Women of Beer – Heather Bryant

Rhode Island Brewers Conference – A First Timers’ Look

Never been to a brewing conference? Me neither. So, when I received a press invitation to attend the 2025 Rhode Island Brewers Conference in Providence, Rhode Island, I had no idea what to expect. I’ve been to beer events and judged beer competitions – but what do people actually do all day at a beer conference? What kind of topics would be covered? Would there be a ton of tasting and hands-on demonstrations? Would the panels be so exclusive and specific they’d be impenetrable to someone who doesn’t actually work at a brewery, but loves the industry (aka me)? On Saturday, October 18th, I showed up to find out.

Women of Beer: Vilija Bizinkauskas

“I make garbage IPAs,” Vilija Bizinkauskas told me while sitting down for this interview. That remarks, followed by her laughter, were just one of the highlights in my fantastic conversation with a truly passionate expert in in the art of beer.

Rhode Island Beer, Women of Beer

Women of Beer: Jennifer Pereira

If you’re involved in the Rhode Island beer scene in any form, chances are you’ve met Jen, a powerhouse when it comes to providing education, building community, advocating for diversity, and promoting the craft of brewing. Just a few of her accomplishments: BJCP National Beer Judge, Founder of the Rhode Worthy Cup and Ocean State Homebrew Competitions, member of the American Homebrewers Association, the Brewers Association, and the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (UK). I’m thrilled to feature Jen in this month’s Women of Beer column, who is spearheading the second Rhode Worthy Cup competition in July!

kyle dead language beer project hartford Connecticut brewery review

Women of Beer

Women of Beer: Kyle DeGasero, Taproom Manager and Co-Owner, Dead Language Beer Project

This article first appeared in Yankee Brew News. Dead Language has been on my radar since I saw a social media post about their opening back in spring 2024. I finally made the 90-minute trek to Hartford, Connecticut, this month, and came away not only impressed by the excellent beer (see my Connecticut brewery profile!)

erika rosenfield post and beam brewery beer new hampshire

New Hampshire Beer, Women of Beer

Women of Beer: Erika Rosenfeld, Post & Beam Brewing Company

This article first appeared in Yankee Brew News Erika is the founder and owner of Post & Beam Brewing Co., established in 2018. Erika manages all facets of the business, from brewing and taproom operations to financial oversight and customer engagement, ensuring every aspect aligns with her commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability. An active leader

nichole pelitier crooked current brewery pawtucket rhode island

Rhode Island Beer, Women of Beer

Women of Beer: Nichole Pelletier, Crooked Current Brewery

This article first appeared in Yankee Brew News Nichole Pelletier gets a lot of attention in Rhode Island for being one of the only female brewmasters around. Similarly, Crooked Current Brewery in Pawtucket, which she co-owns with husband Jason Lourenco, gets frequent mentions in the local press due to its name, a cheeky reference to