A team of Kwantlen Polytechnic University's (KPU) female brewers is releasing a new collaboration beer, named Coastal Breeze, in celebration of Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day.
From left to right: KPU Brewing students Maria Yun and Jay Ku; instructors Nancy More and Olga Mikova; Faculty of Science Associate Dean, Erika Eliason; Faculty of Science Dean pro tem, Amy Jeon; alum Emily Kokona; student Helia Xiang; and instructor Martina Solano Bielen.
This annual event, which coincides with International Women's Day on March 8, is organized by the Pink Boots Society to recognize women and non-binary individuals working in the brewing industry.
Brewing instructor Olga Mikova and KPU alum Emily Kokonas led a group of first-year female KPU Brewing students in crafting the beer along with legendary KPU brewing instructor Nancy More, who was one of the first female brewmasters in North America.
"Participating in the Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day is an empowering experience for all of us," says Mikova. "For our students, it's an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build confidence, make connections in the industry and understand the value of collaboration. By brewing together, we create more than just a beer we create an environment where learning, creativity and support thrive."
Coastal Breeze, named for capturing the essence of a crisp winter day on the coast, is described as bright, refreshing and slightly warming. The brew is a bold, classic West Coast IPA using the Pink Boots hop blend.
"The annual Pink Boots Brew is a fantastic opportunity for our students and program as a whole," says Dominic Bernard, KPU Brewing instructor and program chair. "This international event and movement connects our budding brewers with a global network of women in the industry, offering them invaluable insights, mentorship and hands-on experience.
"It's a tradition we're proud to be part of, and it enriches the students' academic journey as well as their professional connections and community."
Coastal Breeze will be available for public sales Friday, March 7, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the KPU Brew Lab, 20901 Langley Bypass, Langley. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Pink Boots Society of Canada's scholarship and education fund.
On Saturday, March 8, the beer will be available at Farm Country Brewing in Langley, B.C. for its International Women's Day Tap Takeover event. Proceeds from beer sales will go towards the Ishtar Women's Resource Society and the Pink Boots Society of Canada.
KPU's Diploma in Brewing and Brewery Operations is a two-year program in which students learn the science, production and business of brewing craft beer. To learn more about the program, register for an Ask Me Anything session with instructor and alum Gonzalo Marques on March 5.
