Last spring, when allegations of harassment and mistreatment of women in the brewing industry came to light via a social-media firestorm, a number of breweries and their employees stepped up to the plate, voicing their support of their female colleagues. In doing so, many not only vowed to take steps within their organizations to provide better, safer and more even-footed environments, but engaged in initiatives focused on raising greater awareness, as well as funds for organizations supporting the growth and advancement of women in the beer industry. Aptly, such efforts often involved beer, like a Vienna-style lager collaboratively brewed by women and named for what they not only seek, but so richly deserve: RESPECT.
Brewed at Home Brew Mart shortly after the aforementioned online reckoning, the beer’s style was selected by Amy Spackman (pictured below), who heads e-commerce for HBM and its parent company, Ballast Point Brewing. At the time, she was also co-leader of the local chapter of women’s advocacy non-profit, the Pink Boots Society. When considering possible styles, Spackman wanted to brew something easy-drinking and delicious that people would want more of, mirroring hers and her colleagues’ desired for more respect in the workplace. A Vienna-style lager fit the bill. With that decided, she teamed with HBM General Manager Jim Johnson, who wrote the recipe for the beer and assisted in the brew day along with women from within and around the local beer industry.
During the birth of RESPECT I felt heard and valued with the amount of heart Jim poured into wanting to make this beer with me. He was and still remains all-ears on how to be there for support. We have brewed this twice at Home Brew Mart and each time both staff and customers have resonated with the story behind it.”
Amy Spackman, Merch Queen, Ballast Point Brewing
Ballast Point was so pleased with the mission behind the beer and its ability to spread the word about needed improvements in the industry that, not only did the organization rebrew RESPECT for International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day, but so, too, did its parent company, Kings & Convicts Brewing. This time around, Ballast Point’s version was brewed on the five-barrel system at its Little Italy location. Kings & Convicts’ batch was produced on its five-barrel pilot system, equating to a significant increase in output from 2021’s one-barrel batch.
Batches of this year’s RESPECT went on tap at all local Ballast Point and Kings & Convicts locations last Friday. But don’t expect to get a four-ounce taster. “When Amy and I brewed the first batch, we agreed that we would only sell full pours of the beer, because nobody should get just a taste of respect,” says Johnson.
“Never did I think this beer would be scaled up for brewing at Little Italy, let alone Kings & Convicts,” says Spackman. “This project has been so much fun to collaborate on and continue the conversation. I know our industry still has a long way to go to repair standards of conduct, but I think we are heading in the right direction.”
In addition to releasing dual batches of RESPECT, Kings & Convicts will be making a donation to the San Diego chapter of the Pink Boots Society to support the organization’s educational efforts for women employed in or interested in joining the ranks of the beer industry or the greater craft-beverage world.
“Please visit one of our locations and raise a glass to the women in our industry, and to the women in your life,” says Johnson. “May we all know the taste of RESPECT.”
Ballast Point Brewing’s brewery and restaurant is located at 9045 Carroll Way in Miramar, its Little Italy kitchen and taproom is located at 2215 India Street, and Home Brew Mart is located at 5401 Linda Vista Road in Linda Vista. Kings & Convicts’ brewery and tasting room is located at 9550 Distribution Avenue in Miramar, and its Leucadia taproom is located at 978 North Coast Highway 101