KPU Brewing and Pink Boots Society Collaborate to Honour Retired Dean on International Women’s Day
From Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Langley, B.C. – Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s female brewers are releasing a Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day beer, titled Betty Boots, in honour of recently retired Faculty of Science and Horticulture (FSH) dean, Dr. Elizabeth (Betty) Worobec.
The beer honouring Worobec, a brewing education pioneer in B.C. who played a major role in creating the Brewing and Brewery Operations Diploma program in 2014, will be launched on International Women’s Day on Mar. 8.
“I’m very proud that I was able to lead the way in creating a university-level brewing diploma at KPU,” says Worobec. “We knew this was a unique program – the first and only one of its kind in B.C. – that would offer new career opportunities for students and help support the growth of the industry with skilled, trained graduates.
“It’s wonderful to see how it’s grown and continues to grow with the success of our students and alumni.”
It was an honour to have a special beer named after her, she added.
Betty Boots is brewed with a special ‘Pink Boots blend’ of hops from Yakima Chief Hops featuring aromas of citrus, berry, and tropical notes. Members of the Pink Boots Society, an international non-profit organization that supports female beer professionals, select the special blend each year. One of the hops, Idaho Gem, comes from a female-run hop farm in Idaho.
The Pink Boots collaboration brew beer is an innovative, sparkling, and dry hibiscus rose brut ale made with KPU honey, hibiscus flowers and rose petals to create a pink hue as a nod to the Pink Boots Society. A total of 12 women, including instructors and students, participated in making the brew at KPU’s teaching brewery at its Langley campus.
Brewing instructors Martina Solano Bielen and Emily Kokonas led a group of first and second-year female KPU brewing students in creating the beer along with legendary brewing instructor Nancy More, who was one of the first female brewmasters in North America. The team was also joined by alumna Ashley Brooks, quality control manager at Four Winds Brewing in Delta.
“It was really great to have the opportunity to collaborate with the women in our program for the Pink Boots brew day, and really meaningful to be able to develop a recipe for a woman who helped establish the KPU brewing program,” says second-year brewing student Lindsey Bartram.
The brewers carefully planned how each ingredient would reflect Worobec’s personality and her impact on the program.
“I’m glad we were able to create an innovative, strong beer that truly honours her legacy,” adds Bartram.
Betty Boots is a champagne-style ale that is strong and bubbly like its namesake. The beer is brewed with a pilsner malt for a light colour and subtle malt flavours, with honey added into the kettle for added dryness and honey aroma. High carbonation, as well as the addition of oak chips in the fermenter, give this beer a sparkling wine character.
“It’s very meaningful for our students and instructors to participate in the Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day and feel connected to the larger community of women in brewing around the world,” says brewing instructor Martina Solano Bielen.
“Betty has been a strong figure in our university and is leaving behind some big ‘boots’ to fill!”
Betty Boots will be available by the glass at Farm Country Brewing in Langley, B.C., on Tuesday, Mar. 8 starting at 12 p.m. as part of the Langley Women of Craft Beer Tap Takeover in celebration of International Women’s Day. Proceeds from beer sales will go towards the Ishtar Women’s Resource Society
On Friday, Mar. 11, Betty Boots will be available in six-packs of cans at KPU’s Langley campus brewery from 1-6 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Pink Boots Canada chapter’s scholarship and education fund.
Learn more about the Brewing and Brewery Operations Diploma at KPU
About Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Based at five campuses across Richmond, Surrey and Langley, KPU offers a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Around 20,000 students annually choose one of our wide selection of programs that blend thought with action, including bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, certificates, apprenticeships and graduate diplomas. Learn more at kpu.ca.
About the KPU Brewing and Brewery Operations Diploma
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is the first Canadian institution to be recognized by the Master Brewers Association for a standard of excellence in brewing education for its Brewing and Brewery Operations Diploma program. As well, they were named a ‘Top Teaching Brewery in North America’ as second overall in the 2021 US Open College Beer Championship and Brewery of the Year at the 2019 BC Beer Awards. Learn more at kpu.ca/brew @KPUBrew #KPUBrew
About the Pink Boots Society
The Pink Boots Society is an international non-profit organization that assists, inspires, encourages and educates female beer professionals to advance their careers in the beer industry. Members in Canada, US and other countries around the world are the beer leaders of tomorrow. Learn more at pinkbootsociety.org #pinkbootsbrew #pinkbootssociety #pinkboots2022
Filed under: Announcements (Press Releases), People of Beer
Tagged under: Betty Boots, Brewing and Brewery Operations Diploma Program, Collaboration Brew, Dr. Elizabeth (Betty) Worobec, Faculty of Science and Horticulture, Farm Country Brewing, Female Brewers, Female Brewmasters, International Women’s Day, Ishtar Women's Resource Society, KPU Brewing, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langley Women of Craft Beer Tap Takeover, Pink Boots Society
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