SIPS AND TIPS
REINVENTING THE BEER TOUR FOR A DIVERSE, INCLUSIVE AUDIENCE
AirBrewNB Founder Elle Thomas advocates for women owning their spot in the beer industry. BY RUVANI DE SILVA
For Elle Thomas, starting AirBrewNB was a way to fuse her
passions for learning about and appreciation of beer with her goals of supporting local craft breweries and diversifying the industry. “Although I don’t produce beer professionally, it’s my calling to assist bringing new individuals into craft beer appreciation,” she says. Thomas launched AirBrewNB in 2018 with the goal of offering bespoke beer experiences in Austin hosted by women beer professionals. She pivoted the business online with the onset of COVID-19 and plans to offer both in-person and virtual tours in the future.
“” When I used to visit taprooms I didn’t see many other women, so I decided to be proactive in changing craft beer culture.
What inspired you to start AirBrewNB?
Photo by Justin Brummer.
When I used to visit taprooms I didn’t see many other women, so I decided to be proactive in changing craft beer culture. AirBrewNB is designed for groups, specifically women and women of color, who may not feel included in traditional beer culture. [We] offer an environment where they can feel comfortable asking questions and learning about beer.
58 | AUSTIN WOMAN | FEBRUARY 2022
