There is perhaps no person who has single-handedly made more of a visible and widespread impact in craft beer this year than Brienne Allan. With six simple words—“What sexist comments have you experienced?—the former brewer at Notch Brewing in Salem, Massachusetts inadvertently transformed the craft beer industry around the world (hopefully) forever.
Her question, posed on Instagram, launched hundreds of investigations into accusations of harassment and assault; initiated numerous resignations and firings of high-profile owners, brewers, and employees; helped create a new third-party reporting app #NotMe; inspired organizational alliances like BRU (Brewing Respect and Unity) Coalition to combat discrimination, harassment, and violence; established global beer collaboration Brave Noise to raise awareness and encourage advocacy; and catapulted her into a global icon.
Allan’s role was as unexpected to her as it was necessary to the industry. But by challenging the longstanding status quo, she also changed the trajectory of her own life, leaving brewing behind to focus on ongoing advocacy alongside another Signifier: Ash Eliot, founder of Women of the Bevolution.
Craft beer’s #MeToo movement was as inevitable as it was overdue. But now that the spark has been lit, we’ll see how far Allan’s fire continues to burn.
Words,Beth Demmon