As an expert sommelier and brewer, I am excited to explore the world of queer beer with you. The craft beer scene has been embracing inclusivity and diversity, and there are several breweries that have created beers specifically to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community.
1. Queer Beer by Queer Brewing Project: Queer Brewing Project is a London-based brewery founded by Lily Waite, a transgender writer and beer lover. They have a beer called “Queer Beer” that aims to challenge gender stereotypes associated with beer. It is a session IPA that combines fruity and hoppy flavors, creating a refreshing and approachable brew.
2. Proud Beer by Barrel + Beam: Barrel + Beam is a brewery in Michigan that created “Proud Beer” in collaboration with the Pride Center of Traverse City. It is a hoppy American pale ale with citrus and tropical fruit notes, symbolizing the vibrancy and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.
3. Love is Love by Stone Brewing: Stone Brewing, a renowned craft brewery based in California, released “Love is Love” to support LGBTQ+ equality. It is a hoppy Kölsch-style beer with a crisp and clean taste, perfect for enjoying on a sunny day. The label artwork features the iconic Stone gargoyle with rainbow coloring, representing love and acceptance.
4. Pride Beer by BrewDog: BrewDog, a well-known Scottish brewery, has a history of supporting LGBTQ+ rights. They released “Pride Beer” as a limited-edition brew, with a portion of the sales donated to LGBTQ+ charities. The beer itself is an easy-drinking pale ale, with a balanced combination of malt and hop flavors.
5. We Are Family by Mikkeller: Mikkeller, a Danish brewery with a global presence, created “We Are Family” to celebrate diversity and inclusivity. It is a Berliner Weisse-style beer infused with tropical flavors, resulting in a tart and fruity brew. The label artwork features a heart-shaped rainbow made up of various family configurations, emphasizing the message of love and unity.
These are just a few examples of queer beer that have been crafted to support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. The names of these beers not only reflect the inclusivity and pride associated with the LGBTQ+ movement, but they also serve as a reminder that beer can be a vehicle for social change and acceptance.
It's important to note that the craft beer industry is constantly evolving, and new queer beers are being created all the time. Supporting these breweries and trying their unique offerings not only allows us to enjoy delicious beer, but also helps promote a more inclusive and diverse beer culture.