ATLANTA — While women have played a central role in the brewing of beer since ancient times, the American craft beer movement has long been dominated by a male, predominantly white, presence. Yet, in Atlanta, a new wave of women is breaking barriers, challenging the traditional norms of beer culture, and creating an inclusive space for people of all backgrounds to explore and enjoy craft beer.
Caroline King, a New Orleans–born filmmaker and comedian, is one of the key figures leading this charge. In 2017, King launched Bitch Beer, a podcast and soon-to-be TV show, aimed at making the craft beer scene more accessible and welcoming. King, who moved to Atlanta in 2016, was inspired to start the podcast after encountering a largely intimidating and exclusive craft beer community, dominated by what she described as “bearded white dudes” who often made new drinkers feel unwelcome. “I liked the beer, but I didn’t know much about what I was drinking,” King recalls. “It was frustrating to feel like I didn’t belong.”
Named after the term “bitch beer” used to describe lighter, malted beverages such as Zima, King’s podcast aimed to debunk the elitism surrounding craft beer. The show features her comedic take on beer culture, as well as interviews with women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals in the brewing industry. King’s work has been recognized with a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion grant from the Brewers Association, and in 2022, she began working on a travel docuseries that will showcase diverse voices in the beer world. The show is set to air on an undisclosed network. “I want people to feel confident when they walk into a brewery or beer aisle,” King says. “It’s about creating space for everyone.”
Another prominent figure in Atlanta’s growing craft beer scene is LaTreace Harris, known as The Beery Godmother. Harris, a former private tutor and football fan, began her beer journey over 20 years ago. Initially unfamiliar with the world of craft beer, she began exploring different styles and gradually found herself captivated by the unique flavors and brewing techniques. Her curiosity led her to become a regular at local breweries like Sweetwater and Red Brick, where she noticed a gap in knowledge among bartenders and servers. Determined to bridge that gap, Harris earned her certification as a Cicerone (a beer sommelier) and founded The Beery Godmother, a consultancy that educates beer-centric businesses.
Harris’s approach emphasizes the joy of beer through education, helping people understand the sensory experience of beer—its smell, foam, and taste. “Everyone doesn’t have to think about beer at a Master Cicerone level,” she says. “But they should feel passionate about what they’re serving, and that enthusiasm should be evident when talking to customers.”
Jen Blair, one of only 28 Master Cicerones worldwide and one of just five women to hold the title, is another trailblazer in the industry. Blair’s journey began in 2012 when she started homebrewing as a law school graduate. Over the years, she climbed the ranks to become a certified Cicerone and certified beer judge. She’s also worked in various administrative and education roles in the beer industry in both Charlotte and Atlanta.
In 2021, Blair expanded her efforts to support and educate aspiring beer professionals by launching an online beer course tailored specifically to women and nonbinary individuals. Initially expecting only a handful of students, Blair was overwhelmed by the response—over 700 sign-ups. Her program has continued to thrive, with Blair also hosting the Under the Jenfluence YouTube channel and co-hosting the False Bottomed Girls beer podcast.
Blair believes that increasing diversity in beer judging is crucial, not just for creating a more inclusive environment, but for enriching the beer community itself. “Judges from different backgrounds broaden the knowledge base and expand the conversation about beer,” Blair says. “People from different cultures bring unique perspectives that can change the way we describe flavors and experiences. The more diverse the palates, the better the feedback for brewers.”
The growing influence of these women in Atlanta and beyond is reshaping the landscape of craft beer, proving that beer culture is not just for a select few, but for anyone willing to learn and appreciate the nuances of this centuries-old tradition. As King, Harris, and Blair continue to challenge the status quo, they are creating a more inclusive and vibrant beer scene for future generations.
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