A DUNDEE brewery has created a new beer with profits funding women to get their qualifications in beer production. 71 Brewing is sponsoring four seats for the WSET Beer Level 1 qualification course, helping to fund women in gaining skills within the male-dominated industry. The beer, West of Sunset, is being released in honour of International Women’s Day, and was created by the company’s female Head Brewer.
The brewery is sponsoring the course spaces through the International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day (IWCBD) initiative, donating £500 to the cause. IWCBD celebrates women’s contributions to brewing, as well as encouraging development and gender inclusivity within industry.
Head Brewer, Bella Perez, is 71 Brewing’s newest addition to the team. She enjoyed creating the beer and seeing her ideas come to life.
“I really like West of Sunset, which we brewed for International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day in collaboration with a number of women from across different Scottish breweries. It’s a dry, West Coast IPA with a lot of tropical hops, and I’m very happy with how it’s all come together.”
Perez spoke of the challenges women face when starting out in the industry, reflecting on her own experiences. She believes that persistence is key, advising other women and girls to not give up.
“I’ve been involved in mentorship programs, and I know firsthand that women face challenges. When I was starting, I didn’t get glamorous roles. I spent years working in packaging, not getting the recognition or opportunities I felt I was qualified for.”
West of Sunset was created in collaboration with Cold Town House, Newbarns, Campervan, Closet Brewing, Edinburgh Beer Factory, Heriot-Watt University, and Jump Ship who came along and supported the brew in February. Brewed and dry-hopped with Strata and Krush hops from Yakima, the new beer has a bitterness and tasty notes of stone fruit and orange—vibrant flavours of the West Coast IPA style.
West of Sunset is available to purchase in a number of pubs: https://71brewing.com/blogs
71 Brewing is an independent craft brewery specialising in creating crisp lagers and small batch brews inspired by new-wave brewing techniques, traditional European styles and superior quality ingredients. Founded in 2016, they are Dundee’s first active brewery in over 50 years.
For more information on 71 Brewing, visit: www.71brewing.com
