Beertown Public House Celebrates Women in Craft Beer with ‘Above Grade’ Fruited IPA
Collaboration Nation beer brewed by women, raising the bar in hospitality and supporting the community
Beertown Public House is using craft beer to highlight a broader shift in hospitality and make a positive impact in the community.
Its latest ‘Collaboration Nation’ brew – created alongside Fairweather Brewing Company and Escarpment Laboratories – is called ‘Above Grade,’ a 6.6 per cent Fruited IPA that pairs a layered tropical profile with a meaningful initiative.
“’Above Grade’ is about raising the bar – both in the glass and in the industry,” says Jennifer Tamse, Director of Beer and Beverage at Charcoal Group of Restaurants, the parent company of Beertown Public House. “The beer world, much like professional kitchens, has traditionally been male-dominated. Collaborations like this celebrate the women shaping the future of hospitality while delivering something bold and expressive that guests will love.”
Brewed by the women of the Charcoal Group of Restaurants, the collaboration was created in celebration of International Women’s Day – but its message goes far beyond a single day.
‘Above Grade’ embodies both the beer itself and the mindset behind it, intentionally pushing things a step further.
Built on a plush base of barley and oats and fermented with a speciality yeast strain, the beer is dry-hopped with Idaho 7, Citra and Mosaic before being conditioned on fresh pineapple and mango. The result is a layered tropical profile bursting with ripe mango, juicy pineapple and resinous citrus, all wrapped in a soft, pillowy body with a bright, juicy finish.
The collaboration also mirrors the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry. While back-of-house roles have historically been male-dominated, the Charcoal Group of Restaurants has made measurable strides in building more inclusive leadership pipelines.
“In the last few years, we’ve seen real momentum in bringing more women into leadership roles across our restaurants, kitchens and head office,” says Megan Stover, Vice President of People + Culture at the Charcoal Group of Restaurants. “Creating opportunities, supporting mentorship and celebrating achievements like this collaboration are all part of building a stronger, more inclusive industry.”
In 2025, the Charcoal Group of Restaurants continued strong female leadership across the company. Women hold 62 leadership positions and make up 59 per cent of restaurant hospitality leadership team – and 52 per cent in headquarters positions. Among qualifying female leaders, 40 per cent are investors, and 67 per cent of multi-unit leaders are women. Beyond leadership, 60 per cent of front-of-house staff across the company’s restaurant umbrella are women, reflecting a broader commitment to building an inclusive and diverse workplace.
Celebrating this commitment, ‘Above Grade’ will be on tap at all Beertown Public House locations through April 6, while supplies last.
A portion of proceeds from every glass will support Gillian’s Place, a Niagara-based organization providing shelter, counselling, and advocacy for women and children experiencing violence – taking the collaboration a step further beyond the glass.
For reservations and more information, visit Beertown.ca.
About Charcoal Group
Charcoal Group is an inspired group of full-service restaurants located across in Southern Ontario with over 65 years in the hospitality industry. Our restaurants include Solé Uptown, The Charcoal Steakhouse, Martini’s, Dels Italian Kitchen, Wildcraft Grill & Long Bar, The Bauer Kitchen, The Bauer Bakery & Café, Moose Winooski’s, Beertown Public House, and Sociable Kitchen & Tavern.