Broadviews is a hub where you can find our latest news & happenings! We also will share cool women centered $*#& we love and invite our SOBDL community of beer loving ladies to hop on to post beer reviews, beer recipes, videos and more!
I’m sure it comes as no surprise that here at the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies we well, love drinking beer. But we also love moderation. If you’ve come out to one of our bevies you might’ve noticed we always have non-alcoholic options at our events and we also sell non-drinking event tickets too. If you love our Mystery Boxes you might’ve noticed we also have a non-alcoholic option!
Update on our Anti-Racism & Inclusivity Action Plan
Back in June we shared our Anti-Racism and Inclusivity Action Plan and committed to sharing an update in six months, so here we are! Like we said at the time, we’re in it for the long haul, but we’re excited to share the progress we’ve made so far.
This week Erica launched a new regular online series with the Ontario beer mag, The Growler. After 7 or so years of working in the craft beer space and growing The Society of Beer Drinking Ladies into North America’s largest womxn/beer community, we definitely have a role to play in advocating for and celebrating womxn employees at breweries.
Artisan Spotlight with Sage & Thistle's Mikael Walter-Campbell
I wanted to share with you the wonderful Mikael Walter-Campbell. I met Mikael a couple years ago- I believe we were connected through mutual our friend Matt Gibson (formally of Nickelbrook and Royal Canadian Mead). Mikael was just getting going on her handmade goods company - Sage & Thistle- and was inquiring about being an artisan vendor at our upcoming Lady Beer Fest.
Looking for a gift for the beer lover in your life? We’ve got you covered! Check out five of our favorite beer holiday gift packs that you can pick up from your local LCBO!
Over the coming months, we’ll be bringing you guides for some of our favorite local road trip destinations so you can start daydreaming about your next beer getaway! Today we’re taking you to Hamilton! Hamilton is one of the most underrated cities in the GTA and an easy day trip from Toronto. Plus it’s one of the rising stars of the Ontario craft beer scene with an ever-growing list of — dare we say — world-class beer.
Jaime and I both are mega nerds for kitchy handmade goods and all things DIY. Before we created the SOBDL, we both had artisan side hustles (that entrepreneur energy is just in our blood I guess!) Jaime had Sassy Lamb Cupcakes and I canned up a storm with The Argyle Pantry.
Hi! My name is Buffy, and I'm the Brand Manager at Avling Kitchen and Brewery. I'm passionate about craft beer, building community, travel, and my dog. I'm also a huge pop culture nerd, which has brought me to the wonderful world of podcasts. Anybody else out there totally full-up on watching Netflix over the past few months? Podcasts have served as serious respite for me during the pandemic, and here are a few I've had on heavy rotation lately.
There is nothing better than curling up with a toasty, dark brew that warms you up from the inside. And if you can drink for a cause while you're at it - all the better! We've rounded up some local takes on the Black Is Beautiful collaboration, brewed to raise awareness for the injustices people of colour face daily, and raise funds for police brutality reform and legal defences those who have been wronged.
While COVID-19 cases continue to spike and we all start to ready ourselves for another slower winter we wanted to highlight some of the great breweries that are right in our backyard--whether you’re looking for a little fall getaway or want to plan a road trip to look forward to in 2021 :)
Over the coming months we’ll be bringing you guides for some of our favorite local road trip destinations so you can start daydreaming about your next beer getaway!
Now that our 2nd Beer Squad Mystery Boxes are rolling out across the province to ya, we wanted to take a second to highlight the amazing womxn makers that we partnered with this time around! Here are their (lovely!) faces and a bit about them. Connect with erica@ladiesdrinkbeer.com if YOU’RE a womxn maker and have cool products you think we should include in future mystery boxes! And as we continue to create an organization that is equitable, diverse and inclusive, we’re always looking for makers who identify with the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities!
Since we’re not able to meet in person for a bit longer, we thought we’d take a minute to introduce ourselves and the Society! We're Jaime and Erica and we’re the owners and operators over here at The Society of Beer Drinking Ladies. Both of us have worked in the craft beer industry for many years now - Jaime is currently in sales at Beau's & Erica is in sales (but on mat leave at the moment!) at Henderson Brewing.
Over the past couple of months we’ve brought you the Summer Reading List and the Summer Watching List. Today we’re bringing you the last article in the series, our listening list.So, before the leaves start changing colours, let’s squeeze the last drops out of summer. As usual, I’ve spoken to some of the women of SOBDL to bring you a list of podcasts we’re listening to right now and, last but not least, a surprise that no one asked for, I’m sharing a few great songs I’ve discovered on TikTok because we love some Gen Z talent!
We caught up with Mark Solomon, one of the organizers behind Indigeous Brew Day, taking place Sept 20th. The brew day connects Indigenous people working in beer to share their experiences and brew together (virtually at the moment.) Mark is a homebrewer with a passion for bringing people together, and a member of Henvey Inlet First Nation. He spoke to us about the Brew Day, his future plans and his favourite brewery.
This year, with in-person events on hold for the foreseeable future, we launched something super exciting to bring that bevy feeling into your homes--our BEER SQUAD MYSTERY BOX!
So, you’re probably wondering, what’s in the box?
It’s a strange time right now to be a sales rep. With Phase 3 of the pandemic in effect and the province kinda slowly returning to some semblance of normalcy. I wanted to reach out to some of my industry pals to see how it is out there and what’s going down.
Two weeks ago we brought you the SOBDL Summer Reading List--if you missed it check it out!
However, a lot of us are having trouble concentrating this year because well, you’ve seen the news/twitter/instagram/facebook etc etc. So we wanted to keep bringing you different kinds of entertainment lists so we can meet you wherever you are. With the help of some of the wonderful women of SOBDL this week we’re bringing you a Summer Watching List. Enjoy!
Ahh the reading list, that old quintessential summer favorite. Summertime and while traveling are my two favorite times to really make a dent in my reading list. There’s something so magical about sitting in the sun and getting lost in a good story. And while we can’t really travel right now we still have the summer--even if we’re rocking more mask tans lines than bikini tan lines this year!
I chatted to some of the lovely ladies of SOBDL--Erica, Jaime, Jess, Shannon and Drea--and together we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite books we’re reading right now.
As part of our ongoing Brewery Spotlight series we caught up with Colin Weadick & Dan Boniferro, co-owners at Laylow to hear about how they’re handling 2020 — the good, the bad and the silver linings.
Like all events in 2020 Canada Day will look a little different this year--hello virtual fireworks! But while this year’s celebration might not be as big and busy as previous years, that doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy a good socially distanced backyard BBQ and good beers (with a small group of friends).
So, if you’re looking for a perfectly patriotic pint to celebrate today, we’ve got you, eh!
Pride is looking a little different this year, but however you are marking the occasion, we hope you’re taking the time to celebrate the visibility, accomplishments and joy of the LGBTQ+ community! Looking at our own corner of the world (aka the craft beer community) we wanted to shout out a couple special brews that are not only a tasty toast to Pride month, but are donating money to organizations doing important work for LGBTQ+ folx in our communities and around the world.
'Baby' Beer: Confessions of a Preggers Craft Beer Gal
Well, I’m about off to sail off to Babyland for a while (don’t worry, I’ll be around MUAH-HA-HA). After 8 years or so hustlin’ in the beer industry, this is kind of my first real break. Which is kind of comical (yes I give you permission to roll your eyes at me!) because caring for a newborn is definitely NOT a break. But I’m taking mat leave from Henderson Brewery which has kiiiiinda come at a perfect time as beer sales are very bizarre right now, ya know, being in a global pandemic and all. Here at the Society, I co-own it and if you run your own business you know it doesn’t really stop. But that’s OK, I know I will crave work and entrepreneur brain time amidst 24 hour baby life.
Community is everything.
At the end of the day, this is what it's always been about.
When COVID-19 hit we were all affected. For many folks in the hospitality and brewing industries, and the small businesses they work for, COVID-19 has been a tough pill to swallow. But in times of hardship it is said to look for the helpers. Enter Other Half Brewing and the All Together project. #AllTogetherBeer
The state of bars, pubs & restaurants is in a very precarious situation right now. Bar owners across the province were forced to close their establishments mid-March (rightfully so, due to Co-VID 19) and try to navigate what comes next. These small businesses are people’s passions, their livelihoods and create the vibrant, dynamic city of neighbourhoods we love so much about Toronto.
It’s really been interesting to check in with these folks. I love their passion and enthusiasm for craft beer! Their ideas are really smart and their advice for breweries is really on point. Because I got VERY excited to have their undivided attention, I hit them with a whopping TEN questions and soon realized that would make for one very long Q&A. SO, this is part II.
These folks are passionate about beer and they have a knack for creating exciting and dynamic beer sections. They take great pride and many have really taken their role to the next level by creating Instagram accounts to promote and hype up the beers they have at their store. This social media promotion not only helps the breweries but will often catch the eye of other beer captains who will start carrying it too!
Remember that scene in Friends where they move the couch into Ross’ apartment and he keeps yelling at everyone to “PIVOT!”
Well, right now, pivot is the word on everyone’s lips as businesses of all sizes are pivoting as they adapt to this new world of ‘business unusual’. It’s certainly been a challenge but it’s also been an amazing time of innovation and resiliency and we want to celebrate that.
Who knew even a month ago that getting our hands on grocery staples would become such a difficult (and STRESSFUL..eeekk!) process? The struggle to find flour, yeast and even eggs is real! With the big box grocery delivery services taking weeks and all of us limiting trips to stores, we’ve been on the hunt for alternatives and lucky for us small businesses are stepping up! Local spots are trying to navigate these challenging times and find a balance between staying safe and serving their loyal customers, so many have gotten creative by adding new offerings that you can take advantage of between shopping excursions. Plus you’ll be supporting local!
Like everything in society right now, things are quite unusual at LCBO due to COVID-19. Stores are closed Mondays, reduced hours, massive line-ups, staff shortages, etc. I am having to sift through all these roadblocks and complications daily at Henderson Brewing (my day job). It’s QUITE a challenging time to sell beer with the LCBO right now, lemme tell ya!
10 Session Beers That Are Perfect For Self-isolation
I don’t know who needs to hear this but Quarantine Rules are Airport Rules, have a drink at 9am if you want to. So, I thought I’d put together a list of 10 session beers, from local Toronto breweries, that are perfect for self-isolation.
I wanted to learn more about the intricacies of Granite. It is a family owned and operated business, and that has always fascinated me. What’s it like to run a business with your family!? I mean, I love my family bbbbbbut. So I sat down with Sam Keefe, son of Ron Keefe who started Granite Brewpub to pick his brain a bit. Here’s what we chatted about...!
We're highlighting the great work The Bar Towel is doing to help make it easy for people to continue supporting their favorite local breweries, if they have the means to. Because right now supporting your local brewery is easier than ever as so many of them are offering home delivery and shipping across Ontario!
Over the holidays I was home in Ottawa visiting my family and whenever I’m home I love to drink and support local breweries. There’s a great growing craft beer scene in Ottawa so it was hard to narrow down the list, but here it are my Top 8 Ottawa beers I enjoyed over the holidays.
In case you haven’t looked out the window recently, winter is officially here. What better way to enjoy the cold weather than snuggling up in front of the fireplace channel, refusing to leave your home and drinking some good beer?!
Tickets for Ottawa Bevy at Beyond the Pale are now on sale! The launch of our Small Batch Swag Series, the last Beer Yoga of 2019 with Becki Charles at Henderson Brewery & The Good Tap Launch Party is TOMORROW!
With the recent launch of our Small Batch Merch Series, we wanted to take a moment to highlight the artist behind the 'Wish You Were Beer' design: Amanda Goncalves, in the interview below. Learn more about the local designer, illustrator--and self-proclaimed coffee critic--responsible for kicking off our Small Batch Swag Series!
Have you heard of She's On Top? These incredible ladies are a community that connects and celebrates women. They believe that every woman has a unique value and are honoured to tell those stories. Their experience has shown that collaboration creates connection that can lead to amazing things. Sign up for their bi-monthly newsletter where they share interviews and events as well as interesting and cool content. We’re grateful to have the opportunity to partner with She's On Top. Check out this awesome video to learn more.
She's On Top recently interviewed the AMAZING Andrea Bain: TV personality, author and now the creator and host of the podcast Single Girl Problems. This wickedly funny show was nominated for a Canadian podcasting award three months after it launched. WATCH the Shes On Top interview with Andrea.
It was a blur leading up to Lady Beer Fest. We all needed some recovery time but we can never take too long. October is a busy month for the society! Here is a round-up for what’s happening this month and we hope you see you come out!
A quick thanks to our sponsors for their help with Lady Beer Fest 8! Grab tickets to our Halloween Bevy in Hamilton! Flat Brims are on sale for the month of October and beer writer, Amber, gives us the scoop on ladies, beer and more!
Craft beer writer, Amber, is back witha curated list of people, places and things that are inspiring us right now. New beers we’re loving, podcasts we can’t pause, compelling content and stories of women generally doing awesome things––you get the picture.
This week, Amber wants you to drink our new collab beers from Left Field and Henderson Brewing. Listen to Lululemon's #BoobTruths. Read The Cut from New York Magazine, and more.
Amber is a craft beer writer and marketer who loves craft beer (duh), travelling, wiener dogs and a good statement earring. Twice a month Amber will be curating a list of people, places and things that are inspiring us right now. Recipes, new breweries to check out, podcasts we’re loving, must-try beers, stories of women generally doing awesome things-you get the picture. This sweet list will show up in the Society Scoop twice a month. Here's a little taste of what's to come.
Have you heard of The GIST? They're a female-founded sports startup that is leveling the playing field in the sports industry. Their localized free twice-weekly newsletter gives you ‘the gist’ of what’s going on in the sports world and is hands down our favourite way to quickly stay up-to-date on sports news. The GIST is offering our members a chance to win a GIST crewneck and baseball cap. Sign up for their newsletter to join their community and for a chance to win.
Society of Beer Drinking Ladies have hosted a few parties over the past 5 years. Over 50 events if we’re counting. From beer dinners to bevies to lady beer fests - and those are just our own events! So you know you’re in good hands. We put in the work to ensure our attendees will have the best time!
This week we announce our THIRD Good Tap at SPIN Toronto on King West. First up on their good tap is our Northern Maverick Collab: Fraison D’Etre Belgian Table Brew with Lemon & Strawberries!
This week, we reveal the FOOD for Lady Beer Fest! As always, we’re featuring ALL women-owned food businesses. Get hungry ladies, because you’re going to want EVERYTHING these ladies are cookin' up. Also in this week's Scoop: Jaime & Erica are featured in Future Female Magazine - read the full article. Find out the latest beers on tap on The Good Tap! Take advantage of our monthly online swag deal! This month, the Imperial Chalice is 10% off!
Since we began with Bevy0001, in January 2014, we always wanted to make sure we're "Drinkin' For A Cause!" We have had a great partnership the whole time with the Canadian Women's Foundation: a powerhouse National Not-For-Profit that empowers and assists women and girls from coast-to-coast. Did you know that a portion of your ticket sales and ALL bar tips go directly to their good work? Cheers to that!
Listen to Erica on Beau's All Natural Brewing Co. new podcast!
Our very own co-founder Erica (follow her adventures @TorontoErica) was a guest on the very first episode of Beau's All Natural Brewing Co.’s brand new podcast alongside her FAVOURITE Canadian singer/songwriter...the legend Joel Plaskett. (*SWOON*)
