California's Women Who Brew

STORY BY: JAYCE BARON PHOTOS: COURTESY EAGLE ROCK BREW AND TYLER SADLER

Ting Su, co-founder of Eagle Rock Brew and The Women's Brew Forum

It seems like it was just yesteryear when the grotesque Budweiser Bullfrogs were the first thing that came to mind when you thought of an ice cold beer. Frat games and Homer Simpson belching carbonated remains was the impression most of America's pop culture envisioned.

Eventually, the fermented wheat water's reputation began to curve landing on a more sophisticated platform. The intricate science behind brewing craft beer has become more of an interest to the inquisitive masses. How exactly does one create the Super Bowl's favorite social beverage? After the curiosity came community and an influx of new craft brewers across the nation. From a restaurant to right at home, independent brewing has become an interest to anyone exploring a more intimate experience with their beer. Still, the “manly man's drink” narrative is rampant not only in the consumption of beer, but the knowledge, work, and meticulous science behind brewing.

Southern California has not only been a hub for some of the most innovative flavor palates and aromas but is the home of some of the more diverse brewers. Eagle Rock Brew has been hosting the Women's Beer Forum for eight years in the pragmatic neighborhood tucked away in the outskirts of Hollywood. Created as progressive space for people, regardless of gender, the forum provides a face-to-face experience with the chemistry behind craft beer. Members gain an internal understanding of beers so they are better prepared when ordering when they visit bars and restaurants.

“I was still working behind the bar a lot and was noticing how women were generally just told what to drink by the guys they were coming to the brewery with, even when the women tried to ask me questions about other beers,” said Ting Su, co-founder of Eagle Rock Brew and The Women's Brew Forum. “I noticed that there seemed to be a lot of preconceived notions on what types of beers women would be into, just because of gender rather than their palate preferences.”

A first-generation citizen in the United States, Su's parents moved from Taiwan to Florida where she was raised. Growing up in a restaurant family in an immigrant household gave her a first-hand example of building the American Dream. That same ambition led her to earn her Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) degree and work a successful decade in the field. Ultimately, her hospitality roots eventually rerouted her talents and skills to Eagle Rock Brew.

Not only is she a boss at work, but a boss at home. Being a parent and having a career in any field can be difficult. Being a business owner takes that to another level. Ting Su manages to be a mom and a leader in the brewing community.

“It's a challenge that I try to figure out daily. Since I'm very involved with the day-to-day operations at both the brewery and the restaurant, I tend to get home really late at night,” said Su when asked about work/life balance. “I send my little guy to daycare later in the mornings so that I can spend a bit of time with him before I start my day.”

Tyler Sadler, an up-and-coming Brew Master.

Homebrewing

Outside of the giant machinery and professional drafts, some have taken an even more grassroots approach to brewing craft beer. With a simple kit from Amazon and researching the correct concoctions of yeast, oaks, and everything in between, people are brewing right at home!

“Homebrewing is a task which makes it seem like a weird hobby to most. Why not just buy beer you know will taste good from the store or from your local brewery?” says Tyler Sadler, an up-and-coming Brew Master in the community. “Many claim you save money making your own beer but that is up for debate.”

Born and raised in Riverside, CA, Sadler is now working and living in Los Angeles as a successful Production Coordinator. Ironically, always having a passion in fields mostly populated by men (like sound engineering), Tyler Sadler has always thrived as sometimes the only woman in the room. Introduced one unruly night after graduation, her taste matured and genuine intrigue forced her to explore the varieties of beers into adulthood. She took her allure to the next level and started brewing at home as a hobby in 2018 to delegate her time and energy creating holistic balance in her life.

“There's a lot of stuff online and in books that can seem very overwhelming in terms of equipment you 'absolutely need' to brew beer, but technology and innovation in the brewing industry is so amazing that it's definitely possible to brew great beer in a small one bedroom apartment,” explains Tyler. “My process involves using the least number of vessels as I can. This simple new method called 'Brew in a Bag' helps to eliminate the number of vessels you need.”

Both Ting and Tyler shared their ups and downs being successful women of color in an industry that stereotypically appeals to men. Although challenging at times, Tyler joyfully explained that after the occasional initial shock (especially with her name), she's learned the fellas are harmless and will treat women equally and with respect.

Regardless of gender, building a tribe of like minded individuals can be beneficial for the development of your passions. A sense of community provides understanding, growth, or even just a sincere smile.

As the accessibility to brewing your own beer becomes more sovereign, the Su's and Sadler's of the community will, with open arms, stir the pot and even chink a glass.

So where’s the party at?

Well, here’s a list of upcoming events to get your chug on.

JUNE 15 | 1-4pm

11th L.A. Beer Week Kickoff Festival - Los Angeles Center Studios 450 S Bixel St, Los Angeles, CA - labeerweek.org

JUNE 20 | 6-9pm

Eagle Walk: Sip & Savor - MILKFARM 2106 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA eaglerockbrewery.com

JULY 6 | 7-10pm

Los Angeles Beer Festival - Pershing Square 532 South Olive St. Los Angeles, CA rockstarbeer.com

AUGUST 10 | 1-7pm

LA Taco & Beer Festival '19 - Los Angeles Center Studios 450 S Bixel St, Los Angeles, CA - latacobeerfest.com

AUGUST 24 | 12-5pm

2019 Taste of Brews Long Beach - Shoreline Aquatic Park (AKA Lighthouse Park) 200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA tasteofbrews.com

SEPTEMBER 12-13

CA Craft Beer Summit 2019 - Long Beach Convention Center 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA - cacraftbeersummit.com

SEPTEMBER 14 | 12-5pm

Summit Beer Festival 2019 - Marina Green Park 386 E Shoreline Dr, Long Beach, CA cacraftbeersummit.com

RESOURCES:

CA Craft Brewers Association CCBA is a 501(c)6 nonprofit trade association representing the craft and specialty brewing industry in CA. Visit: californiacraftbeer.com

LA County Brewers Guild The LACBG’s mission is to promote and protect local independently-owned craft breweries and advocate for the strengthening of the craft beer industry. Visit: labrewersguild.org