brave noise
Merakai Brewing CO. joins forces with Brave Noise to fight for a discrimination and harassment-free industry
On 11 FEBRUARy, Merakai Brewing CO., founded by Emma O’Neill-Parsons and Olly Parsons, hosted members of their community at their craft brewery to brew a Brave Noise Beer.
After brewing their First Brave Noise last year as a call to arms to the wider UK brewing industry, in efforts to create a safer industry and community, Merakai Brewing CO. is committed to supporting and promoting the Brave Noise initiative all year round, with annual beer launches.
Brave Noise is the result of the revelations uncovered by US brewer, Brienne Allen (@ratmagnet), who shared thousands of stories of harassment, abuse and discrimination worldwide within the craft beer industry on Instagram after asking one question: ‘Have you ever experienced sexism in the beer industry?’
Olly Parsons, co-founder of the Sussex-based brewery said: “I read Brienne’s (social) posts and watched her stories, and I felt overwhelmed with sadness that this was happening within our beloved industry and community. Everyday I dreaded seeing more and more stories of abuse. As a man, a brewer and a brewery owner I felt it was my responsibility to do what I could to raise awareness of these issues and be a supportive ally.”
At the beginning of 2022 nine UK breweries had taken part, since then an additional 9 breweries have brewed a Brave Noise beer, taking the total to 18. There are 2,426 registered Craft Breweries in the UK (this number has decreased since the beginning of 2023), there’s still a long way to go in driving awareness and uptake of the Brave Noise initiative.
Emma O’Neill-Parsons, co-founder Merakai Brewing CO. said: “This year we want to raise awareness of The Brave Noise campaign in the UK.”
A YouGov survey has found that over three-quarters of UK adults think improved safety procedures in bars, pubs and nightclubs is necessary, following recent publicity around the safety of women and girls.
“We stand with those within our community who have experienced harassment. We are going to do everything we can to make workplaces and craft beer venues safe for everyone,” Emma said.
Merakai Brewing CO’s Brave Noise will be launched at various taprooms and craft bottle shops nationwide from International Women’s Day 8 March 2023.
Proceeds from the sale of Brave Noise will go towards creating Wellness Officers, trained individuals who will be present at craft beer events and festivals to help, support and act as a witness for attendees.
Emma said: “One of our key objectives with Brave Noise is to make spaces safe for everyone to enjoy craft beer, the Wellness Officer (WO) initiative established by The Coven aims to do that.”
The Coven celebrates women-brewed and owned beer. Their aim is to make beer spaces safe and accessible to all.
Pip, founder, at The Coven, Wellness Officer initiative said: “We are thrilled that Merakai Brewing CO. and members of their community have chosen to support our initiative. We really just want everyone to be safe and have good vibes whilst drinking great beer.”
For more news and information about the Brave Noise release follow @merakai_brewing on Instagram
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT BRAVE NOISE
Learn about Brave Noise and the great work they do and follow the movement here @bravenoisebeer
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THEIR BRAVE NOISE BENEFICIARY: WELLNESS OFFICER INITIATIVE
For more information on the Wellness Officer (WO) Initiative follow @TheCoven.w.o.p on Instagram and check out The Coven webshop
MASSIVE THANK YOU goes to
Our hop partner Barth Haas X for donating Sabro and Mosaic Spectrum