Beer News: Whistleblower At Beer Culture Summit / Lawson’s Finest Liquids Honored

American Craft Beer|October 29th, 2021|

(Courtesy Beer Culture Summit)

Sexism Whistleblower Headlines Beer Culture Summit in Chicago

On November 4th the 3rd Annual Beer Culture Summit, an inclusive, educational, and non-traditional gathering focused on beer’s past and present, kicks off in Chicago. And although it will be largely virtual this year (Damn you COVID-19) there is an in-person event scheduled for each night of the four day conference.

The first ever Beer Culture Summit debuted in 2019 and was presented in partnership with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Over the course of four days, people from all over the country gathered in Chicago to have conversations about beer and the role it has played in humanity, past and present.

This year’s opening night event will feature Brienne Allen the former brewer and production manager Notch Brewing in Salem, MA. In late May 2021, Brienne asked her Instagram followers “Have you ever experienced sexism in the beer industry?” And she was flooded with hundreds of stories from women who have faced gender discrimination, sexual assault and harassment, and racism in the beer biz.

Some of these stories involved craft beer’s biggest names, industry figures like Shaun Hill, founder and brewer of Hill Farmstead; Jean Broillet, co-founder of Tired Hands Brewing; and Jacob McKean, founder of Modern Times Beer. Since then, many of those accused have stepped down and thousands of stories shared online, generating a #MeToo movement in the beer industry which continues to grow.

Words to Drink By

“The road well-traveled is heavily advertised. But thinking for yourself is not. Why go where everybody else has traveled, the odds of you standing out are almost nil.” — Bob Lefsetz, Music industry writer and media analyst

Lawson’s Finest Liquids Honored in Vermont

Lawson’s Finest Liquids has been named the 2021 First-Generation Family Enterprise Award winner by the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business’ Family Business Institute.

Established in 2011, the UVM Family Business Awards honor four local, family-owned businesses annually. Nominees are evaluated on financial success, contribution to community or industry, as well as commitments to sustainability and innovation.

Founded in 2008 by Sean and Karen Lawson, Lawson’s Finest Liquids began as a small-batch artisanal brewery in Warren, Vermont. In 2014, the company added an alternating proprietorship in Stratford, Connecticut, where it produces its award-wining Sip of Sunshine IPA. And in 2018 Lawson’s opened its acclaimed destination brewery and tap room in Waitsfield, Vermont.

“We are so honored to receive this recognition of our family business that supports our employees and delivers world-class beer to our fans,” said Karen Lawson, Co-Owner of Lawson’s Finest Liquids. “We are humbled to be recognized for our Vermont-based business and take great pride in leading with our values.”