Reviewers support women-owned breweries in the month of March

We are thrilled to have guest reviewers, the power mother and daughter duo of Julia Geller and Mary Geller, joining us for a special edition of the column. In honor of March being Women’s History Month, we thought it’d be appropriate to have two of the strongest women we know on campus review brews from women-owned breweries: Utepils and Dry Dock. We definitely wouldn’t be where we are without the women who helped get us here, so take some time this month to show those in your life some appreciation! Also, call your mother, and Stop @ Buzzed. It must be noted that Chuck and Mary drank out of IWL pint glasses with the phrase, “Feminism. It’s in the water” emblazoned on the outside. Feminism, as we just found, is also in the beer.

**Utepils: Pontoon Afternoon Raspberry Kolsch**

We started with Utepils, co-owned by renowned beer maven Deb Justesen. This is one of our favorite breweries, so we grabbed the Pontoon Afternoon Raspberry Kolsch to remind us that Minnesota can still have warm, sunny days (few and far between right now). An initial punch when you taste it, but a smooth finish. If it’s called pontoon afternoon, the boat is definitely going faster, but it’s a fun ride. Smells lovely, like fresh-squeezed raspberries. If we had to compare this beer to a woman icon, it’s Serena Williams or Megan Rapinoe. Mary pointed out that this is a “bridge beer.” It could definitely take you into fall. It’s like the first day of autumn, when it’s finally sweater weather.” Great girls weekend beer; where you would be with the girlies at the cabin, hike in the woods, come back and play cards, talk about your relationship problems and share this Kolsch.

**Dry Dock: Blood Orange Blonde**

Co-owned by Michelle Reding, Dry Dock Brewing, an Aurora, Codo.-based brewery, is an absolute treat if you’re in the area. The whole group loved this brew. Juicy and refreshing. Mary could see herself having one of these on the pontoon. The light and fruity notes remind us of summer, but we’d welcome this brew year-round. Julia said this beer is “me at my best. This is me in a yellow sundress.” The blood orange doesn’t take over the beer like other fruity wheat brews. It’s like the classy older sister of a Leinenkugel’s summer shandy. This beer is blonde and cute like Taylor Swift, with a little bit of sass and attitude.

**Dry Dock: Drift Awhile IPA**

This one tastes like how a girls dance party night feels. Whitney Houston or Shakira on full volume in the background. This beer’s hips do not lie. A perfect bittersweet symphony. This beer is a woman that walks into the room, and everybody can’t help but look because she’s STYLIN’. It exudes confidence and lifts the spirits of all around it.

**Dry Dock: Amber Ale**

Smells dusty, rusty, if Julia knew how to work on a car (luckily her boyfriend Mason does). Bold and beautiful like Lizzo. Dry Dock Brewing is now Mary’s friend. Loaded with flavor, smooth from beginning to end much like a conversation with Mary Geller. It’s like a mother’s love—powerful and warm. Reminds Chuck of his Grandma Mabel, who commanded her own presence in the most stylish attire.

**Dry Dock: Vanilla Porter**

Smells unbelievable, with notes of cookies and vanilla. Unlike other porters, it’s surprisingly light, smooth and airy. Taste doesn’t lie. Reminiscent of a Portillo’s Chocolate Cake shake, for all our Chicago readers today. Mary said it’s kind of like Julia, with a sweet note at the end.

**Dry Dock: Docktoberfest (German Style Marzen Lager)**

Definitely not enjoyed by Mary and Jack. Not special to Julia. This might be a good beer most days, but it just didn’t live up to the hype brought on by Dry Dock’s previous brews. Just like the patriarchy, we don’t particularly like it, but we are going to finish it. Before we leave you this week, here’s a bit of food (and beer) for thought.

**Women-Owned Breweries to check out over spring break:** – Urban Growler Brewing Co., St. Paul. – River Ridge, Bellevue, IA – Hoppy Girl, Wabasha, MN – New Glarus Brewing Co. (Home of Spotted Cow), New Glarus, WI

We also encourage every one of our readers to participate in women’s month by attending IWL Events put on by Julia and her wonderful team at CSB. Tell them the beer column sent ya! – Sex, Milk and Cookies: 6:30-8:00 p.m., March 20, Multicultural Center – Keynote Speaker: Wawa Gatheru 7 p.m., March 28 – Men Can Be Feminists?: 7:00 p.m. March 15, Quad 170

We love you all (especially our women readers)! And Happy Women’s History Month!