Craft beer enthusiasts in Bengaluru are witnessing a thrilling transformation, spearheaded by women brewers like Varsha Bhat and Lynette Pires. These trailblazing women are redefining the brewing scene in a city known for its thriving craft beer culture, creating a wave of change in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry.
Women in Bengaluru's craft beer scene are breaking boundaries, as drinking is often frowned upon in Indian culture. Varsha Bhat stands out not only as a successful brewer but as a beacon of empowerment for aspiring female brewers in India. In a country where a staggering 99 percent of women reportedly abstain from drinking alcohol, due to cultural constraints, Varsha's story challenges long-standing social norms.
Bengaluru has long been renowned for a more liberal drinking atmosphere compared to the rest of India. The city’s craft beer scene flourishes predominantly due to a young, affluent workforce—mainly from the Bengaluru tech industry—that craves both socialization and unique flavors. The combination of emerging entrepreneurs and a burgeoning clientele willing to explore the nuances of craft beer creates lucrative opportunities for women in brewing despite societal constraints.
The establishment of the Women Brewers Collective by Lynette Pires significantly contributes to this paradigm shift. This initiative not only promotes collaboration among female brewers but also works to dismantle stereotypes that have historically overshadowed women's contributions to brewing. Pires herself transitioned from a pharmaceutical researcher to a prominent figure in the industry, demonstrating the versatility and resilience required to succeed in such a competitive field.
Varsha Bhat's journey encapsulates the challenges faced by women in beer brewing in India. Mocked by male peers questioning her strength and calmness under pressure, she has proven that competence and passion know no gender. Her current role as the head brewer at one of Bengaluru's celebrated pubs showcases her unwavering determination. "There's nothing a woman can't do that a man can... from recipe development to the physical work, it's all in a day’s work," Bhat confidently states. Her commitment to breaking stereotypes offers hope to many young women aspiring to enter this field.
The craft beer movement in Bengaluru has become a social phenomenon, fueled by the acceptance of drunkenness in certain circles that was difficult to envision just a couple of decades ago. This change is evident as women start to inhabit spaces in bars and pubs that were historically reserved for men, daring to savor a drink after a long day at work. In a city where 40 percent of the tech workforce consists of women, the craft beer trend not only reflects changing attitudes but also offers a platform for future generations of women to thrive.
Lynette Pires has embraced her role as a role model passionately. After founding the Women Brewers Collective, she emphasized her desire to inspire upcoming female brewers. In her own journey, she had to confront male colleagues who were reluctant to fully acknowledge her expertise. "Standing in a male-dominated room and trying to get your opinion across requires resilience," Pires confides.
The Women Brewers Collective includes over a dozen women working across Bengaluru’s vibrant brewpubs, forming a crucial support system that fosters growth and cultivates talent. Pires’ determination to pave the way for others speaks volumes about the shift in mindset within the industry.
The statistical disparity between male and female drinkers in India is stark, highlighting the long path ahead. Government figures indicate that 15 times as many men drink compared to women. For female patrons, the social divide remains palpable, with many experiencing patronizing gestures, such as waiters offering drink menus primarily to men. Girija Chatty, a voice in India’s beer podcasting landscape, humorously notes, "If women can handle bitter men, they certainly can handle bitter beer."
Historical roots reveal that women have been instrumental in brewing since ancient civilizations. Historical records indicate that the first known beer recipe hailed from 1800 BC, dedicated to Ninkasi, the Sumerian goddess of beer. Fast forward several millennia, and yet the stereotype of brewing as a male-dominated craft persists, despite the proven legacies of women in this field.
As Bengaluru continues to position itself as an epicenter of craft beer innovation, Varsha Bhat and Lynette Pires lead the charge, inspiring a new generation of female brewers in India. They exemplify how passion combined with resilience can shatter the glass ceiling in any industry. Furthermore, the significance of their collective work cannot be understated, as it ensures collaboration and support for women brewers to learn from and uplift each other.
Facing societal and cultural mores in a nation where drinking is often stigmatized, these women are rewriting the narrative—one brew at a time. In a city where opportunities for women remain scarce outside the tech sector, the rise of female brewers stands out as a beacon of hope, redefining both enjoyment and empowerment within the community.
Encouragingly, Bengaluru's brew scene showcases a landscape where women not only reclaim their right to enjoy beer but also thrive as industry leaders. With each pour, they challenge the norms, inspire the future, and create an environment conducive to innovation and success in the craft beer world.