Pink Boots Hop Blend: Empowering Women In The Brewing Industry

Pink Boots Hop Blend: A Community-Driven Initiative

Every year, Yakima Chief Hops (YCH) crafts a unique hop blend aimed at supporting the Pink Boots Society (PBS), a non-profit dedicated to inspiring and assisting women and non-binary individuals in the fermented beverage industry. This initiative not only highlights the significance of gender diversity in brewing but also empowers individuals through educational opportunities.

For the production of this year’s blend, PBS members participated in sensory evaluations of three distinct hop blends. The chosen blend, which caught the attention of brewers and enthusiasts alike, features a tantalizing mix of Simcoe®, Mosaic®, Chinook, and Krush™ hops. Its rich and complex flavor profile includes vibrant grapefruit notes, tropical citrus and luscious berry aromas, coupled with dank, woody undertones, creating a sensory experience that has been eagerly anticipated across the brewing community.

Collaboration with Women Farmers

An extraordinary aspect of this year’s blend is the involvement of women-owned farms. By partnering with female growers in their network, YCH has elevated the importance of women's contributions in hop growing. Among the key contributors are Jessica Riel of Double 'R' Farms, Reggie Brulotte from Brulotte Farms, and Erica Lorentz from Lakeside Ranches. Each of them played a crucial role in selecting the finest hops from the harvest, leading to the creation of a blend that embodies both quality and community spirit.

Erica Lorentz, a fifth-generation hop farmer and owner of Lakeside Ranches, expresses her passion, stating, “Opportunities like this, becoming involved with the Pink Boots Society, really drives me.” By incorporating women growers into the process, PBS opens up further educational avenues that inspire women to take on roles in the brewing industry that they might not have previously considered.

Blanca Quintero, PBS President and General Manager of Highland Park Brewery, echoes this sentiment: “There are many different facets within our industry, and getting more involved with the agricultural side is exciting.” With a commitment to fostering growth and empowerment, YCH pledges to donate $1 from each pound of the Pink Boots Blend sold to the PBS, furthering its mission by providing scholarships and educational resources to its members.

Availability and Support

The 8th Annual Pink Boots Blend is now available, with brewers eager to incorporate it into their creations. However, it should be noted that this blend is not available for shipping to Canada, New Zealand, or Taiwan. Brewers from these regions are encouraged to reach out to their YCH sales team for alternatives on how to acquire the Pink Boots Blend.

YCH, a grower-owned global hop supplier with over 30 years of experience, emphasizes its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer service. Beyond its focus on products, the company actively supports various social causes and sustainability initiatives, making a positive impact on the communities around them.

To find out more about the Pink Boots Hop Blend or YCH, please visit Yakima Chief Hops. Through initiatives like these, YCH not only reinforces its dedication to quality hops but also champions the cause of gender diversity in the brewing industry, ensuring that more voices are heard and celebrated.