It's a first in the capital, an organization geared towards women who want to learn more about craft beer.

The group is an arm of a worldwide society called Barley's Angels, dedicated to increasing women's awareness and appreciation of beer.


Ottawa residents Tracy Braun and Katy Watts started the Ottawa chapter less than two weeks ago. Already more than eighty members, women of all ages, have joined the group.


“We were sitting down having a beer with a few women at a local brew pub, and we said, ‘well you know there’s this group called Barley’s Angels, it’s an international organization, maybe we should look at starting a chapter here in Ottawa,’” said  Braun. "I have to say we were not expecting the response."


“When you look at the advertising, it’s all targeted toward men,” said Watts. “This is just having a warm friendly atmosphere where (women) feel comfortable trying new things.”


Ahead of the first official meeting next month, about a dozen women showed up to the Kichesippi Brewery near Carling and Broadview avenues for a taste of what Barley’s Angels is all about.


“Beer is not the Friday night, out with the guys, chugging back the pitchers,” said wine writer and group member Claire Fowles. “It’s an art, there’s a beer for every taste.”


“I wanted to show younger people there’s more than just mainstream beers out there, there’s smaller brews that really take the time and put passion into their craft,” said 22-year-old Marissa Begin, one of the youngest members of the group.


Women already a part of Barley's Angels in Ottawa say there's no shortage of things to learn when it comes to craft beers.


"Unfortunately you have to go to the gym to make up for all the learning that you’re doing!" said Fowles.


They'd also like to break down what they call misconceptions about beer and women.


"It’s not a typically women-oriented thing, when you go to beer events, it’s mostly men," said Watts. "Maybe it’s because women don’t know very much about beer, they don’t feel that beer’s really targeted to them."


The first official Barley’s Angels meeting in Ottawa is scheduled for April 2nd at the Kichesippi Brewery. It will feature beer tastings, a brewery tour and board games.
 

With files from CTV's Claudia Cautillo