Upstate women on tap to brew successful careers in beer
Walk into a beer brewing class these days and it’s hardly the “all boys club” it once was. Scattered throughout the audience of men, you’ll find women with eyes focused up front and pens in hand.
Cornell University’s Brewing Science and Technology workshop was back by popular demand. The full day course, held at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva last week, was at full capacity with more than 80 registered students. Professor Karl Siebert prepared a packed agenda including lessons on barley and malt, hops, brewhouse operations and beer styles.
“The audience is very mixed. Some people are home brewers, at least a third work for brewing companies of varying sizes. I have a number of farmers, especially hop farmers, and others are suppliers to the industry – people who supply equipment or various ingredients,” said Siebert.
Brooke and Heidi Menikheim are seated close to the front of the room. The married couple live in Manlius, New York and are spearheading the family’s upcoming craft brew pub and brewery businesses. The two women began growing hops and home brewing in the small Central New York town about three years ago, and have been taking classes online to help give them an edge in the local industry.
“We’re just trying to gain as much knowledge as we can about this area. I’m amazed by how much chemistry is involved,” said Heidi.
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