Amy Oxenham , head brewer of Brick Vault Brewery and Barbecue in Marathon , is leading the expansion of the four-year-old microbrewery to a 3.5-barrel capacity , up from its single barrel start . In her three years as head brewer , Amy has nurtured the popular brewpub into a stable presence on the Big Bend scene while embracing her role as one of the

Amy and new assistant brewer Niquie Walker . Photo by Shawna Graves . few women brewers in the field .

For the past 150 years or so , the production side of the beer industry has largely excluded women , even though archaeological evidence suggests beermaking got its start as women ’ s work . During 16th century ’ s religious reforms in Europe , women brewers were divested of their enterprising role and labeled as witches , according to Smithsonian Magazine . The trope of the wicked witch with a broom and a pointy hat was created during that time to malign women brewers whose pointy hats were their calling card . The wicked witch archetype persists to this day , although many are unaware of its origins as a smear campaign to oust women from the brewing industry , thereby disabling them from attaining their own means to financial freedom .

Even as gender-based restrictions continue to topple in modern day society , women only make up a reported 7.5 % of brewers in the U . S . The industry favors women in front-of-house service roles more than in back-of-house production . Amy is proud to be pushing that percentage point ever forward and has actively put herself out there as a leading lady in one of the most remote locations in the country .

It ’ s not an easy job . She works hard , often around the clock , to get the greatest efficiency out of such a small set up . In order to offer a variety of flavors and styles on tap at all times , she must meticulously manage the timing of operations .

She does everything from ordering supplies to creating recipes , maintaining equipment , starting and finishing brew cycles-- she even does promotions and events .

To manage it all and grow in her profession , Amy knew networking would

Amy with husband Elliott Ybarra and kids Lauren and Coretta . Courtesy photo . Cenizo