Watch The Love of Beer

The Love of Beer is a 2011 documentary film that delves into the fascinating and often overlooked world of female craft brewers. Directed by Alison Grayson, the film takes us on a journey through the lives of several influential women who have made their mark in the beer industry. The film begins by introducing us to one of the featured brewers, Tonya Cornett, who is the brewmaster at the Bend Brewing Company in Oregon. From here, we are given an overview of the history and evolution of craft brewing in America. We learn that women have always played a significant role in brewing, dating back to Ancient Egypt, where it was mostly a woman's job. However, the film also highlights the systematic exclusion of women from the industry during the 20th century.

The film then turns its focus towards modern-day female brewers from around the country. We follow the lives of several women as they navigate the often male-dominated industry, sharing their experiences, successes, and challenges. Among the featured brewers are Teri Fahrendorf, the founder of the Pink Boots Society, a trade organization dedicated to advancing women in the beer industry, and Carol Stoudt, the first woman in America to open a brewery since prohibition.

The Love of Beer also explores the science of beer brewing through interviews with various experts. We learn about the different types of hops, grains, and yeast used in brewing and how they affect the flavor and quality of the finished product. The film also touches on the brewing process itself, from cleaning the equipment to fermenting the beer to packaging it for shipping.

Throughout the film, we are also treated to stunning visuals of the brewing process, from the malting of grain to the pouring of beer into glasses. The filmmakers do an excellent job of capturing the beauty and complexity of craft brewing, giving viewers a newfound appreciation for the art form.

One of the film's most significant strengths is its ability to humanize its subjects. We get to know the women behind the beer, learning about their passions, struggles, and triumphs. For example, we learn that many female brewers must balance the demands of their job with the responsibilities of parenting, making their accomplishments all the more impressive.

Overall, The Love of Beer is a compelling documentary that sheds light on an under-explored aspect of the brewing industry. It celebrates the contributions women have made to craft brewing throughout history while also highlighting the challenges they face today. As craft brewing continues to grow in popularity, this film serves as a timely reminder of the vital role women have played in shaping the industry's past, present, and future.

The Love of Beer is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.