Pink Boots Society Benefit Beers Are Pouring Around Hawai‘i

Photo: Alexander Gates

Each year for International Women’s Day in March, members of the Pink Boots Society get together at breweries all over the world to brew benefit beers. Hawai‘i’s Collaboration Brew Day was its most successful yet, with more benefit beers than ever—at least five of which are now being poured at breweries around the state.

“It’s an opportunity to connect,” says Sarah Foreman, brewer at Mahalo Aleworks on Maui. “I’ve learned new brewing and cellaring techniques as well as how to navigate myself around such a male-dominated industry. I just want everyone to clock in and make great beer!” And raise money—proceeds help fund the nonprofit’s educational scholarships for women and non-binary individuals in the beverage industry.

Photo: Courtesy of Pink Boots Society

Collaboration Brew Day always features a different special hop blend. This year’s, from Yakima Chief Hops, blends HBC 638, El Dorado, Ahtanum and Idaho 7 hops, with a flavor profile that “promises a burst of berry and citrus with peppery earthiness and floral notes.” The year’s malt grain blend—a collab among Country Malt Group, Canada Malting Co. and Great Western Malt—is “well-balanced, low-color, Pilsen style with barley grown throughout the Pacific Northwest.”

Though all the Pink Boots Society benefit beers use the same blends, brewers’ tastes and creativity makes each one unique. “Every brewery has been incredibly welcoming, sharing valuable information and helping us network,” says Kat Cruikshank, a Big Island member.

SEE ALSO: Hawai‘i’s Beer Scene: Openings, Closures and Beer Festivals to Go to

Here’s where you can get each release:

Big Island Brewhaus

Just had their Brew Day yesterday and while the new beer is still unnamed, word is it’s going to be a pale ale-style beer with a blood orange and mango purée.

Hana Koa Brewing

Shootz Da Bootz Hazy IPA

Available now on draft at the brewery, this is an easy drinking 6% ABV citrusy beer with balanced bitterness for any palate. Also, get it in four-packs of cans to support the cause at home.

Honolulu Beerworks

She’s the Moment Grapefruit IPA

Available exclusively on tap at the brewery, this 7% ABV IPA is crisp and citrusy, hopped with tons of bright grapefruit and a touch of tartness.

Kaua‘i Beer Co.

Pink Boots IPA American IPA

Visiting the Garden Isle? Be sure to get a pint at the taproom on Rice Street—$3 of every 7.7% ABV pint goes to the Pink Boot Society, making this a doubly strong entry. Kaua‘i Beer’s also been participating for almost 10 years, making it one of the longest-running supporters in the state.

Kona Brewing Hawai‘i

Boots! … I Did It Again Black IPA

The largest Brew Day this year was in Kailua-Kona, which took a different approach and made a rich Black IPA. This 7.3% ABV beer is strong, “blending the dryness and hop-forward balance of an American IPA with a darker malt profile for a supportive flavor without a strong roast.” Get it on tap at the brewery on Hawai‘i Island and at Koko Marina on O‘ahu.

Lanikai Brewing Co.

Witches Brew Orange + Ginger Pale Ale

This New-Age American pale ale is 6.1% ABV and brewed in collaboration with the Pink Boots Society. It features local ginger and orange and is dry-hopped with the Pink Boots signature hop blend. Enjoyed by witches and non-witches alike.

Mahalo Aleworks

Pink Boots Pale Ale

Made solely with the malt blend, Pilsner malt and flaked wheat, this lighter and less hop-forward beer comes in at 5.3% ABV and will be released today at the brewery taproom in Upcountry Maui.

Wailuku Brew Works

TBD

This is a newer brewery is outside of Hilo on Hawaii Island. Their Brew Day is upcoming and will be hosted by owner Jillane Bosscher.

Collaboration Brew Day in Hawai‘i. Photo: Courtesy of Pink Boots Society

If you work in the fermented beverage industry in any capacity, you can support the Pink Boots Society or join to participate in next year’s Collaboration Brew Day. Check out @pinkbootshi or the national @pinkbootssociety on Instagram or go to pinkbootssociety.org.