From the Bar to a Book, the Bitch Beer Girls Are Rewriting History

, From the Bar to a Book, the Bitch Beer Girls Are Rewriting History

Take whatever you think you know about “girly” drinks and toss it out the proverbial window – the girls behind the Austin-based Bitch Beer site are here to set the record straight, in more ways than one. The seven-member team isn’t afraid to tackle stereotypes, to speak their minds, and to assert their authority in the craft beer-o-sphere. That passion has led them to secure their biggest project to date – publishing the first definitive book about Austin’s storied craft beer history.

, From the Bar to a Book, the Bitch Beer Girls Are Rewriting HistoryNo strangers to writing and representing Austin’s craft beer culture, the girls of Bitch Beer entered the scene in earnest when they launched their collaborative website in February of 2012. Their mission: to reclaim the term “bitch beer” (a colloquialism for the sweet malt beverages that are supposedly “made” to appeal to women) by changing its definition to simply refer to any beer a woman chooses to drink – which is whatever the hell she wants. Instead of alienating readers with snotty references to “drinkability” and “mouthfeel,” the girls focus on providing real news to real drinkers, both male and female, in their lauded coverage of the rapidly growing and ever-changing world of Austin beer.

“Part of our motto has been to make craft beer accessible to anyone that wants to enjoy it,” explained Sarah Wood. “We don’t ever want to be at the place where we’re saying the mouthfeel is very velvety and it has a hint of oak. We want to keep it approachable, relevant to everyone, and very real for people coming into the beer community as well as those who are established.”

, From the Bar to a Book, the Bitch Beer Girls Are Rewriting HistoryWhile their accessible and thoughtful writing has secured their stature in the local community, they’re about to get some national props. Out in early September, the History Press will publish their first book, Austin Beer: Capital City History on Tap, part of the multistate American Palate series that seeks to profile some of the nation’s best beer towns. Austin Beer chronologically follows the dawn of Austin’s beer scene back in the 1860s, its demise during and after Prohibition, and the 100-year lag that preceded its current and robust craft climate.  

“I think one of the most exciting things was getting to talk to people who have been in the Austin beer scene for so many years and have worked at so many different establishments,” said Caroline Wallace. “Even the majority of brewpubs that operated in Austin in the 1990s aren’t open today. So much of Austin’s brewing history is so young that we are living in that history right now. You can pick up this book, go to the breweries talked about, buy the beer that we’re describing, and engage in a new way.”

Though a sudsy sea of incredible facts, figures, and infographics securely ground this book, that’s where its similarities to your typical historical narrative end. This is a behind-the-scenes insider’s guide to craft beer from the perspective of sassy and smart ladies who live in and celebrate Austin’s local scene every day. We’re talking more than 100 glossy photos, sneak peeks at breweries still in the planning stages, and even a drinking game that corresponds with the text and local beer pairings for each chapter. Seriously – what history book wouldn’t be more palatable with a craft beer in hand, especially one about the craft itself?

Brilliantly engaging ideas aside, the content of the book is just as equally noteworthy. The girls approached the 240-page tome with a divide-and-conquer strategy – each took a segment of history (corresponding to book chapters) and did their research due diligence. More than 60 interviews and countless hours of writing and archival digging later, the girls had in the course of six months synthesized their findings into one solid piece of historical literature – all while juggling their own blog writing, full-time jobs, and ongoing event coverage.

“Through everything that we do, our blog included, we try to keep a consistent voice,” said Shaun Martin. “And I think that brings a lot to flavor the history and make it really engaging and accessible – this is not purely cut-and-dry history.”

In a nutshell, says Holly Aker, “It’s a history book you actually want to read.” But what really makes it both special and commemorative is its feeling of familiarity and its heightened awareness of the community it seeks to represent.

“Seeing these people’s stories develop – people who not only were setting the groundwork for the Austin beer community but are also approaching new opportunities with as much passion and as much love for the craft as they did then – is amazing,” said Sarah Wood. “The scene has grown and changed and it’s been interesting to see that whole transformation through their stories.”

Craft beer held this group of girls together – and in retelling its tale in a real and accessible manner, they’ve pulled up a bar stool and offered to guide you through a few of their favorite industry tales. We suggest you grab a local brew and get ready to be entertained.

Austin Beer: Capital City History on Tap will be available via the History Press and national retailers in early September, with an e-book to follow shortly thereafter. You can preorder the book now on their website.

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