What is it about women-only events that's so appealing? Tellingly, the drinks favoured by these events - beer and whiskey spring to mind - have traditionally been marketed primarily to men. But those connotations are changing, and by creating spaces for women to get together and learn more about their drink of choice, that boys-club context is stripped away even further.
Many of these events also foster a laid-back atmosphere where forging new social connections is as crucial as what's on tap or behind the bar. (After all, if you're making new friends, you may as well find ones who'll go with you to try out whatever's in the casks this week at C'est What.)
Regardless of their reasons for taking part, Toronto's women are sending a clear message: We are here, we are thirsty, and get that Skinnygirl martini the hell out of my face.
We've rounded up the city's best-known tasting events and societies geared toward women - and a number that are led by women or foster an inclusive atmosphere, but invite any gender to take part.
JUST FOR WOMEN
Society of Beer Drinking Ladies
The Society began when Black Oak Brewing's Erica Campbell tried to throw a gathering of female beer fans at her place - and moved it offsite and found sponsors after 100 women pledged to attend. The Society meets on the last Friday of every month, but the location is ever-changing - and often kept a secret. They're also hosting satellite events, including Bevucation, a home-brewing workshop led by Jen Shute of Ltd Supply Kitchen Brewery, this Saturday. To be kept in the loop on where the society will next convene, sign up for their mailing list through their website.
Barley's Angels
On the 15th of every month, the Toronto chapter of this international group assembles for meetups at pubs around the city, with the goal of building a network of like-minded, beer-loving women. The Angels have also teamed up with brewers to create their own limited-run beers and hosted a "beer-lesque" workshop (which is pretty much what it sounds like). Watch their Facebook page to find out about future events.
Women and Whisky at the Caledonian
Donna Wolffe, the proprietor of this Scottish pub in Little Italy, launched this tasting event in the hopes of breaking down the stereotype of whiskey as a "man's drink"; it instantly took off, drawing dozens of women looking to sample Scotland's finest. The next event is set for July 8, and will tackle wood influences in single malts. Follow the pub's Facebook page for updates.
LED BY WOMEN
School House Booze
The two tipsy teachers behind School House Booze, Rachel and Ashley, are here to teach your sorry vodka-soda-swilling self how to navigate a drinks list with supreme confidence. In addition to blogging about the latest happenings in Toronto booze, they also hold workshops and events (past outings include a beer-and-cheese event and a sommelier-led wine tasting/Raptors game). The team has some summer events in the works; follow them on Twitter for news.
Luxy's Beer School at Tequila Bookworm
Local beer expert and writer Crystal Luxmore is launching a monthly class exploring new beer trends and classic brews. Her first class, on May 21, is Sours 101, where you can delve into the world of fermented flavours ranging from the lemony to the petting-zoo-ish; more courses, including Ciders 101 and 'Tis The Saison, are scheduled to take place over the summer. Tickets are $35 or two for $50; check Luxmore's website for news.
Beerology
Mireilla Amato, of beerology.ca, is dedicated to getting people excited about beer, familiarizing them enough with the wide world of suds that they can discover their own likes and dislikes. She regularly hosts tastings and events in Toronto and around eastern Canada, but next week's event is a big one - her new book, also entitled Beerology, will be released next Tuesday (May 13) at C'est What. The tasting portion of the event is full, but you can still grab a pint, pick up your copy, and eavesdrop on some wisdom. She also appears at a number of festivals in the summer months - like her Facebook page to learn about future events.
iYellow Wine Club
iYellow, founded by Angela Aiello (say her name out loud) hosts regular wine tastings in Toronto, letting vinophiles sample wines from around the world while mingling with like-minded drinkers. Their next event: A Stoneleigh tasting on May 14. To learn about more future events, including a slew of summertime tastings, join their mailing list.
CO-ED (but worth checking out)
Beerworking
Held at Project OWL, this series of speed-networking events for young professionals (with beer!) is hosted by experts including Luxmore and our own Ben Johnson. While it's a co-ed event, Luxmore says the environment is welcoming, and roughly 40% of attendees are usually female. Two events are coming up: one featuring Mill Street brews on May 14, and a Lake Of Bays takeover on May 28. Tickets are $25, and include beer and snacks.
OUT OF TOWN
Queen of Craft: Women's Beer Sessions
If a trip to Guelph is in the cards, you'll want to check out this series at Wellington Brewery. So far, the series of talks has covered beer basics and the art of food pairings; the next event, on June 4, will be a roundtable discussion with women in the industry. Tickets are $10; all proceeds from the event go to benefit Guelph-Wellington Women In Crisis.
Small Batch Beer & Spirits Tour
Luxmore is taking her show on the road with a bus tour to Niagara on June 21. Interested drinkers can learn about farmhouse brewing at Niagara Oast House Brewers, taste-test the wares of emerging chefs and brewers at Niagara College Teaching Brewery, and sip on some spirits at Dillon's Distillery. Tickets are $130 each or $250 for two.
Did we miss any? Add your drinking events and groups below.
by Natalia Manzocco via blogTO
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