Beertown Public House has launched a limited-time collaboration beer brewed by the women of its parent company, with a portion of proceeds going to a Niagara-based organization that supports women and children experiencing violence.
The beer, called Above Grade, is a 6.6 per cent fruited IPA created in partnership with Fairweather Brewing Company and Escarpment Laboratories. It will be on tap at all Beertown Public House locations through April 6, while supplies last, according to a Charcoal Group of Restaurants news release.
The collaboration was brewed in celebration of International Women's Day, but the company says its message extends beyond a single day on the calendar.
A beer built on tropical fruit
Above Grade is built on a base of barley and oats and fermented with a specialty yeast strain. It is dry-hopped with Idaho 7, Citra and Mosaic hops before being conditioned on fresh pineapple and mango.
The result, the release says, is a layered tropical profile featuring ripe mango, juicy pineapple and resinous citrus, wrapped in a soft body with a bright finish.
"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."
Tamse's comments appear in the news release distributed by the company.
A shift in hospitality leadership
The company says the collaboration mirrors broader changes across the hospitality industry, where back-of-house roles have historically been dominated by men.
"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 and 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."
According to the release, women held 62 leadership positions across the Charcoal Group in 2025, making up 59 per cent of restaurant hospitality leadership teams and 52 per cent of headquarters positions.
Among qualifying female leaders, 40 per cent are investors in the company, and 67 per cent of multi-unit leaders are women. Women also account for 60 per cent of front-of-house staff across the company's restaurant umbrella.
Proceeds support Gillian's Place
A portion of proceeds from every glass of Above Grade sold will support Gillian's Place, a Niagara-based organization that provides shelter, counselling and advocacy for women and children experiencing violence.
Reservations and more information are available at Beertown.ca.
