Bríd’s Cross Brewing is inviting the community to celebrate International Women’s Day with the launch of their special collaboration beer, Pirate Queen. The event will take place on Saturday, 8 March, starting at 7 PM at The Baum in Rochdale (OL12 0NU). The launch will feature the release of a hazy pale ale brewed by local women, with a portion of the sales going to the Women of Whitworth charity, which supports women’s causes in the area.
The collaboration beer, named Pirate Queen, honors Grace O’Malley, the legendary Pirate Queen of County Mayo, known for her strength and independence. The beer is a 4% hazy pale ale, symbolizing O’Malley’s formidable legacy as a role model for women of her time.
The brewing process took place on Valentine’s Day when Bríd’s Cross Brewing hosted seven local women to brew the beer. The day started with online planning sessions in January, where participants chose the beer style and discussed the folklore associated with Grace O’Malley. During the brew day, participants not only learned about brewing processes, hops, and ingredients but also gained insights into the brewing industry.
Ruth from Bríd’s Cross Brewing expressed her excitement about the project: “It was really lovely to host seven local women for our second IWD brew day. Their enthusiasm and interest were truly inspiring. We’re thrilled to partner with Women on Tap, who offered our participants the chance to gain their WSET Level 1 in Beer Award, helping foster the next generation of female brewers.”
Kimberley Ashworth from The WoW Project echoed her appreciation: “We’re so grateful for this opportunity to collaborate on Pirate Queen. It’s been fantastic to meet so many inspiring women, and we can’t wait to see the beer in local pubs like The Baum and The Red Lion Inn.”
Participants, like Sue, who took part in the brew day, have shared their heartfelt experiences, with Sue even writing a poem about the day.
The charity partner for the collaboration, Women of Whitworth (WoW), continues to make a difference in the community, providing vital support for women’s initiatives. The funds raised from the event will help further WoW’s mission.
Looking ahead, Bríd’s Cross Brewing is already planning for next year’s collaboration. Those interested in participating in the 2026 International Women’s Day Collaboration Beer Day (IWCBD-26) or partnering as a charity are encouraged to get in touch.
About Bríd’s Cross Brewing: Bríd’s Cross Brewing is a microbrewery based in Rochdale, creating modern ales inspired by the folklore and mythology of the British Isles. Their beers can be found at venues such as The Baum and The Red Lion Inn.
2025 Plans: Bríd’s Cross Brewing will be pouring their beers at various festivals in 2025 and hosting a Homebrew competition in celebration of their second anniversary.
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