Beer is no longer a fratastic boys’ club. A global movement for women to take brewing into their own hands has brewing companies around the world sitting up and taking notice. From Brazilian titular ales like Feminista and Sweden’s FemAle Club, the industry is realizing that women drink beer too. (Who’d a thunk it? Women just don’t hang off a man’s shoulder in a bikini whilst he drinks with his buddies). Ahead of this learning curve, Los Angeles brewhaus Eagle Rock Brewery has been taking it publica with a monthly forum that just celebrated its fourth anniversary.

Smack dab in prime hipster Los Angeles real estate, the forum is hosted the third Wednesday of every month.

Host and co-founder, Ting Su, shares her knowledge and curates themed classes for ladies to acquire a more refined palate. When the class launched in 2011, she told LA Weekly, “Too often however, they’re steered toward the worst-tasting, syrupy-sweet, weak drinks.”

This effort to support women in the pursuit of ale education has not gone unnoticed. Local food trucks flank the entrance to offer food to inject the “foodie” element for Angelinos.

The brewery is not only groundbreaking for its egalitarian approach to the community. Established in 2009, Eagle Rock was the first brewery to open to the public in the last 60 years. Truly a family affair, Su partnered with husband Jeremy Raub and his father Steve to establish a beer company with a conscience.

In addition to be a SoCal institution, ERB has a partnership with Eagle Rock Public House to create a well-rounded dining experience to prepare dishes to complement the artisanal ales. Public House’s Co-founder/Executive Chef Jerry Su has evolved a menu using seasonal and sustainable ingredients to give the one-two-punch of ethical and community-driven brew culture.

This hunger to connect to the community has college students of the area fired up to engage in serious libation education.

A space for a non-judgmental approach to discuss beer is a welcomed sight for students like Jamie Rocha, 29, Public Relations/Journalism major at Mount San Antonio College. Rocha said, “I don’t want to appear like novice and be embarrassed by my male friends so I’m glad that a comfortable place exists where women know their stuff.”

The price also appeals to the ever-thinning wallet of a student. The cost averages $10-$20 per session and sometimes includes swanky-cool merchandise like fun tote bags and monogrammed glasses.

In the coming weeks the tradition continues; the grain room swarming with lady-folk to mingle, taste and gab beer-shop-talk. This is a small way we can break down barriers and allows for more inclusivity in stereotypical gender interests. Redefining interests as simply “things to do” instead of for strictly girls or guys can hopefully make a more balanced and happier community. Be there, RSVP online and don’t be square.