Karl Strauss offers support to local women brewers through education and scholarships

Karl Strauss Brewing Company was one of the originators of craft beer in San Diego, opening its doors in 1989. They have released favorites like Mosaic Session Ale, Big Barrel IIPA, and Wreck Alley Imperial Stout. They have won 65 medals over the past four years and are currently ranked #41 on the list of the country’s top craft breweries with sole distribution in California. In addition to these many accolades, they continue to be pioneers in the craft beer industry by helping others learn the trade.

Beginning in 2014, Karl Strauss began funding a scholarship for the program through its nonprofit Karl Strauss Brewers Education Fund, a fund established to provide support to those pursuing a career in craft beer. This year’s scholarship winner is Jenny Freeman, who decided to turn her hobby of brewing into a career.

“Winning the scholarship through Karl Strauss is letting me learn from the most experienced brewers and industry leading professionals,” says Jenny. “There’s nothing better I could ask for. Finishing up the first quarter at UCSD, I’ve seen how this industry supports, encourages and shares ideas with one another and I am eager to be part of it.”

Karl Strauss also recently teamed up with Pink Boots Society (the international organization that focuses on empowering female beer professionals to advance their careers through education) to offer an Education Package Scholarship for San Diego State University’s College of Extended Studies “Business of Distribution” Course. The scholarship was granted to Pink Boots member Jordan Boinest, co-owner of Newgrass Brewing Company. Newgrass will be the very first brewery to open in the town of Shelby, North Carolina later this year.

In addition to supporting these two female brewers, Karl Strauss hopes to bring more women into brewing by participating in the second annual International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day (IWCBD). The purpose of IWCBD is to raise awareness for women in the craft beer industry.

They has gathered a team of women to brew at their downtown San Diego satellite brewery location where Apprentice-Brewer Deanna Boyce will be taking the lead. “It’s a wonderful feeling to be part of the larger movement of women brewing,” says Deanna.