In this episode of A Woman’s Brew, we’re joined by the brilliant Lucy and Lizzy of Closet Brewing—Scotland’s only openly queer-owned brewery. We chat about their journey from literally brewing in a cupboard in their Leith flat to becoming a fast-growing, award-winning brewery known for bold flavours, community focus, and killer artwork. From exploding fermenters at 3am to DIY mash tuns crafted from Tesco coolers, the pair share the chaotic, hilarious, and deeply personal beginnings of their brewing story.

We dive into the evolution of Closet Brewing: scaling up equipment, learning the hard realities of brewing commercially, and balancing being brewers, business owners, marketers, event managers—and occasional electricians. They talk us through the science (and cake-based experimentation!) that led to beers like their beloved lavender pale ale, Gal Pals, and give us a peek into their incredible queer artist collaboration programme responsible for some of the most eye-catching labels in UK craft beer—frog butts and all.

Finally, we explore Closet’s commitment to queer community, accessibility, and creating spaces that uplift and celebrate everyone. The duo share their pride in award wins, their manifesting list for the next few years (a taproom?!), and how much their success is rooted in the village of people who support them. So, check out their newly reopened webshop, grab a beer and settle in for an episode full of heart, humour, and truly excellent brews.

Visit Closet Brewing at their website and grab some beers here, there is also 10% off merch until the end of 2025!

https://closetbrewing.com/

If you are in Leith, grab a beer at The Bowler’s Rest:

https://bowlersrest.com/

Find them on Instagram here:

https://www.instagram.com/closetbrewing/

And the artists you should look into:

Jumper designs by Audrey Subra @aud_pizzanova –

https://www.instagram.com/aud_pizzanova/

@zuzamakes - They're Turning The Friggin Frogs Gay, Thine Cup Runneth Over –

https://www.instagram.com/zuzamakes/

@gawrjuhsart - Lemon Soul, Bright Young Things –

https://www.instagram.com/gawrjuhsart/

@ajd.illustrates - Gal Pals –

https://www.instagram.com/ajd.illustrates/

@hamillustration - Fault Lines, Hidden Track –

https://www.instagram.com/hamillustration/

@hicarbi - Freudian Slip –

https://www.instagram.com/hicarbi/

@enbean_art - Spectre, Vampire Spa Day –

https://www.instagram.com/enbean_art/

@_lostastronaut - Lost in the Sauce –

https://www.instagram.com/_lostastronaut/

@ergi.world - Alex, Lucy's sibling, Tattooist and designer of several of our early can labels inc. GOAT, Mieter*innen, Smoke Signals and Last Train Out of Manchester –

https://www.instagram.com/ergi.world/

@scotsqueerfilm – SQIFF

https://www.instagram.com/scotsqueerfilm/

Get in Touch:

Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/

Email: awomansbrewpodcast@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew

Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism

Joanne: @lovebeerlearning

Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk

Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew

Join our 2025 drinking challenge here

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Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com