Billed as “an Atlanta-based experience that seeks to empower and educate the community by celebrating the female contributions to brewing, both in the present and throughout history,” the first annual Dames + Dregs Beer Festival runs from 1-6 p.m. Saturday at the Masquerade at Underground Atlanta.
The co-founder of the event, Rebecca Royster, who previously worked at the Porter Beer Bar and Orpheus Brewing, says that unlike the usual beer tasting, the festival aims to explore a range of topics, including community engagement, the beer business, and brewing from a women’s perspective.
To that end, there will four different panels throughout the day. Among the panelists, Molly Gunn of the Porter and Carly Wiggins of Southbound Brewing Co. will talk about the entrepreneurial side. Brewers Zuri Coleman of Second Self, Sarah Green of Monday Night, and Christine Stevens of New Realm will talk about making beer, and present some new beers they created for Dames + Dregs.
“We thought it was time to do a beer festival that celebrated women and that was more female friendly,” Royster says. “I’ve been on this business for quite a while, and I’ve worked tons of festivals, and I kind of grew to hate them.
“We really wanted to put on a well-rounded event that had content, and arts and music and food and beer. People can come and have a good time, but they can also stimulate their minds.”
Saturday, August 11th Dames and Dregs Beer Festival at The Masquerade & Underground Atlanta. Doors at 1 p.m. Presale tickets $35 / $45 VIP Early Entry tickets / AGES 21+ ONLY. Featuring 35 breweries, food trucks, an arts market, and panels. Buy tickets here.
A portion of each ticket purchased will be donated to the International Women's House, an Atlanta based organization whose mission is to provide a safe haven and supportive services to women and children who are victims of family violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking.
In honor of the first Dames + Dregs Beer Festival, one the beers that will be on tap, Southbound Mountain Jam Southern Lager, is today’s Beer Pick.
Why? Because Carly Wiggins is a pioneer of Georgia brewing, working for Atlanta’s SweetWater before cofounding Southbound in Savannah.
Beer Pick
Southbound Mountain Jam Southern Lager
Southbound Brewing Co., Savannah
Available on draft and in cans.
Profile
Tagged a “Southern dry-hopped lager,” Mountain Jam is light-bodied and easy-drinking at just 5 percent alcohol. But with a combo of Citra, Amarillo, and Cascade hops, it has enough aroma and flavor to keep things interesting. What’s more, it was a 2018 World Beer Cup Gold Medal Winner.
It pours a pale yellow, with a bubbly white head, and fine carbonation. Floral, herbal, and citrus notes blend with a light touch of malt and a crisp, refreshing finish. Overall, it’s a unique take on the style.
Pair with
Like most lagers Mountain Jam is food-friendly, but it has a bit more to offer in the way of aroma and flavor. Try it with spicy Asian or Latin dishes, cheddar cheese or a pepperoni pizza.
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