories of travel, thoughtful gifts, and the realities of beer shopping on both sides of the Atlantic. There’s plenty of honest chat about changing drinking habits, tracking beers (or not), Untappd stats, favourite styles, and how our year in beer looks very different to previous ones — fewer check-ins, but no less love for great flavour and memorable moments.

We also get real about burnout, social media overwhelm, and why it’s okay to disappear into a cocoon sometimes. This episode is a gentle reset: a reminder that beer should be joyful, not stressful, and that it’s fine to step back, simplify, and do things differently. Here’s to saging the vibes, being a bit more “Yoncé” (IYKYK) in 2026, and continuing our mission to get more people drinking and talking about great beer. 🍻

Get in Touch:

Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew

Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism

Joanne: @lovebeerlearning

Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk

Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew

Join our 2025 drinking challenge here

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Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this Bucket List Beer episode, we finally sit down with one of the most talked-about and divisive classics in the beer world: Duchesse de Bourgogne. From the very first pour, this conversation becomes as much about ritual and anticipation as it is about flavour — from glassware choices and careful bottle-conditioned pours to the (very real) emotional impact of not having the right cheese to hand. We talk honestly about why this Flemish Red has earned such an iconic reputation, how it balances tartness, malt sweetness, oak and balsamic notes, and why it feels less like “just a beer” and more like a luxury experience.

As hosts, we dig into what makes Duchesse such a standout within the Flanders Red style, unpacking its history, production methods, and why its sourness is complex rather than sharp. We reflect on how this beer challenges expectations — especially for sour lovers and traditional beer drinkers alike — and why it can be both a gateway beer for wine drinkers and a polarising first sip for the uninitiated. Along the way, we share tasting notes, food pairing ideas (cheese, obviously, but also roasts and even salads), and our own evolving relationship with a beer we keep coming back to.

We also place Duchesse firmly in its Bucket List Beer status, discussing where it appears (and surprisingly doesn’t appear) in classic beer books, its legacy alongside breweries like Rodenbach, and why cultural reputation matters just as much as printed lists. Whether you’re already devoted to Flemish Reds or still wondering if a beer that tastes like balsamic vinegar could possibly be for you, this episode is a love letter to one of Belgium’s most regal, misunderstood, and rewarding beers.

Get in Touch:

Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew

Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism

Joanne: @lovebeerlearning

Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk

Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew

Join our 2025 drinking challenge here

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Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this festive episode of A Women’s Brew, we dive head-first into the most chaotic and comforting corner of Christmas: Quality Street, Roses, Heroes, Celebrations… and the Vault City beers inspired by them. We kick things off by sorting ourselves into our “chocolate houses,” reminiscing about the glory days of Woolworths pick-and-mix, and fiercely debating which sweets truly count as Christmas classics. Along the way, we discover that not all orange chocolates are created equal, that desiccated coconut remains controversial, and that some beers deserve to be enjoyed without any chocolate interference whatsoever.

From chocolate-orange sours that somehow turn into Christmas-morning mimosas, to a coconut-strawberry concoction that tastes like boozy strawberry yogurt, to the absolute star of the episode—the stunning Truffle Berry Bliss—we taste our way through Vault City’s festive lineup and (attempt to) pair each beer with its confectionery counterpart. There are big reactions, bigger opinions, and a surprising amount of emotional processing about textures, ABVs, and holiday breakfast traditions.

We also share some of our favourite Christmas-and-beer memories, chat about the myths around “festive” beers, and peek at what we’re excited to crack open this holiday season. Whether you’re Team Roses, Team Celebrations, or simply here for the chaos, pour yourself something seasonal and join us for this merry, sweary, sweet-filled festive episode.

Get in Touch:

Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew

Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism

Joanne: @lovebeerlearning

Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk

Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew

Jo's Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LoveBeerLearning

Join our 2025 drinking challenge here

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Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this episode of A Woman’s Brew, we’re joined by the brilliant Lucy and Lizzy of Closet Brewing—Scotland’s only openly queer-owned brewery. We chat about their journey from literally brewing in a cupboard in their Leith flat to becoming a fast-growing, award-winning brewery known for bold flavours, community focus, and killer artwork. From exploding fermenters at 3am to DIY mash tuns crafted from Tesco coolers, the pair share the chaotic, hilarious, and deeply personal beginnings of their brewing story.

We dive into the evolution of Closet Brewing: scaling up equipment, learning the hard realities of brewing commercially, and balancing being brewers, business owners, marketers, event managers—and occasional electricians. They talk us through the science (and cake-based experimentation!) that led to beers like their beloved lavender pale ale, Gal Pals, and give us a peek into their incredible queer artist collaboration programme responsible for some of the most eye-catching labels in UK craft beer—frog butts and all.

Finally, we explore Closet’s commitment to queer community, accessibility, and creating spaces that uplift and celebrate everyone. The duo share their pride in award wins, their manifesting list for the next few years (a taproom?!), and how much their success is rooted in the village of people who support them. So, check out their newly reopened webshop, grab a beer and settle in for an episode full of heart, humour, and truly excellent brews.

Visit Closet Brewing at their website and grab some beers here, there is also 10% off merch until the end of 2025!

https://closetbrewing.com/

If you are in Leith, grab a beer at The Bowler’s Rest:

https://bowlersrest.com/

Find them on Instagram here:

https://www.instagram.com/closetbrewing/

And the artists you should look into:

Jumper designs by Audrey Subra @aud_pizzanova –

https://www.instagram.com/aud_pizzanova/

@zuzamakes - They're Turning The Friggin Frogs Gay, Thine Cup Runneth Over –

https://www.instagram.com/zuzamakes/

@gawrjuhsart - Lemon Soul, Bright Young Things –

https://www.instagram.com/gawrjuhsart/

@ajd.illustrates - Gal Pals –

https://www.instagram.com/ajd.illustrates/

@hamillustration - Fault Lines, Hidden Track –

https://www.instagram.com/hamillustration/

@hicarbi - Freudian Slip –

https://www.instagram.com/hicarbi/

@enbean_art - Spectre, Vampire Spa Day –

https://www.instagram.com/enbean_art/

@_lostastronaut - Lost in the Sauce –

https://www.instagram.com/_lostastronaut/

@ergi.world - Alex, Lucy's sibling, Tattooist and designer of several of our early can labels inc. GOAT, Mieter*innen, Smoke Signals and Last Train Out of Manchester –

https://www.instagram.com/ergi.world/

@scotsqueerfilm – SQIFF

https://www.instagram.com/scotsqueerfilm/

Get in Touch:

Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew

Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism

Joanne: @lovebeerlearning

Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk

Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew

Join our 2025 drinking challenge here

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Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

We’re back! We finally reunite after a whirlwind of holiday travel, festivals, and award ceremonies! In this bumper November catch-up (or “Novembeer,” as we’ve christened it!), we catch you up on our latest globe-trotting escapades in Germany, the US, and Japan. We celebrate some massive milestones—like Joanne winning Beer Communicator of the Year at the Women in Beer Awards and being shortlisted for 2 British Guild of Beer Writers awards while Tori regales us with tales of navigating Tokyo’s subways and finding a Sapporo Vintage 2025 lager.

Tune in for our usual blend of beer geekery, silly tangents (Modelo! Dessert Dash! Dirndls for any occasion!), and a deep dive into beer industry news. We discuss new World Beer Cup categories, non-alcoholic beer trends in Germany, and the surprising uses of AI in Japanese craft brewing. Plus, find out how Untappd’s latest expansion has us rethinking our beer tracking habits. Grab a beer, settle in, and get ready for plenty of laughs—and maybe a few travel tips—straight from your two favourite beer-loving presenters!

Links we mentioned:

World Beer Cup introduces new categories:

https://www.worldbeercup.org/news/registration-now-open-for-the-2026-world-beer-cup/

German non-alcoholic beer sales boom:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/10/11/germany-nonalcoholic-beer-sales-boom/

Global non-alcoholic beer market growth:

https://www.brewersjournal.ca/2025/09/03/global-non-alcoholic-beer-market-set-for-robust-growth-projected-to-reach-usd-43-9-billion-by-2035/

Non-alcoholic beer sales:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/non-alcoholic-beer-sales-9-194518058.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com&guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9jaGF0Z3B0LmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAABHkwqz6WHn-EPW6wiQ4MOGryoSaaVDSAOdko5KhDrR9FA3tsLX_yITQjLY08QasdBtxqQpLFFnhk8VtDHc3Y6zvOggRVgdQmdx2KkKV_Jk694qHYqw0VpzvxI5zq0Qca1uOdo1Bq6hdXm66kO479urtKoLyCE5TQdiMY7_HglCK

Innis & Gunn recreate 150 year old beer:

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/rare-bottle-150-old-beer-134642397.html

AI-driven fermentation time:

https://asiabrewersnetwork.com/news/ai-driven-fermentation-time-of-craft-beer-cut-by-28-in-japan-trial?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Untappd expands beyond beer:

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/untappd-expands-beyond-the-beer-category/

Get in Touch:

Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew

Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism

Joanne: @lovebeerlearning

Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk

Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew

Join our 2025 drinking challenge here

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Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this episode, we’re cracking open a true bucket-list classic: Allagash White. We share our personal history with this iconic Belgian-style witbier—how we’ve somehow managed to drink loads of it over the years without logging it on Untappd, the memories it brings back for both of us, and the pure joy of that first coriander-and-orange-kissed sip. From flipping the can to “rouse the yeast,” to admiring that unmistakable milky sheen, this beer had us grinning right from the pour.

We also take you through what makes a proper witbier, diving into BJCP style notes and talking aroma, flavour, and mouthfeel—because yes, we’re going full beer geek on this one. We look at Allagash Brewing’s story, the early struggles to get people on board with hazy Belgian flavours, and how it eventually became the most-awarded witbier in the world. And of course, we go off on our usual tangents—everything from airport beer choices to seafood pairings we’ll never eat, to the eternal debate over frosty mugs.

If you love wheat beers—or think you don’t—this episode is a ride. So grab an Allagash White if you can, pour it into your fanciest glass (or whatever’s clean), and drink along with us. Cheers, friends! 🍻

Links we mentioned:

About Allagash:

https://www.allagash.com/about/our-story/

Vinepair article:

https://vinepair.com/articles/the-oral-history-of-allagash-white/

Hop Culture article:

https://www.hopculture.com/11-things-you-didnt-know-about-allagash-white/

Food and Wine article:

https://www.foodandwine.com/hefeweizen-vs-witbier-what-s-the-difference-8657632?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Reddit Article:

https://www.reddit.com/r/52weeksofbaking/comments/f5hxq8/week_5_beverage_pairing_allagash_white_inspired/

Under the Jenfluence – BJCP prep videos here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpb8Fu5Y8LU4zkqj6qAexh41JtPf9TYYo

Her deep dive into Belgian beers here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SygcOSkdKpw&list=PLpb8Fu5Y8LU4zkqj6qAexh41JtPf9TYYo&index=13&t=21s

Get in Touch:

Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew

Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism

Joanne: @lovebeerlearning

Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk

Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew

Join our 2025 drinking challenge here

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Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

It’s our 5th birthday! 🎉 In this episode, we’re raising a glass (or five) to celebrate five years of A Woman’s Brew. From our very first chat about Burnt Mill and women head brewers, to 243 episodes, 73 interviews, countless styles explored, and more pumpkin spice beers than we probably should admit—we’re looking back at the journey with plenty of laughter and a few stats that even surprised us. Along the way, we share memories of recording in conservatories, battling Zoom’s time limits, and figuring out if hanging duvets for soundproofing was really necessary.

To mark the occasion, we each picked five beers that represent different parts of the podcast’s history—from our Burnt Mill beginnings to pumpkin spice indulgences and beyond. Expect quiz questions, tangents galore, and a celebratory cheers to everyone who’s joined us over the years. With more than 25,000 downloads and so many brilliant conversations with brewers, beer lovers, and beer-adjacent creatives, we’re feeling grateful, giddy, and just a little bit nostalgic. Here’s to five years of beers, cheers, and brilliant company—and to the next round still to come! 🍻

Get in Touch:

Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew

Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism

Joanne: @lovebeerlearning

Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk

Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew

Join our 2025 drinking challenge here

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Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

This week we’re putting on our lab coats and goggles for a true beer geek adventure—yeast experiments! We cracked open a special set of four collaboration beers from Elusive, UnBarred, and Lallemand, each brewed with the same malt and hops but fermented with different yeast strains. To help us navigate the science (and keep us from bumbling our way through too many Google searches), we’re joined by the brilliant Alix from Lallemand. She dives deep into why yeast is way more than just the alcohol-maker—it’s the flavour-shaper, aroma-creator, and unsung hero of brewing.

Together, we taste through the lineup—comparing the clean, sherbety BRY-97 with the juicy peach-citrus hit of Aurora, the Belgian-style farmhouse tang of Saison, and the clove-and-banana whispers of the Wit strain. Along the way, Alix drops some absolute gems about biotransformation, hybrid yeast strains, and even the art of “schmooing” yeast cells (yes, that’s a thing!). We also chat about brewers breaking yeast “rules,” the challenges of low-alcohol brewing, and—of course—the importance of good socks and merch in the beer world. It’s equal parts nerdy and fun, and by the end, you’ll never look at yeast the same way again. 🍻

Find out more about Lallemand here:

https://www.lallemandbrewing.com/en/global

Find the beers here:

https://www.elusivebrewing.com/buy-bottled-beer

Get in Touch:

Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew

Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism

Joanne: @lovebeerlearning

Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk

Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew

Join our 2025 drinking challenge here

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Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com