🍺Beer witch

Women used to dominate the beer industry – until the witch accusations started

a black and whit picture of a group of womans drinking dark beer in witch like clothes

The image of a broom wielding sorceress with a tall hat, black cat and bubbling cauldron overflowing with potion has been synonymous with witches for the last century and probably longer. The truth of the woman in this story takes us down a much different path altogether, and we are set to lead the way.

Just as women were establishing their foothold in the beer markets, the Reformation began. The religious movement, which originated in the early 16th century, preached stricter gender norms and condemned witchcraft. Catholic church could resist finally forcing its way into the brewing trade which had been growing with the population. Finally, men had their way into the craft! With money to be made and control to be had, the church began its long and complete reconstruction of the beer trade.

To reduce their competition in the beer trade, some accused female brewers of being witches and using their cauldrons to brew up magic potions instead of booze. Unfortunately, the rumors took hold. Over time, it became more dangerous for women to practice brewing and sell beer because they could be misidentified as witches. At the time, being accused of witchcraft wasn’t just a social faux pas; it could result in prosecution or a death sentence. Women accused of witchcraft were often ostracized in their communities, imprisoned or even killed.

Some argue that iconography we associate with witches, from the pointy hat to the cauldron, originated from women working as master brewers. So how did the brewster’s image become likened to our ideas of a witch?

The hat:

They wore the tall, pointy hats so that their customers could see them in the crowded marketplace. Back in the height (literally) of women's fashion, a lady could be found with many forms of head coverings but most favorably either a henin or a shortened, brimmed version of the same hat. This hat, which could be two feet tall, stood out on crowded streets, allowing for a certain level of recognition. It is believed that because of this simple marketing scheme, brewsters (by this time refered to as “alewifes” and “beer witch” alike) we able to sell their brews in the streets and at markets more easily.

The star:

Another symbol found outside the door was a talisman resembling the Star of David. The star was used to convey the purity of their beer. Remember, it was the middle ages: plagues were a constant concern. The six points of the star are said to symbolize the most important parts of brewing: hops, grain, malt, yeast, water and of course, the brewster (brewer). This talisman of the brewster, the Star, likely proved to be the yeast that overboiled the cauldron (or kettle as it were).

The cat:

Cats was not demon familiars, but just to keep mice away from the malt grains. Natural predators not only help create healthy, natural ecosystems, but also they help with mouse control.

The broom:

To promote sales, brewsters would often place a broom (symbol of domestic trade) in front of their home or tavern.

The cauldrons:

They transported their brew in cauldrons.

With our journey through history long from over, we continue to be amazed at the strength and perseverance of the women involved in craft brewing. Regardless of the origins of the myth, one fact remains eerily, spookily true: Men still dominate the industries. And that, dear readers, is a spell we'd like to break. So let's take our places back!