A Woman’s Brew Podcast follows the ‘beer-ventures’ of two beer-loving women – Joanne Love & Tori Powell – on their mission to get more people drinking and talking about great craft beers. The duo look to infuse equal parts education, playfulness, and story-telling with a dash of chaos across their episodes with the aim to make the craft beer hobby more fun and approachable for all – made by women for everyone! Tori and Joanne are both UK based, but weave in their US connections with their love of travel to bring you – dear listeners – stories from across the industry and across the globe. They hope that you’ll grab a drink of your choosing and join them for a round or few – CHEERS!
Today we're getting into the spooky spirit with a seasonal bucket list beer that has a very special place in Tori's heart: Pumpkinhead Ale from Shipyard Brewing Co. But is it actually a bucket list beer, or is it more about the memories, the autumn vibes and the cinnamon sugar rim? We take a look at the history of Shipyard, from its beginnings in Kennebunkport, Maine, with Fred Forsley and British brewing consultant Alan Pugsley, to the brewery's growth and the arrival of Pumpkinhead in the 1990s. We also explore the beer itself, its ingredients, the mystery of whether it actually contains pumpkin, its various spin-offs (including Smashed Pumpkin and the non-alcoholic version), and where it might fit into the BJCP style guidelines. And let's just say we have some questions about those style guidelines. What exactly is an SHV, and why are we suddenly categorising beers by autumnal vibes?
Of course, we couldn't just drink Pumpkinhead without giving it the full experience, so we get our glasses ready for some cinnamon sugar rim action! We explore Shipyard's recommended way of serving the beer, debate the best ingredients for frosting the glass, and put honey and maple syrup to the test. There's also a little detour into Halloween traditions, pumpkin spice treats, spooky candles and wax melts (we promise it is relevant!), before we introduce you to the wonderful Pumpkinhead Pete. We discover his very important talents, explore Shipyard's Pumpkin Headquarters and take a look at some rather intriguing Pumpkinhead cocktails. Finally, we get into the Untappd and Beer Advocate ratings, what people think of the non-alcoholic version, and the all-important question: is Pumpkinhead actually a beer you need to seek out? Or is the real bucket list experience enjoying one with a cinnamon sugar rim in New England in autumn? Grab something pumpkin-spiced and join us!
Shipyard Pumpkinhead page:
https://shipyard.com/beer/pumpkinhead/
About Shipyard:
https://shipyard.com/about-shipyard/
Pumpkin-headquarters:
https://shipyard.com/pumpkinhead/
Our fave wax melts & candles:
Mourn & Muse:
https://www.instagram.com/mournandmuse/
Moth & Magpie:
https://www.instagram.com/mothnmagpie/
Last Rest Candles:
https://www.instagram.com/lastrestcandles/
Luna Bookish Flame:
https://www.instagram.com/luna_bookish_flames_candles/
Get in Touch:
Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/
Email: awomansbrewpodcast@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew
Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism
Joanne: @lovebeerlearning
Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk
Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew
Join our 2025 drinking challenge here
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Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
19 Oct 2026
271 - Bucket List Beers: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
In this episode of A Woman’s Brew, we’re tackling a proper American craft beer classic: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale! 🍺 This is one of those beers that’s been getting people into craft beer for decades, and we’re finding out whether this accessible, fridge-filling favourite deserves its place on our bucket list. We taste the beer, chat about its beautifully balanced bitterness, citrus and pine aromas, and that lovely hint of burnt caramel, before getting into the American Pale Ale style guidelines. Naturally, there’s some nerding out over hops, malt and barley along the way. We also explore how Ken Grossman founded Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in 1980, from homebrewing and a shop in Chico to building brewing equipment from scrap dairy machinery. Turns out, a little ingenuity and a whole lot of hops can go a long way!
But the biggest surprise? Sierra Nevada Pale Ale won gold in the American-style ESB category at the 2025 World Beer Cup! We discuss why the brewery entered it in that category, what it tells us about beer styles and how our idea of a “standard” beer changes over time. We also compare the original Pale Ale with a bottle-conditioned National Park Series version, explore the story behind Sierra Nevada’s collaboration with the National Park Foundation, and dig into Untappd and BeerAdvocate ratings. Along the way, we talk awards, serving glasses, food pairings and whether this iconic beer tastes different depending on how you get it. We finish with our verdict on whether Sierra Nevada Pale Ale belongs on your beer bucket list (spoiler: we have thoughts!).
So grab a beer, join us for a little craft beer history, and let us know: have you tried Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, and do you think it deserves its bucket-list status?
Sierra Nevada website:
https://sierranevada.com/about-us
Beer and Brewing article:
https://www.beerandbrewing.com/an-ode-to-sierra-nevada-pale-ale
Beer Connoisseur report on the ESB award:
https://beerconnoisseur.com/sierra-nevada-pale-ale-esb-world-beer-cup/
Brew Bound article:
https://www.brewbound.com/news/sierra-nevada-arms-wholesalers-with-license-to-sell-in-fight-against-craft-beer-declines-refreshed-packaging-to-roll-in-2027?
Get in Touch:
Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/
Email: awomansbrewpodcast@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew
Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism
Joanne: @lovebeerlearning
Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk
Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew
Join our 2025 drinking challenge here
Subscribe:
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TuneIn
Watch:
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Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
5 Oct 2026
270 - Bucket List Beers: Delirium Tremens
In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most recognisable beers in the world: Delirium Tremens. The pink elephant, the distinctive bottle and that rather memorable name have made this Belgian strong golden ale an obvious contender for our bucket list — but there’s a lot more to the beer than its instantly recognisable branding. We taste Delirium Tremens alongside Delirio, the alcohol-free version, and Delirium Red, and talk about what we actually think of the beers rather than simply accepting their legendary status. We also get into the history behind the brand, the story of the pink elephant and our own experiences of visiting Delirium Café in Brussels — including why somewhere that sounds like a beer lover’s paradise can also be a slightly overwhelming experience!
But the biggest conversation in this episode is about the name “Delirium Tremens” and the uncomfortable reality behind it. We explore why the name has attracted criticism, including reactions from people who have experienced alcohol withdrawal, and discuss the restrictions that have affected the beer’s name and branding in different markets. It leads us into a wider conversation about whether a beer name can be playful when it references something that can be genuinely serious and traumatic, and whether changing part of the name goes far enough when the pink elephant imagery remains. We also look at the Brotherhood of the Pink Elephant and the role it plays in the Delirium story, including its charitable work.
And, of course, this is a bucket list beer episode, so we have to decide whether Delirium Tremens actually deserves its place on the list! We dig into its ratings, reputation and popularity, answer some of the questions we found on Reddit about the beer’s price and strength, and consider whether the Delirium Café experience might actually be the bigger bucket-list attraction. By the end, we reveal our verdict — and share which Delirium beers we’d recommend trying if you want to explore beyond the famous pink elephant.
The History of Delirium:
https://www.delirium.be/en/history
Vinepair article about Delirium:
https://vinepair.com/articles/delirium-tremens/
Get in Touch:
Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/
Email: awomansbrewpodcast@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew
Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism
Joanne: @lovebeerlearning
Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk
Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew
Join our 2025 drinking challenge here
Subscribe:
Podbean
iTunes
Spotify
TuneIn
Watch:
YouTube
Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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