Society BroadViews Archives

Interview with Escarpment Labs Co-Founder Richard Preiss

A few weeks back, I contacted Escarpment Labs to ask permission to use a couple of photos for this article. I was pleasantly surprised to hear back from the laboratories’ co-founder Richard Preiss, asking how he could help and offering to answer any questions I had. Before I dive into the Q&A, here’s a bit of background info on Escarpment Labs and what they do. Photos courtesy of Escarpment Laboratories

No Booze? No Problem!

We may be the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies, but our events have never been just about beer! You don’t need to be a beer drinker to enjoy the spectacular performances, tasty food and awesome vibes of a Bevy, and that’s equally true of our first ever Virtual Beer Fest. While our Party Boxes come chock full of boozy goodies, we figured we’d round up five of our favourite suggestions for folks who are choosing not to partake.

Partying (Responsibly) Together - While Apart!

It's time for our famous Lady Beer Fest to make the jump to the digital space! With the Eternal Hoptimist Beer Fest, we’ve brought our favourite elements from our in person events and shifted it to a Zoom extravaganza. Not sure how to bring that beer fest energy to an online event? Check out our suggestions below for some ideas to bring your beer squad together while staying safe.

These Craft Breweries are Making the Industry Greener

Brewing is not the most sustainable industry, but there are some creative ways breweries are working around or offsetting these issues. In honour of Earth Day, we checked in with a few Ontario breweries doing their part to make craft beer a little more green.

Left Field Seltzer cans - Lemon Lime & Grapefruit Tangerine

What's All the Fuss About Hard Seltzers Anyway?

As the weather heats up, we find ourselves looking for lighter, thirst-quenching bevvies that don’t pack the punch of a double IPA or imperial stout. Over the past few years ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail market has gained incredible momentum and craft brewers are getting in on the action too. The days of the super sweet canned cocktails are over as hard seltzers take center stage in the ready-made cocktail market. Photo courtesy of Left Field Brewery.

Women Brewer Spotlight: Erin Broadfoot

For Erica's latest installment of Women Brewer Spotlight, say hello to Erin Broadfoot! Erin’s the owner and head brewer over at Little Beasts Brewing in Whitby. For years now, Little Beasts has been producing excellent, mostly Belgian inspired brews in Whitby, Ontario (for all our non-Ontario friends, it’s about 45 minutes East of Toronto sans traffic, of course.)

Inclusivity Committee Meeting #1

A few months ago, we put out a call for our brand new Inclusivity Committee, looking for input from folks in our community and outside of it to share their perspectives. We had a fantastic response, and brought on twelve incredible people. our first meeting took place March 8th and we're pleased to share a summary of what we discussed.

Catching Up with Chef Tara Lee

I’m absolutely delighted that I had the opportunity to interview Chef Tara Lee for this week’s broadviews article. Anyone who has met Tara knows that she is dedicated, passionate and an overall super awesome human.

International Women's Day Beer Round-up

We love seeing our favourite breweries put their support behind International Women’s Day by recognizing the contributions of women on their staff, featuring female artists and supporting women focused charities. Jess rounded up five beers brewed by some of our favourite Ontario spots in honour of IWD.

So it Gose...

For this month's beer geek article, I decided to explore the history of gose and how this beer style has survived the test of time. Photo courtesy of Collective Arts Brewing.

Women Brewer Spotlight: Esther Farias

I’m back with another riveting edition of Women Brewer’s Spotlight! I’m thrilled today to check in with longtime SOBDL superfan and all-around wonderful human, Esther Farias (she/her). Simply put, Esther is a delight. I first met this hilarious ball of energy at one of our early Society of Beer Drinking Ladies bevies in Toronto. Flash forward to present day, and I am really proud of Esther who is now employed full-time as a brewer at one of Canada’s most influential and iconic craft breweries, Steamwhistle.

Bartender Spotlight: Joan McIsaac

Leah sits down this week with longtime craft beer mogul Joan McIsaac to chat about the craft beer industry and how it's changed over the past 30 years.

Meet the Artist: Star Horn

One of the coolest creative challenges of our ongoing beer series in the LCBO is switching up the artwork on the can as often as we switch up the beer style. For Brew 0005, a Hibiscus Pale Ale, we chose a design by Star Horn, a Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) artist originally from Kahnawake (just outside of Montréal) who now calls Perth, Ontario home. We caught up with Star to hear more about her work, life as an artist, and what inspired her to create this funky label for us.

A Trip to Foeder Town

Introducing our newest writer to the Team: Leah! Her innagural article explores the funky world of foeders and all they have to offer. Photo courtesy of Left Field Brewery.

Checking in with Toronto's Newest Brewery

I introduce to you, Red Tape Brewery! Pre-Emergency Stay-at-Home order, Jaime and I popped into Red Tape to (socially distance) meet and take a tour with, co-owner, Sara Beth Holden. Having been a resident of East Toronto for many years, I was slightly embarrassed that I had never turned North on Main off the Danforth before to see this cute little neighbourhood where Red Tape now calls home.

Best Non-Alcoholic Beverages 2021

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.

Spotlight: Brewer, Taylor MacKenzie

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.

LCBO Holiday Gift Packs

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!

SOBDL Craft Beer Road Trip: Hamilton

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.

Artisan Spotlight: Scrub & Butter

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.

Buffy's Podcast Round Up

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.

Black is Beautiful Round-up

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.

SOBDL Craft Beer Road Trip: Niagara

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!

Meet the Artisans

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!

Meet the Society!

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.

SOBDL Summer Listening List

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!

Spotlight on Indigenous Brew Day

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.

Mystery Box No. 1

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?

Life of a Pandemic Craft Beer Sales Rep

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.

SOBDL Summer Watching List

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!

SOBDL Summer Reading List

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.

Brewery Spotlight: Laylow

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.

Canada Day Beer Guide

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!

Drinkin' For a Cause: Pride Edition

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.

All Together Project

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

Navigating the New Normal

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.

Craft Beer Rockstars at the LCBO - Part 2

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.

Craft Beer Rockstars at the LCBO - Part 1

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!

Image featuring our interviewees: Dave, Sean and Rachel

Ottawa Brewery Spotlight - Quarantine Diaries Edition

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.

10 Less-Stress Local Grocery Alternatives

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!

Spring 2020: 10 New Craft Beers at LCBO!

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.

RESPECT. YOUR. ELDERS. Erica Spotlights Toronto's Granite Brewery

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...!

Ontario Beer Delivery Index_Illustration by Dave Murray

How to drink local in lockdown

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!

Amber's Inside Scoop

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.

Amber's Inside Scoop - December 2019

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?!

Society Scoop - 10/31/19

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!

Introducing our Small Batch Swag Series

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!

She's On Top

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.

Single Girl Problems Podcast

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.

What's up October?

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!

Society Scoop - October 7 2019

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!

Amber's Inside Scoop - October 2019

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.

Introducing Amber

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.

The GIST goes National

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.

What to Expect at Lady Beer Fest

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!

Society Scoop - August 15 2019

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!

The Society Scoop - August 9 2019

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!

Canadian Women's Foundation

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*)

Next Event // Friday May 14 2021, From the Comfort of YOUR COUCH!

Society BroadViews

Interview with Escarpment Labs Co-Founder Richard Preiss

No Booze? No Problem!

Partying (Responsibly) Together - While Apart!

These Craft Breweries are Making the Industry Greener

What's All the Fuss About Hard Seltzers Anyway?

Women Brewer Spotlight: Erin Broadfoot

Inclusivity Committee Meeting #1

Catching Up with Chef Tara Lee

International Women's Day Beer Round-up

So it Gose...

Women Brewer Spotlight: Esther Farias

Bartender Spotlight: Joan McIsaac

Meet the Artist: Star Horn

A Trip to Foeder Town

Checking in with Toronto's Newest Brewery

Best Non-Alcoholic Beverages 2021

Update on our Anti-Racism & Inclusivity Action Plan

Spotlight: Brewer, Taylor MacKenzie

Artisan Spotlight with Sage & Thistle's Mikael Walter-Campbell

LCBO Holiday Gift Packs

SOBDL Craft Beer Road Trip: Hamilton

Artisan Spotlight: Scrub & Butter

Buffy's Podcast Round Up

Black is Beautiful Round-up

SOBDL Craft Beer Road Trip: Niagara

Meet the Artisans

Meet the Society!

SOBDL Summer Listening List

Spotlight on Indigenous Brew Day

Mystery Box No. 1

Life of a Pandemic Craft Beer Sales Rep

SOBDL Summer Watching List

SOBDL Summer Reading List

Brewery Spotlight: Laylow

Canada Day Beer Guide

Drinkin' For a Cause: Pride Edition

'Baby' Beer: Confessions of a Preggers Craft Beer Gal

All Together Project

Navigating the New Normal

Craft Beer Rockstars at the LCBO - Part 2

Craft Beer Rockstars at the LCBO - Part 1

Ottawa Brewery Spotlight - Quarantine Diaries Edition

10 Less-Stress Local Grocery Alternatives

Spring 2020: 10 New Craft Beers at LCBO!

10 Session Beers That Are Perfect For Self-isolation

RESPECT. YOUR. ELDERS. Erica Spotlights Toronto's Granite Brewery

How to drink local in lockdown

Amber's Inside Scoop

Amber's Inside Scoop - December 2019

Society Scoop - 10/31/19

Introducing our Small Batch Swag Series

She's On Top

Single Girl Problems Podcast

What's up October?

Society Scoop - October 7 2019

Amber's Inside Scoop - October 2019

Introducing Amber

The GIST goes National

What to Expect at Lady Beer Fest

Society Scoop - August 15 2019

The Society Scoop - August 9 2019

Canadian Women's Foundation

Listen to Erica on Beau's All Natural Brewing Co. new podcast!

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