A Woman’s Brew

Joanne Love
  • 5.0 (2)
  • FOOD
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

A Woman’s Brew Podcast follows the ‘beer-ventures’ of two beer-loving women – Joanne Love & Tori Powell – on their mission to get more people drinking and talking about great craft beers. The duo look to infuse equal parts education, playfulness, and story-telling with a dash of chaos across their episodes with the aim to make the craft beer hobby more fun and approachable for all – made by women for everyone! Tori and Joanne are both UK based, but weave in their US connections with their love of travel to bring you – dear listeners – stories from across the industry and across the globe. They hope that you’ll grab a drink of your choosing and join them for a round or few – CHEERS!

  1. 3D AGO

    256 - A Conversation With... Bristol Beer Factory for IWCBD

    In this episode of A Woman’s Brew, we head to Bristol to chat with Kezia and Rosie from Bristol Beer Factory about their 2026 International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day beer, Cowgirl Supernova. Rosie, one of BBF’s female brewers, and Kezia from the marketing team talk us through how the brewery handed the reins over to the women of the company to design the beer from the ground up—from recipe to branding. The result? A rebellious Kölsch IPA brewed with the Pink Boots hop blend, Nelson Sauvin, and even a touch of sorghum to reflect the brewers’ South African and New Zealand heritage. It’s crisp, fruity, and unexpectedly sessionable—and yes, Jo (a self-confessed Kölsch sceptic) ended up loving it.   We also dive into the story behind the name Cowgirl Supernova, inspired by the BBF women’s “Pink Ponies” WhatsApp group and the bold, fun energy of the brew day itself. Kezia shares how the creative brief for the beer’s branding embraced that rebellious spirit, resulting in a vibrant design full of disco lights, cowboy hats, and unapologetic colour. The conversation highlights how empowering it can be when breweries actively create space for women across departments—brewing, marketing, and beyond—to shape the final product.   Beyond the beer itself, we explore Bristol Beer Factory’s Brewed To Give initiative, which sets aside 2% of brewery sales to support local charities and community groups. For this International Women’s Day release, profits are being shared between four organisations supporting women, migrant communities, and LGBTQ+ groups in Bristol. It’s a brilliant example of how a collaboration brew can celebrate great beer while also strengthening the communities around it—and exactly the kind of story we love sharing on the podcast.   Read more about the beer here: https://www.bristolbeerfactory.co.uk/blogs/news/iwd-with-bbf   Buy the beer here: https://www.bristolbeerfactory.co.uk/products/cowgirl-supernova   Follow Bristol Beer Factory on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bristolbeerfactory/   BBF’s charity partners: https://eastoncowfolk.org.uk/womens-football/ https://one25.org.uk/ https://www.projectmama.org/ https://www.transpridebristol.org.uk/   Get in Touch: Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/ Email: awomansbrewpodcast@gmail.com 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   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

    49 min

  2. FEB 23

    255 - Bucket List Beers: King Sue & Pseudo Sue

    In this prehistoric party of a Bucket List Beers episode, we finally get stuck into the iconic Sue line-up from Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. — starting with the legendary Pseudo Sue before levelling up to King Sue. While only one of them officially makes it into the bucket list books, we couldn’t resist putting both (okay… three) to the test. From that unmistakable Citra burst in Pseudo Sue — all juicy citrus, mango and soft malt sweetness — to the dangerously smooth, 8.2% imperialised glow-up that is King Sue, we explore whether these hyped-up hazies truly earn their global reputation. Spoiler: one of them seriously reignites our love for classic Citra-forward pale ales.   We dig into the story behind the brewery’s meteoric rise from nano system to destination beer mecca in Iowa (yes, Iowa!), and the surprisingly wholesome trademark tale involving Field Museum and the famous T-Rex “Sue.” Instead of a legal battle, we got collaboration — and we love to see it. Along the way, we compare awards, Untappd stats, Beer Advocate rankings, and debate whether bigger (and stronger) really means better when it comes to hazy dippers. Expect hop chat, imperial IPA origins, “juicy DIPA” giggles, and some serious danger juice energy.   And because we can’t help ourselves, we also personify Pseudo Sue into a neon-dino, museum-hopping, craft-beer-loving icon who absolutely would get told off for touching the fossil displays. Is she our new best friend? Quite possibly. But the real question is: which Sue would make your bucket list? 🍻   Get in Touch: Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/ Email: awomansbrewpodcast@gmail.com 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   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

    1h 46m

  3. FEB 9

    254 - Beer & Love for Valentines

    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: awomansbrewpodcast@gmail.com 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   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

    2h 1m

  4. JAN 26

    253 - Beer Trends 2026

    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: awomansbrewpodcast@gmail.com 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   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

    1h 48m

  5. JAN 12

    252 - End of Year Review 2025!

    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: awomansbrewpodcast@gmail.com 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   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

    1h 41m

  6. 12/29/2025

    251 - Bucket List Beers: The Duchesse!

    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: awomansbrewpodcast@gmail.com 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   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

    1h 36m

  7. 12/15/2025

    250 - Christmas 2025!

    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: awomansbrewpodcast@gmail.com 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   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

    1h 57m

  8. 12/01/2025

    249 - A Conversation With... Closet Brewing

    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: awomansbrewpodcast@gmail.com 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   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

    1h 27m
See All (257)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

A Woman’s Brew Podcast follows the ‘beer-ventures’ of two beer-loving women – Joanne Love & Tori Powell – on their mission to get more people drinking and talking about great craft beers. The duo look to infuse equal parts education, playfulness, and story-telling with a dash of chaos across their episodes with the aim to make the craft beer hobby more fun and approachable for all – made by women for everyone! Tori and Joanne are both UK based, but weave in their US connections with their love of travel to bring you – dear listeners – stories from across the industry and across the globe. They hope that you’ll grab a drink of your choosing and join them for a round or few – CHEERS!

Information

  • Creator
    Joanne Love
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    257
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024 null All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    A Woman’s Brew