Believe it or not, the connection between witches and beer brewing goes way back to medieval Europe! Back then, women—known as brewsters or alewives—were the ones making and selling beer right from their homes, with beer being a household staple. But over time, their brewing tools and practices started to take on a more... magical reputation, leading to some seriously spooky associations with witchcraft.

The Witchy Look: Brewsters Set the Trend

Ever wonder where the classic witch look came from? You can thank medieval brewsters for that!

• Pointed Hats: These hats weren’t just for fashion! Brewsters wore tall, pointed hats in busy markets so people could easily spot them and grab a drink.

• Cauldrons: Big cauldrons were essential for brewing beer, and brewsters stirring their concoctions became the inspiration for witches and their bubbling cauldrons.

• Black Cats: Brewsters kept cats around to chase off rats from their grain supplies. Over time, these furry helpers turned into witchy “familiars” in folklore.

• Brooms: Brewsters would leave a broom outside their door to let customers know the beer was ready. Eventually, this simple sign became part of the flying witch on a broomstick legend!

From Brewing to Bewitching

As beer brewing became more commercialized and men started to take over the trade, the once-respected role of female brewers began to decline. This change came right around the time of the infamous witch hunts in Europe. Independent women, like brewsters, who were making their mark in the economy, were seen as suspicious. Their brewing tools, once practical, were now linked to witchcraft.

In fact, some brewsters were even falsely accused of being witches—just because they were good at brewing and selling beer! Their success made them targets during the witch hunts of the 16th and 17th centuries.