Many believe ancient Egyptian culture invented the closest thing to a modern-day beer, with women playing a key role in its production.

In the absence of brewing machinery, brewing at home was pretty common, and like most household chores, these activities were performed mainly by women.

Over time, women went from simply brewing at home to making profits by operating their own taverns and establishments. In the Middle Ages, they became known as "alewives."

Overall, women are less associated with the beer industry today. Some argue that it is due to the Reformation of the 1500s and the changing attitudes toward women.

Other reasons could be the Church of that time viewing alehouses as places of sin, and the Industrial Revolution helping to move the brewing process from the home to the factory.