This February, Pillars Brewery was buzzing with energy, conversation, and the unmistakable sounds of a brew day in full swing. But this wasn't just any brew day- it was our second annual International Women's Collaboration Brew Day (IWCBD)!
This year's event was organised by our Marketing Manager, Kayleigh Bell, as part of the International Women's Collaboration Brew Day initiative by Women On Tap and brought together women from the incredible organisations we work with every day. We sent an invitation to our trade partners in January, and the response was overwhelming in the best possible way! Our guest list has tripled in size since last year, a testament to the growing appetite for women's voices and presence in brewing.
For those who joined us, it was a chance to step into the heart of what we do. Led by our brilliant brewer Dani, and supported by Kayleigh, Samie Razaq, Peter Kennelly, and Jens Magnell, the day included a range of activities and talks. Guests observed the brewing process, got hands-on with some brewing tasks, and took part in a guided tasting of our beer range.
We even waxed our own Icebock bottles (incredibly satisfying, if you've never tried it) and took on the ultimate challenge: a perfect pour competition. Because a perfect pour is just as important as a perfect brew!
Beer Has Always Been Women's Work
There's something powerful about watching a room full of women around a brew kettle. For most of human history, that's exactly where women belonged: from ancient Sumerian priestesses brewing for the goddess Ninkasi to medieval alewives running their own businesses, women invented, perfected, and commercialised beer.
It's only in the last few centuries, thanks to industrialisation, witch hunts (yes, really), and systematic exclusion, that brewing became male-dominated. Events like IWCBD are part of reclaiming that heritage. They're a reminder that women aren't "entering" the brewing industry but coming home. If you’d like to learn more about the history of women and brewing, we have a fascinating article here.
Introducing IWD Pilsner 2026
The result of our collaboration brew day? A beautiful IWD Pilsner, available from 2nd March.
100% of profits from IWD Pilsner will be donated to Solace Women's Aid, a Waltham Forest organisation that's spent over 50 years supporting women to escape violence and rebuild their lives with safety and dignity. Their work is vital, and we're proud to support them.
The beer itself? A crowd-pleasing, gluten-free Pilsner brewed to the same exacting standards as every lager we make. Expect a crisp, clean, and sessionable beer, which is unequivocally delicious.
Why This Matters
Events like IWCBD aren't just about brewing a beer. They're about visibility, community, and creating space for voices that have been historically marginalised in an industry they helped build.
They're about showing young women that there's a place for them in brewing if they want it. They're also about celebrating the brilliance of the women already here in the industry, from the brewers, business owners, and marketers, to the suppliers, hospitality workers and supporters.
IWCBD uses beer to bring people together and to support causes that matter. When you buy a bottle of IWD Pilsner, you're not just enjoying a great beer. You're supporting Solace Women's Aid AND celebrating women in brewing. You're part of something bigger.
About International Women's Collaboration Brew Day
IWCBD is a global initiative organised by Women On Tap CIC, encouraging breweries worldwide to host collaborative brew days celebrating women in brewing around International Women's Day each year.
About Solace Women's Aid
Solace Women's Aid has been supporting women and children affected by domestic and sexual violence for over 50 years. Operating across London, they provide refuges, advocacy, counselling, and support services to help women rebuild safe, independent lives.