There is a massive difference between drinking a beer, and tasting it. For starters, drinking a beer is what you do at a Maltese summer event, when it's scorching hot. Tasting, however, is a sensory experience. It's about slowing down, unlocking those hidden flavour notes, and understanding exactly what the brewer intended to create. Tasting Guide to Master the art of Beer Tasting 1. The Setup: Glassware & Temperature Before you even think of opening a beer, you need to set the stage. Two rookie mistakes can ruin a premium craft, and thats drinking straight from the can, and serving it ice-cold. The Glass: Pouring your beer into a glass releases carbonation and opens up the aromas. Reach for a proper glass and pour your beer allowing the liquid to breath and drive those aromatic notes straight to your nose with every sip. The Temperature: A good beer shouldn't be freezing cold. The extreme cold numbs the tastebuds and masks the flavours. It's recommended that your...
Beer has been around for thousands of years, and for much of that time, it was women who led the charge in brewing. As we celebrate International Women’s Day on the 8th of March each year, Lord Chambray is raising a glass to the women who have shaped the craft beer industry: past, present, and future.
From ancient goddesses of beer to today’s trailblazing female brewers, women have played a key role in crafting the pints we enjoy. And what better way to toast to their achievements than with a refreshing glass of Sylvia, our limited-edition Citrus Pale Ale, originally brewed in collaboration with Magic Rock Brewing in the UK.
Let’s dive into the history, the beer, and the women who continue to break barriers in brewing.
A Legacy of Female Brewers: The Forgotten History of Women in Beer
For centuries, brewing was a woman’s craft. In ancient Mesopotamia, women were not only the primary brewers but also the keepers of beer’s sacred traditions. One of the earliest recorded brewers in history is the goddess Ninkasi, the Sumerian deity of beer and fermentation. Beer recipes were passed down through generations, and brewing was seen as an essential household skill.
Fast-forward to medieval Europe, and women, known as “alewives”, continued to dominate the brewing industry, crafting beer for their families and communities. Many even sold their brews at local markets. But as brewing became more commercialized, the industry shifted toward male ownership, pushing women out of a craft they had perfected for centuries.
Today, women are reclaiming their place in brewing, leading innovative breweries, crafting award-winning beers, and redefining what it means to be a brewer in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Introducing Sylvia: A Tribute to Women in Brewing
At Lord Chambray, we believe in celebrating creativity, collaboration, and craft. That’s why we created Sylvia, a citrus pale ale craft beer that embodies the spirit of women in brewing. Originally brewed in 2019 in collaboration with Magic Rock Brewing, Sylvia is a beer that showcases bold flavours, just like the bold women who have shaped the beer industry.
What Makes Sylvia Special?
- Locally Sourced Citrus.
- We infused Sylvia with a generous amount of local lemon and orange zest and juice, giving it a vibrant, refreshing kick.
- A Hoppy Delight.
- Featuring Simcoe, Mosaic, and Citra hops, this beer delivers bright citrus, stone fruit, and tropical flavours.
- A Story Behind Every Sip.
- Named after a remarkable Maltese woman who worked at Magic Rock Brewing during our collaboration, Sylvia is a tribute to the impact women have in the beer world.
Tasting Notes
Aroma – A burst of citrus with hints of tropical fruit and light floral notes. 🍋
Flavour – A perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness, with waves of lemon, orange, and subtle stone fruit. 🍻
Finish – Crisp, smooth, and incredibly refreshing—ideal for raising a celebratory toast! 🎉
Whether you’re a longtime craft beer fan or just starting your journey, Sylvia is a beer that brings people together in celebration.
Honouring Modern Trailblazers in Brewing
The craft beer industry is changing, and more women are taking centre stage in brewing, management, and beer innovation. Here are just a few female pioneers who have shaped the industry.
👩🔬 Rosa Merckx – Belgium’s first female brewmaster, known for transforming the historic Liefmans Brewery and bringing new flavours to traditional Belgian brewing.
🍺 Jenn Talley – A celebrated brewmaster in the U.S. craft beer scene, known for her expertise in lagers and classic European styles.
🌍 Celeste Beatty - The first Black woman to own a brewery in the U.S., has been breaking barriers in the beer industry for decades. Her collaborations and commitment to diversity have inspired countless women to enter the brewing world.
These incredible women, and many others, continue to inspire the next generation of brewers, proving that beer is for everyone - regardless of gender.
Join Us in the Celebration!
This International Women’s Day, we invite you to raise a glass of Sylvia and celebrate the incredible women who make the craft beer industry what it is today. Whether you’re a brewer, a beer enthusiast, or simply someone who loves supporting local craft beer, now is the perfect time to join the movement.
Try Sylvia Today! Available for a limited time in our taproom in Gozo and online shop.
Let’s keep the craft beer world diverse, innovative, and full of flavour. Cheers to women in brewing-past, present, and future! 🍻
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