Oskar Blues Brewery Sponsors Pink Boots Society Tour to Germany

Tristan Chappell, Assistant Cellar Manager at Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard will be joining the adventure to learn about German brewing practices, tour female owned & operated breweries and network with other women in the beer industry.

"In an industry primarily dominated by men it is important to find a network of strong women to lean on for support & encouragement," said Chappell. "The Pink Boots Society has played a big role in my professional success and I am looking forward to immersing myself in the different brewing processes and practices in Germany and spreading the Oskar Blues gospel overseas."

Pink Boots Society is an international nonprofit that works to inspire, encourage, educate and help women succeed in the craft beer industry. This insider’s tour begins in Frankfurt, and winds through idyllic Bavaria and Franconia with stops along the way at small family-owned breweries, established breweries, some "radical" breweries, hops farms, and many other places of interest to beer lovers, especially those with an interest in southern German beer culture beyond Oktoberfest.

"When the opportunity came our way, I knew immediately it was something that we wanted to be involved in," stated Diana Ralston, Director of Sponsorships at Oskar Blues Brewery. "With only 18 percent of our industry represented by women, we need to do what we can to support and educate those of us who are involved and continue to provide unique opportunities for growth."

Tristan has been a member of the Brevard team since it opened its doors in 2012. While her background was in blacksmithing and metal fabrication, after working in the taproom at Oskar Blues she developed a passion for craft beer and was given the opportunity to pursue her dream of being involved in its production. Tristan spent her days off learning the brew process and in less than a year of working at Oskar Blues, she moved her way up from beer tender to Assistant Brewer in the cellar.

"There’s no one more deserving or better to send on this trip than Tristan," said Dale Katechis, soul founder of Oskar Blues Brewery. "She’s been kicking ass for our North Carolina team since day one and her passion for life and all things craft beer is infectious."

Chappell’s work has contributed to the explosive domestic growth Oskar Blues has experienced in the past year. The brewery completed its U.S. footprint in 2016 and recently announced the launch of distribution in Puerto Rico, Spain, Chile, the Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, New Zealand and Japan.

To learn more about Oskar Blues and its partnership with the Pink Boots Society visitwww.oskarblues.com.