Believe it or not, the link between witches and beer brewing goes back to medieval Europe. Women called brewsters or alewives made and sold beer from their homes, a staple in everyday life. Over time, their tools and habits gained a mysterious reputation, tying them to witchcraft.

The Witchy Look: Brewsters Inspired It All

• Pointed hats helped brewsters stand out in crowded markets.

• Cauldrons were vital for boiling and mixing beer, inspiring the image of witches stirring potions.

• Cats guarded grain from rats and later became “familiars” in folklore.

• Brooms placed outside a doorway signaled that a fresh batch was ready, eventually sparking the flying witch legend.

From Brewing to Bewitching
As brewing became commercial and men took over, the once respected brewsters were pushed aside. Their skills and tools were recast as signs of sorcery. During Europe’s witch hunts, some women were even accused of witchcraft simply because they were skilled brewers.