An award-winning brewery worked with a group of female ‘brewsters’ to create a new, American-style India Pale Ale which went on sale this week.

Ilkley Brewery collaborated with a team from brewing collective Project Venus to develop Venus Voyage IPA.

The collaboration marked the appointment of Harriet Marks as its latest brewer. Harriet, who has a background in viticulture after working in Australian vineyards, wants to re-establish women as the original ‘brewsters’, reflecting their role during the pre-industrial age.

She invited Project Venus, a collection of female brewers from around the world, to spend a day brewing the new ale.

Project Venus member Megan Parisi, head brewer at Bluejacket Brewery in Washington DC, flew over especially to be part of the collaboration at Ilkley Brewery.

Harriet said: “More and more women are realising that beer has subtle and varied flavour profiles which offer almost limitless food pairing matches. Due to its lower alcohol content, compared to wine, it is possible to match a variety of beers throughout a meal making beer a truly diverse and flavour-filled choice.

“Here at Ilkley Brewery we are constantly looking to spread the word that Britain should be proud of its brewing heritage and embrace the idea of food and beer matching as one of the many ways to appreciate its diverse appeal. Women are discerning drinkers, and appealing to their unique palates is important when designing a new beer. The involvement of food is a crucial tool in turning around preconceptions.”