Female Brewsters

Inspired by SYSK Podcast, I'm diving into the ancient world of the very first people responsible for brewing our beloved beer: women. Get ready for a bit of history & some great beer brewed by women today. 

Carol Stoudt

Founder

Carol Stoudt of Stoudt’s Brewing Company (founded in 1987) is considered one of the first female brewmasters in the United States. When she founded Stoudts Brewing Co. in Adamstown in 1987, it was the first microbrewery in Pennsylvania since Prohibition. As the head brewer, she was also the first female head brewer in America since Prohibition.

Laura Bell

CEO

Laura Bell, co-owner, recently assumed the role of CEO effective Feb. 1, 2017. Laura is a second-generation co-owner and oversees all brewery operations and planning for Bell's and its sister brewery, Upper Hand Brewery.  Bell's is the 7th largest craft brewery in the U.S.

Rosemarie Certo

President + Founder

Rosemarie was born & raised in Sicily to a family of olive-oil producers and vintners. After making her way to America, Rosemarie co-founded Dock Street in 1985. She attributes her passion & love of innovative beers to her family's artisanal background. Rosemarie is considered an early pioneer and one of the first women in the craft beer movement.

Kim Jordan

Co-Founder

Kim & her former husband Jeff Lebesch started New Belgium Brewing Company in 1991. From 1991 to 2015, Kim served as CEO of New Belgium, which she built into one of the US's largest craft breweries, with $225 million in annual revenue.  In 2015 Jordan transitioned from CEO to executive chair of the board allowing Christine Perich to become the current CEO.

Today, New Belgium has become the nation's fourth largest craft brewer with more than 914,063 barrels sold in 2015.