“14 weeks. 92 beer styles. 673 people from over 10 countries and 44 US states.”
If you needed a quantifiable way to understand Jen Blair’s impact on the beer world in 2021, there you have it. Her worldwide reach began as an Instagram post in March 2021 to mark International Women’s Day, offering free virtual training about beer. The Georgia-based Advanced Cicerone, national BJCP judge, and American Homebrewers Association Governing Committee member created an educational opportunity for any woman who wanted to learn more about beer judging.
Her classes would provide what an aspiring judge, enthusiast, or professional would need to expand their knowledge and skillset. The reaction was swift, positive, and appreciative. In the months after her offer, Blair created a community and changed lives.
“I continue to get emails and tags on social media from women who have passed their Certified Cicerone exam or [are] taking BJCP exams in part because they took the beer judge training,” she says. “It’s a really good feeling to see women continuing to push through, get these certifications, and show up for each other.”
In a year in which so many people stepped up to support diversity, inclusion, and equity in beer, Blair’s knowledge and expertise were a valued part of it. Her virtual sessions removed barriers and resulted in more women at beer judging tables, changing the makeup of a traditionally male-dominated space.
The responses to that Instagram post sharing the final tally of participants are equally exciting:
“I’m so proud and excited to get to share this journey with you!”
“Your encouragement & confidence in us gave me the motivation I needed to get past my hesitation & do the damn thing!”
“Thanks to you I get to judge my first beer awards next month! Dream come true.”
The numbers underlying Blair’s contributions this year tell one story—and their lasting impact is just starting to be written.
Words,Bryan Roth