Toppling Goliath – Finding Hope in Hops

Pictured above: Shana Meyer, Taproom Manager

Picture taken courtesy of Jennifer Olsen, Content Creator at Toppling Goliath Brewing Company

Decorah, IA  (October 7) ~

“Beer has changed the course of human history…our dependence on beer and earlier forms of alcohol has likely shaped fundamental aspects of human existence for 200,000 years…(and) women were the driving force behind much of the world’s beer production.” stated beer historian Gregg Smith. 

From Baltic and Slavic mythology highlighting the beer goddess Raugutiene’s to the first Germanic women brewing beer in forests, Smith’s words resonate now more than ever as National Breast Cancer Awareness month approaches. Breweries nationally are concocting crafty campaigns honoring females in the fermented beverage industry. Toppling Goliath Brewing Company is one of the many utilizing their brew magic to showcase support for the cause.

Toppling’s latest and greatest DIPA, Witch’s Broom, features a carefully selected combination of Cashmere, Citra, Idaho 7 & Galaxy hops to bring forward a brew honoring the women before, currently and to come putting the “craft” in craft beer. Upon first glance at the can, notice the sneaker-laden and pink-haired gal maneuvering the violet skies aboard her broomstick. Confident, carefree and focused, she’s a modern-day reminder of the presence females had and continue to have in the industry. 

“The name was thought up by Mike Saboe (Head Brew Master) and Clark Lewey (Founder). I wanted to depict a modern interpretation of a witch not as an ugly green villain but as a strong, counterculture woman,” said Sarah Hedlund, Creative Director at Toppling Goliath Brewing Company.

The beer’s art offers a powerful presentation of a gravity- and culture-defying female whose presence symbolizes the contributions of women in the industry. It’s one of many beers Toppling’s Taproom Manager Shana Meyer believes stands as a testament to the women of Toppling Goliath.

“It feels like a camaraderie between the women here at Toppling Goliath and in this industry. This team makes beer that tells a story or reminds us of a bigger purpose and that is why it is so exciting to be a part of TG and the beer industry. Here at TG, I have a hard time saying that it’s a male or female industry. It just feels like the beer industry… We’re all going the same direction and share a similar mindset,” Meyers said. 

Meyer’s journey with Toppling Goliath began six years ago serving at a part-time capacity in the taproom. Having progressed from the service side of operations to Training and Development Coordinator and to her current position as Taproom Manager, Meyers developed familial-like connections with co-workers and staff who have succored her in her recent health journey.

“A few years back, probably about seven years now, I found out I had the BRCA-2 gene mutation.  It’s a gene that increases the risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Having the knowledge of my risk factors and the support from my friends, family, and co-workers, I decided to move forward with the personal choice of prophylactic risk reducing surgery.” Shana explained. 

With the help of her team at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Meyers pursued preventative measures such as mammograms, ultrasounds and blood work. Eventually, in 2021, she proceeded with the first of several procedures in a precautionary effort to lessen the risk associated with the BRCA-2 gene. 

“I will never look back and say I wish I hadn’t done this or done it differently. I’m actually very excited to be there for other women who have questions or are on the fence. I’d tell them it’s your own journey, you gotta do what’s best for you. Trust the process and yourself.” Meyer stated.      

As we soar into October, it’s perfect timing to release this beer in correlation with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In honor, a portion of the proceeds from Witch’s Broom will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation whose mission is to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. For more information visit: https://www.komen.org/.

Additionally, the Winneshiek County Celebration of Life has graciously united with Toppling Goliath in a more localized effort to contribute to the cause. Beginning in October, Toppling’s taproom visitors that purchase a 4-pack of Witch’s Broom and donate $10 or more to the Winneshiek County Celebration of Life will receive an additional 4-pack of Witch’s Broom free of charge. For more information about the Winneshiek County Celebration of Life and its mission to make available free mammogram screenings to under- or uninsured individuals and fuel/food cards as they go through active treatment of cancer, visit https://www.winneshiekcol.com/.  

Craft connoisseurs can expect to see this brew in their local watering holes this October with distribution in California, Colorado, Minnesota, North & South Dakota, Wyoming, Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.