'It's my identity': How a female brewer in Milwaukee is inspiring women in the industry

’It’s my identity’: How a female brewer in Milwaukee is inspiring women in the industry
NEXT:

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For International Women's month, many industries are highlighting the women it takes to keep them moving.

One of the most popular industries in Wisconsin might not exist if it weren't for the women behind it - brewing beer.

A popular Milwaukee brewery honored women in the brewing industry with an IPA release.

"To be able to combine my passion for craft beer and my passion for advocating for women, it's such a big deal," said Samantha Danen.

Danen is a brewer at Third Space in Milwaukee, and the Wisconsin chapter leader for the Pink Boots Society - an international organization for women in the brewing industry.

Each year in March, they make their presence heard through collaboration brews.

"There are chapters all over in all the different states that are brewing beer just for International Women's Day," Danen said.

This year, Danen led the Wisconsin Pink Boots chapter for a special brew at third space.

"We had a bunch of women from all over the state who work in the brewing industry come out and help us brew this beer about a month ago," Danen said.

After about a month of prep, Third Space held a release party for the Like a Girl IPA on International Women's Day.

"I feel like it's a really approachable IPA for people who aren't necessarily into bitterness," Danen said.

This is the third year Third Space has brewed the Like a Girl IPA for International Women's Month, but the hops and flavors change every year.

"It produced a lot of tropical flavors in this beer. It has a really nice malty backbone, which kind of balances things out," Danen said.

The beer is canned and on tap, with sales benefitting the women who brewed it.

"A big portion of the proceeds are going to go right back to our Wisconsin chapter, which is so huge, because that's how we're able to fund scholarships and educational opportunities for our members," Danen said.

After putting in the hard work, the best part is tasting the final product.

"It's a really good balance of pure bliss, and how can i make the next one even better," Danen said. "I am so passionate about brewing beer, like, it is my identity, it is what I absolutely love."

Danen's love for brewing is rooted in its history - the industry was spearheaded by women.

"Men have been at the forefront, but women are actually the original brewers. It goes back to the very beginning of time, the very beginning of brewing, women were the ones doing it," Danen said.

In college, she and her friends learned to home-brew.

"When I got to try these things, it opened a whole new world, and I knew I wanted to have my chance at making it myself,' Danen said.

Since then, she's made a name for herself in the Brew City.

"I was able to get my foot in the door, and O got my first job in the brewing industry at Company Brewing in Riverwest here in Milwaukee, and the rest is kind of history," Danen said.

Danen has been at Third Space since 2020, working alongside other women and men to brew unique ales.

"I love beer because it's made of four super simple ingredients, but those four ingredients can be translated into a million different recipes, Danen said. "There's so much science involved, but it's also like, an artistic form when you're the one who's being able to craft it."

She hopes her career spreads the message that there's a space for everyone in the brewing industry.

"Future generations of young girls and women will be able to see what we're doing now, and know that this is an option for them, and not have to fight to get their foot in the door," Danen said.

Brewers like Danen, inspiring women to take back the reigns of a craft they created.

"Women are here. We do belong in this industry. We have so much to offer. We can do anything a man can do in this industry," Danen said.



Share this article: