When I started writing for CraftBeerAustin.com back in 2015, my first series of articles was about Women in Beer. I am happy to announce that thanks to the ladies of the Austin chapter of the Pink Boots Society, I am bringing back the Women in Beer series. This edition features Sandra Murphy, Head Brewer for Panther Island Brewing out of Fort Worth, Texas.
Describe your average week. What are you responsible for?
As Head Brewer, I run the entire beer program for Fort Brewery. I handle everything from recipe development, production, training, education, and food and beer pairings.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy every aspect of my job. Standing on a brew deck when the grain hits the mash is my zen. It keeps me grounded and brings me peace. I love teaching the next generation of brewers and staff members about beer and brewing. I still enjoy recipe development and creating an experience for my customers.
What challenges have you faced in this or previous roles in the beer industry?
The challenges are a lot of the same. There are still so few women brewers in DFW. I have more freedom in my new role but with freedom comes responsibility. At the end of the day, it’s my program and if I miss the mark it’s on me.
If someone asked you to describe the current state of today’s craft beer climate what would you say?
Changing. I think a spark has been lit and I hope we see a very different craft beer in the next 5 yrs. Craft has always been a family for me and we always work together to make us all better. I believe we will get there.
Is there anything else you want people to know about you, your company, and/or the industry as a whole?
Fort Brewery is probably the coolest space I’ve worked in. There is an excitement and life around this place that is unmatched. We have awesome ownership. They give us to tools to create the ultimate customer experience and I’m excited to see it take off.
Has Pink Boots played a role in your career? If so, how?
I’m starting to get to work with Pink Boots more and more. I came up during covid so there weren’t a lot of opportunities to meet up. Last week I did a collab with Rahr & Sons Brewing to create a Hibiscus Pale Ale using the Pink Boots Blend of hops. We are working to do more collaborations with Pink Boots Members and hosting some education opportunities or a happy hour for members in the future.
What question(s) are you tired of answering/getting asked?
How do I do it? Same as the guys.
What beer are you currently enjoying the most?
I drink a lot of craft lagers. There’s no bs to hide behind it’s either good or not. I don’t have to think to much about it.
