Please note that this list is based on my personal opinions and relationships with these women, and is therefore extremely biased. Nonetheless, these are all very important women who have already and continue to make a huge impact on the beautiful world of craft beer. Also note that the order of the women on the list does not signify ranking, it is merely a listing. Cheers!

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Photo: CraftBeer.com

1. Julia Herz

Craft Beer Program Director, Brewer’s Association

Biographical Snapshot: Julia Herz is orchestrator of Craft Beer Muses, CraftBeer.com’s outlet for furthering the craft beer conversation. As the Craft Beer Program Director Brewers Association (BA) and Publisher of CraftBeer.com, Julia serves as an advocate for and educator about U.S. craft brewers, and is a key spokesperson for the BA.

Julia is a BJCP beer judge, award-winning homebrewer, a Certified Cicerone® and leader of American Craft Beer Week. Her areas of expertise include: resources and education on craft beer, general statistics on the craft brewer segment, beer styles and trends plus craft beer and food pairing. She has been featured by the Food Network ‘Unwrapped’ Series, interviewed on Public Radio, Sirius/XM, CNBC Squawk Box, Fox News and hundreds of other media outlets. Julia is a graduate of University of South Florida and previously worked at CNN in Washington D.C.

Why Julia is a Rockstar: Julia is the epiphany of the term “craft beer advocate” — regardless of gender. Julia is arguably the strongest voice of the craft beer industry. Her passion, drive and knowledge is extremely inspiring. She has, hands down, one of the best palates I’ve ever seen in my life. If there is one person in the craft beer community that I aspire to be like the most, man or woman, it is Julia.

Follow Julia on Twitter: @HerzMuses

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Photo: TeriFahrendorf.com

2. Teri Fahrendorf

Brewmaster, Road Brewer, Founder of Pink Boots Society

Biographical Snapshot: Teri is the second woman brewmaster in the history of American craft beer. She was the first woman brewmaster at both a California craft brewery and at an Oregon craft brewery. Her extensive brewing experience includes Sieben’s River North Brewpub in Chicago; Golden Gate Brewing Company in Berkeley, California; Triple Rock Brewing Company in Berkeley, California; and Steelhead Brewing Company‘s five locations in Oregon and California. Teri has won a total of eights medals in the Great American Beer Festival competition.

Teri is currently the President of the Pink Boots Society, an international charitable trade organization created to inspire, encourage, and empower women to become professionals in the Beer Industry. Teri also boasts experience as a technical speaker at many beer industry conferences, and has written technical articles for brewing trade magazines and books. Teri is a graduate of the Siebel Institute of Brewing Technology in Chicago, where she was voted Class President; the first woman class president in Siebel’s history. Teri also has a Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin.

Why Teri is a Rockstar: When Teri first started brewing professionally in 1989, there were virtually no women working in breweries. Now, as a result of her efforts with the Pink Boots Society, every major and most of the smaller craft breweries in the country have at least one woman on the team. I have yet to meet her in person, but I look forward to that day!

Follow Pink Boots on Twitter: @PinkBootsBeer

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Photo: Facebook

3. Lucy Saunders

Owner, F&B Communications LLC

Biographical Snapshot: Lucy is a writer (newspapers, magazines and books) and educator primarily focused on food & beer pairings, cooking with beer, and environmentalism in the beer industry. She is the author of five cookbooks including Cooking with Beer,Grilling with Beer,and The Best of American Beer & Food. Lucy was one of three women who contributed to Beer Hunter, Whisky Chaser — an international collection of essays honoring the famous beer & whiskey writer, Michael Jackson. Lucy is also an instructor at the Siebel Institute on Beer & Food.

In addition to her writings, Lucy is the organizer of the Great Lakes Water Conservation Conference for craft brewers and policy makers as well as a speaker on sustainability topics in brewing. Lucy is a graduate of the Siebel Institute’s Sensory Evaluation course, and trained in baking and pastry at the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago. She also graduated from Hamilton University with a Bachelors degree in English Literature.

Why Lucy is a Rockstar: Not only is Lucy a pioneer in the world of food & beer, but I also consider her to be a beloved mentor, trusted friend and respected colleague. Ever since I met her (roughly 4 years ago), Lucy has taken me under her wing and has been one of my greatest supporters. She is one of the most intelligent, passionate and kindest people I have ever met. I have learned so much and have so much more to learn from Lucy.

Follow Lucy on Twitter: @lucybeercook & @GLWater

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Photo: Facebook

4. Wendy Littlefield

Co-Founder, Vanberg & DeWulf

Biographical Snapshot: Founded in 1982 by Wendy Littlefield and her husband Don, Vanberg & DeWulf pioneered the importation of artisan ales from Belgium. From 1997 to 2003, Wendy and her husband Don co-founded and ran Brewery Ommegang, the first brewery to produce cork-finished, bottle conditioned Belgian style beers in America. Wendy was the first American woman inducted into the Belgian Brewers Guild in its more than 500 year history.

Wendy is also the founder of Pi Group, a marketing consulting firm with special interest in women’s issues, girls’ education, widening participation for minorities, sustainable dining on campus – and how non-profits can use social networking to advance their causes. She graduated magna cum laude from Yale University with a Bachelors degree in Architectural History.

Why Wendy is a Rockstar: As fate would have it, I met Wendy the very same day I met Lucy (above) — a pinnacle moment in my life as a female beer blogger and aspiring beer professional. Wendy’s resume is quite possibly the most impressive of all the women in the craft beer industry. If anyone should be deemed the first woman pioneer of craft beer in the U.S., Wendy gets my vote. I’m proud to call her a friend and mentor. I look forward to the day when I can join in on one her adventures in Belgium.

Follow Wendy on Twitter: @belgianexpert

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Photo: Discovery.com

5. Mariah Calagione

Vice President/ Marketing, Dogfish Head Brewery

Biographical Snapshot: Considered the right-side of the brain inside the workings of Dogfish Head, Mariah is not just Sam’s wife, but an integral part of the Dogfish Head team. After supporting her husband with an actual paycheck for the first few years, Mariah joined the Dogfish Head team full-time in 1997. As Vice President, Mariah works with the marketing, web, merchandise, tour and community teams. She also oversees all the social media marketing done by Dogfish.

Prior to and during the beginning of Dogfish Head’s development, she was Director at WBOC-TV, a CBS affiliate based in Maryland. Mariah graduated with a Bachelors in Public Policy from Brown University.

Why Mariah is a Rockstar: Mariah is living proof that behind every great man is an even greater woman (no offense Sam). In my eyes, Mariah is the glue that holds Dogfish Head’s core together. She is one of the brilliant minds behind Dogfish Head’s creative and innovative marketing. Under Mariah’s leadership, Dogfish Head has emerged as one of the, if not the, most influential craft beer brands on social media. She is also one of the biggest supporters of beer bloggers, and I am honored to call her a friend!

Follow Mariah on Twitter: @dogfishbeer

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Photo: Entrepreneur Magazine

6. Kim Jordan

CEO & President, New Belgium Brewing

Biographical Snapshot: As CEO and President of New Belgium Brewing, Kim is active in day-to-day sales, Branding, and Organizational Development aspects of the business with a huge focus on mid-range and long-range strategical development. She cultivated her passion for social work, the environment and community to develop one of the fastest growing craft breweries in the U.S. Under her leadership, New Belgium boasts a healthy internal culture with progressive policies such as employee-ownership, open book management and philanthropic giving. She negotiated New Belgium’s transition to wind powered electricity through an employee vote and as over seen the implementation of Colorado’s largest private solar array at the Fort Collins facility.

In her twenty years as an entrepreneur, Kim has spoken to thousands of people in the business, nonprofit and academic worlds about how to create a vibrant and rewarding work culture that enhances the bottom line. Kim graduated from Colorado State University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Her early work included being an advocate for women’s rights and family health at Project Self Sufficiency.

Why Kim is a Rockstar: Kim is one of the most powerful women in craft beer. As the third largest craft brewery in the U.S., New Belgium changing the way craft beer is perceived and consumed in the marketplace. Kim is also driving major change in policy and brewing operations across the world. But don’t let her success and notoriety intimidate, Kim is an extremely down to earth, very approachable woman.

Follow New Belgium on Twitter: @newbelgium

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Photo: Facebook

7. Lisa Morrison

Author, Craft Beers of the Pacific Northwest

Biographical Snapshot: Known amongst the craft beer community as The Beer Goddess, Lisa is a Portland-based freelance beer writer, published author, beer instructor, beer judge and general crusader for the craft beer movement. Her freelance writing work includes: the Brewers Association’s New Brewer, Celebrator Beer News, Northwest Brewing News and more. Lisa is also the host of Beer O’Clock, a radio program on Newsradio 101 FM KXL connecting beer lovers from around the world to the best in great beer through exclusive interviews, brews news, event listings, and tasting notes, etc.

Lisa is also the author of Craft Beers of the Pacific Northwest, the first book in more than a decade that brings beer lovers the very best insider information on the best places to source Northwest beer. Lisa graduated Colorado State University with a degree in Technical Journalism.

Why Lisa is a Rockstar: As one of the first modern-day female beer writers, Lisa has helped to forge the path for beer writer a bloggers, both male and female alike. She is a staple and a figure in her local Portland beer scene, actively supporting her local watering holes, breweries, fellow beer writers and bloggers. Lisa is one of the kindest women I have ever met, and I’m truly honored to call her a friend.

Follow Lisa on Twitter: @TheBeerGoddess

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Photo: Jon Weber, BeerObsessed.com

8. Nicole Erny

Exam Manager, Cicerone Certification Program

Biographical Snapshot: By far the youngest on this list, Nicole Erny was recently crowned the first woman Master Cicerone, and is one of four people in the world to claim the title. Her main responsibilities at the Cicerone Certification Program include planning and managing all aspects of the Certified Cicerone Exam; leading trainings for distributors, brewery sales teams, and other groups of beer industry professionals; Administering the Cicerone Exam at various locations throughout the US and beyond.

As a native Northern Californian with a special focus on Belgian beer, Nicole has created fantastic beer menus and formulated pairings that have captured the interest of beer drinkers from novice to expert. She has a Bachelor’s Degree,Interdisciplinary Humanities with emphasis in Media Studies from New College of California.

Why Nicole is a Rockstar: As someone who is lucky enough to live in Nicole’s neck of the world, I can attest to her super-human tasting powers and ridiculously vast knowledge of beer. When I first met Nicole, as she was tending bar at The Trapist in Oakalnd, I knew right away that she was destined for great things in beer. I’ve had the honor of taking the Certified Cicerone Exam under her management, and have experienced her training first hand. She is one of the most energetic women in the industry, and I’m really excited to see what she accomplishes in the coming years!!

Follow Nicole on Twitter: @Beer_Muse

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Photo: Melissa Cole

9. Melissa Cole

Author, Let Me Tell You About Beer

Biographical Snapshot: Melissa is an expert beer writer, beer event organizer, bar staff training and corporate events. Melissa Cole is also the founder and author of the popular UK beer blog, Taking the Beard Out of Beer. Melissa has been invited to judge at beer competitions from London to Italy and Amsterdam to America, having built a reputation as having a fine palate and fun approach to all things brewed. She is lead partner in London’s only dedicated beer tasting business, lovebeer@borough in Borough Market.

Melissa recently published her début book on beer, Let Me Tell You About Beer. She is also London’s leading exponent of corporate tastings and beer experiences, with everything from 10 cover high-end beer matched dinners for senior executives of blue chip companies to themed canape receptions for 300 delegates under her belt. Melissa was also named one of the Most Powerful Women in the Drinks Industry by Channel4 Food.

Why Melissa is a Rockstar: The percentage of women beer drinkers in the UK is pathetically low. So much so, that mega-corporations have targeted the alcohol loving women of the UK with horrible marketing gimmicks like clear beer. Through her writing, speaking engagements, and event planning, Melissa has made it her mission to educate women in the UK about craft beer. She is a friend that I frequently enjoy standing next to on a virtual soap box, using our blogs and Twitter voices to inspire change in the beer community.

Follow Melissa on Twitter: @MelissaCole

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Photo: ryan tillotson

10. Gwen Conley

Quality Assurance Manager, Lost Abbey

Biographical Snapshot: Gwen got her start in the beer biz as microbiologist for Coors in Golden, Colorado. She left Coors to work for the Ball Corporation, where she went through their sensory training program and became an expert on how colors, aromas, and flavors work together to create sensory experiences. After that, Gwen took her experience to Flying Dog, where she managed their QA efforts and conducted educational programs in beer and food pairings.

Gwen is currently manages the brewing and production processes at Lost Abbey where she is “putting all that fancy science equipment in the lab to work”. She also oversees Lost Abbey’s sensory sessions and assists in production of its much sought after barrel blends. Gwen is an instructor at the American Brewers Guild, instructing aspiring brewers on the subjects of Quality and Microbiology. She graduated the University of Colorado with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology.

Why Gwen is a Rockstar: Picture the phrase: Kicking ass and taking names — that is Gwen. Gwen is quite possibly the most badass woman in the craft beer world. Although extremely fun and sociable, Gwen is one tough and serious chick when it comes to the quality of beer. Her lab work is changing the landscape of beer, one microorganism at a time. But don’t let her geeky science background fool you, Gwen definitely knows how to have a good time

Follow Gwen on Twitter: @sensorygoddess

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 Cheers!!!

Curious what goes on in the minds of your favorite beer bloggers? Well, The Beer Wench is and she has embarked upon a mission to interview as many beer bloggers that she can — from all over the world. Are you a beer blogger? Do you want to share your story? Send me an email!

INTRODUCING: MARIA SCARPELLO

AUTHOR OF: THE ROAMING PINT

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Maria Scarpello
Twitter handle: @TheRoamingPint
Name of blog: The Roaming Pint
Current location: Right now… Denver, CO, next month? Who knows!

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Born in Omaha, NE – “Grew up” in Lawrence, KS

2. What sports if any did you play growing up, through college and beyond?

Almost all of them… past college we play rec softball and indoor soccer. Shout out to Snakes on the Plains!

3. How old were you when you had your first beer?

Probably 16.

4. If you can recall, what is the story of your first beer? Where did you have it? What style and brand was it?

It was a Keystone Light that we stole out of my friend’s Mom’s refrigerator. Yuck!

5. Where, if applicable, did you go to college? What did you study? What additional activities, organizations, sports did you partake in during college?

I graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelors degree in Graphic Design and a Masters in Design Management. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Craft Beer Epiphany

Every craft beer enthusiast has at least one pinnacle craft beer experience that completely changes ones perspective on beer. I refer to this mind-blowing moment as a “craft beer epiphany.”

1. What was your first craft beer epiphany? Recall as many details about it as you can:

I’m not sure there was one specific moment that I can recall thinking “oh so THIS is what good beer is actually supposed to taste like”. Actually, what I do remember is having a difficult time at first, tasting beers that were warmer than I was used to. I recall a gradual exploration into many different styles from the brewery that burst my craft beer cherry, Free State Brewing Co. I also give a lot of credit to our local homebrew club, Lawrence Homebrewers Guild for expanding my horizons. I joined a few years back when Brian started homebrewing with our good friend Dane, to understand how to better inform my palate. The members are very knowledgeable and were calling out flavors in the beers that I never would have thought of! Now thanks to them I can pick out coriander or clove and understand when other beer geeks complain that a beer hasn’t attenuated.

Beer Blog Background

1. How long have you been writing your beer blog?

Our blog officially launched in August 2011 but we’ve been on our brewery tour since August 2010.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

Traveling around in our RV we’ve come across too many resources that were not mapping things out for us. When we are in a new area, all I know is that little blue dot on our iPhone Maps app and that’s about it. As we continued to travel and get recommendations from locals or other beer friends we realized we had a lot of great suggestions that were simply too good not to share! There are a few other websites that map out great beer destinations but we hope to add a personal touch, with local insider tips, photos, video interviews and the quickest link to a map. If you know what you are looking for a map is only two clicks away!

3. Why did you choose the name of your blog?

Brian is the creative brain when it comes to naming things around here. We roam around a lot because 1. You are more likely to stumble upon things you didn’t know existed 2. It’s too damn difficult to make plans when frankly you can do anything you want roaming is easier and 3. The end result of most of our roaming was a pint!

4. What are your personal goals for your blog? What do you hope to achieve with it?

The main goal has always been to provide a map-based search directory for great beer destinations. A close second has been focused on creating content that people enjoy and want to interact with. Living full-time on the road is tough only in the sense that, at times, we are far away from our friends and family. When our fans comment on our Facebook posts or website it makes us feel like we aren’t so far away and they are with us on our journey.

5. What is one of the coolest things that happened to you as a result of being a beer blogger?

Definitely the people we’ve met. Since the launch just over a month ago, we’ve had the opportunity to sponsor the Great Nebraska Beer Fest, in which I also was the guest MC, and that was the weekend we met @BeachBumChris and @Darthweef of @NewBrewThursday. We were flattered to be mentioned in their Tallgrass Oasis video as “gypsies” that Stephen wants to live with.

6. What are your top 3 favorite beer blogs/beer websites?

I’ve always found high quality content on Craftbeer.com, but as far as personal beer bloggers I mostly read posts from Lee Williams of Hoptopia, The Beer Wench and Whiskey and Beer Bros. I also really enjoy reading articles from @ColoBeerMan and being a designer I LOVE Oh Beautiful Beer’s elegant display of beers and labels.

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

Amber, Black Ale or Black IPA and Stout/Porters are typically my favorites.

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

• Free State Brewing Co.
• Nebraska Brewing Co.
• Full Sail Brewing Co.

– All have good food, great beer and awesome people!

3. If you could work with or for any one brewery, which one would it be and why?

Free State Brewing Co. because they are my favorite. Although, we just went on the New Belgium tour and they do have some incredible employee perks including: bikes, a beer trip to Belgium on your 5th year anniversary with the company and a 2 month sabbatical to explore as you wish on your 10 year anniversary! Love that!

4. Are you a homebrewer? If yes, what is the most unique and interesting beer recipes you’ve brewed as a homebrewer?

Brian brewed for a while when we were living in a actual “home”. They would sucker me into helping when all I wanted to do was drink their beer. Clean labels off beer bottles? No thank you! All you can drink delicious home brews? Yes Please! My favorite one he brewed was the Midnight Ale.

5. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

Any daily special from Free State Brewing paired with any seasonal brew they are pouring. Clearly I love this place, if you’ve been you know what I mean, if you haven’t you better go find out!!

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I spend the majority of my time now traveling and working on the Roaming Pint. I am also the MF’CEO of Working On Not Working.

2. If you could change your career at this very moment, without any restrictions on what you could do, what would you want to do and why?

I actually did just that when we decided over a year ago that we would purchase our first RV and hit the road. I enjoyed most parts of my previous career as a Sales Solutions Manager at a software company but made the most liberating decision of my life when I quit my job and opened a whole new world of possibilities for myself. When we first started we did not set out to be on a brewery tour, but now that we have completely immersed ourselves in the industry there is no turning back for me.

3. Are you married? Children?

Brian and I have been together for 10 years but have yet to tie the knot. 2 dogs are all the children we need.

4. Outside of beer and writing, what are some of your other hobbies?

Closely related to beer I absolutely love to tailgate. We are huge Jayhawk fans and also enjoy watching soccer, especially the World Cup. I love hosting parties, cooking and surrounding myself with friends.

Off The Beaten Path

1. If you were a style of beer, what style would be and why?

I asked Brian to answer this for me. He said “a Stout or a Porter on nitro because I’m bold and smooth and like black guys”. HA! He is very white.

2. You were caught smuggling beer illegally, which has now been made punishable by death. Right before you are sent to the executioner, you are offered one last beer. What beer would you chose and why?

C4 from Free State. If I had to drink one beer for the rest of my life it would be the same answer. Mmm it’s so good I want one right NOW.

3. If I contracted you to brew a beer (or design a beer recipe) called “The Beer Wench” — what style would you chose and what, if any, extra ingredients would you add?

Eeek, I’m not a brewer so I had to defer to Brian on this one as well. We have collaborated and decided on a Gosa with black peppercorns, salty with a kick!

4. If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?

Easy, I would want to fly, so I could go anywhere at anytime. I wonder if you can get a FUI?

5. What is one of the craziest things you have ever done and lived to tell the story?

Skydiving in Switzerland was pretty crazy. Glad I lived to tell it.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Fucking love it. Crispy yes please? BLT’s in the summer with corn? Oh yeah!

SPECIAL THANKS TO MARIA FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

I was recently offered the opportunity to write a piece for the “Craft Beer Muse” section on CraftBeer.com. For some time now, craft beer has been fighting for a rightful spot on the table. After all, beer pairs just as well, if not better in some circumstances, than wine. But times, they are a changing.

In my article “A Craft Beer Epiphany In Wine Country,” I share my unique story about a food and beverage experience at one of the world’s most prestigious and award-winning restaurants, The French Laundry — which is located right in the heart of Napa Valley wine country.

“For a few decades now, craft beer has played second fiddle to wine.

But not anymore.

The introduction and popularity of the gastropub concept has revolutionized the way people experience and perceive craft beer and food. Wine is no longer the only fine beverage that has found its rightful place at the dinner table.”

Make sure to check out the entire article on the CraftBeer.com website!

Cheers!