Vienna Brewery Launches Controversial "Feminist Beer" Breaking Global Misogynistic Laws

Muschicraft, a Vienna-based brewery, has launched what it claims to be the world's first feminist beer, challenging misogynistic laws in over 50 countries. The pale ale, which features a vulva on its label, aims to combat stereotypes about gender and beer consumption. According to Sophie Tschannett, the creator and a Viennese artist, the idea originated during a bike ride along the Danube five years ago, when a friend expressed frustration over being overlooked for a project due to her gender.

Muschicraft's beer, brewed with local ingredients and boasting a 5.2% alcohol content, seeks to break the gendered norms prevalent in the beer industry, which Tschannett argues is predominantly male-driven. The brewery also allocates a portion of its profits to feminist organizations in Austria.

In November 2023, a collaboration with the Berlin brewery Vagabund led to the creation of "the most illegal beer." This special label was inspired by the need to highlight ongoing gender inequality, with Tschannett revealing that various laws prohibiting women from engaging in alcohol production or night shifts were intentionally violated during its production. Among these absurd regulations is an obscure Wyoming law in the U.S. that restricts women from being within five feet of a bar while drinking.

Despite its provocative branding, which aims to normalize the vulva and confront sexism, the reaction has been mixed. Tschannett emphasizes that creating a powerful statement was necessary to challenge societal taboos. The brewery's initiative has sparked discussions about gender representation in the beverage industry and aims to encourage inclusivity among all consumers.