At DISTRYB, we are constantly inspired by the resilience, creativity, and community spirit driving Black-owned wine, spirits, beer, and mead brands across America. The craft beer landscape, in particular, is witnessing a vibrant surge of activity, with Black entrepreneurs opening new establishments, forging powerful collaborations, and hosting events that not only celebrate their craft but also uplift their communities. Despite historical underrepresentation, these trailblazers are carving out significant spaces and enriching the diverse tapestry of the U.S. beverage industry.
New Taprooms and Expanding Horizons
The journey to establishing a brick-and-mortar brewery is often long and arduous, but several Black-owned brands are successfully reaching this milestone or making significant progress. In Philadelphia, brothers Richard and Mengistu officially opened Two Locals Brewing Company on January 31, 2024, marking a historic moment as the city's first Black-owned brewery with its own 15-barrel brewhouse and taproom. Their establishment is crafting distinct, flavor-driven beers inspired by local culture, a testament to their dedication to the craft beer scene.
Further south, the Texas beer scene is becoming increasingly diverse with new ventures taking shape. Shannon Harris has been diligently working on Urban Jungle Brewing in Austin since 2020, with ambitions to secure a physical location. Similarly, Kuumba 'Smitty' Smith planned to launch Smittox Brewing in Dallas, and a team of entrepreneurs including Carl Roaches, Jr., Jonathan Brown, Miguel Rodriguez, and Devon Daniel aimed to introduce For The Culture Brewing in Houston. These openings represent crucial steps in diversifying a state that, despite having the largest Black population in the U.S., has historically seen limited Black-owned breweries in its major cities.
On the East Coast, Black Viking Brewing from Maryland, already a finalist for USA Today's Best New Brewery, anticipates opening its own physical location by Summer 2024. This move is part of their ambitious vision to become the country's first Black-owned, nationally distributed beer brand.
In the Midwest, Funkytown Brewery in Chicago recently received a substantial $3.7 million grant from the City of Chicago. Announced in late 2025/early 2026, this funding is a significant boost towards their goal of establishing their first standalone brewing, distribution, and retail facility near the United Center, with a projected opening in 2027. This new facility will serve as a crucial anchor for their distribution business and a cultural hub for the Funkytown brand, which aims to encourage new beer drinkers into the craft space with approachable beers.
The Power of Collaboration and Community Building
Collaborations continue to be a cornerstone of the craft beer community, fostering innovation and amplifying messages of unity and progress. Rhythm Brewing, led by Alisa Bowens-Mercado in Connecticut, is actively expanding its distribution across the Northeast. In exciting news for 2024, Rhythm Brewing is set to launch an espresso martini ready-to-drink (RTD) product at the end of June and will be pouring their lagers at the CITA Park beer garden in New Haven throughout the summer. Furthermore, in a significant partnership, Rhythm Brewing collaborated with Samuel Adams on a new fruited Italian Pilsner slated for release in November 2024, showcasing the increasing industry recognition and innovative spirit of Black-owned brands.
Crowns & Hops Brewing Co. from Inglewood, California, known for its commitment to diversity and community, has also been highly active. In May 2024, they collaborated with Vine Street Brewing Co. in Kansas City, Missouri, to release "One Pint At A Time," a Buckwheat Honey Blonde Ale. Proceeds from this collaboration benefit meaningful organizations like the American Jazz Museum, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and the National Black Brewers Association. Additionally, Crowns & Hops was selected as the prestigious 2024 Samuel Adams Brewing & Business Experienceship winner in June 2024, an opportunity that provides invaluable mentorship and support to fine-tune business growth strategies. They also partnered with Allagash Brew Co. on "Cur-8," a blend of Allagash's Curieux and Crowns & Hops' 8-Trills pilsner, released in February to support the 8 Trill Initiative, a fund dedicated to creating opportunities for Black-owned craft beer brands.
However, the journey for growth also comes with its challenges. In October 2024, Crowns & Hops announced they would be stepping away from their long-planned Inglewood taproom due to permitting delays and financial hurdles. They also decided to pursue an independent path again, stepping away from the Circle of Crowns Beverage Group, a strategic alliance formed earlier in the year with Full Circle Brewing Co. and its sibling brands. This transparency highlights the dynamic and often demanding nature of the industry for independent brands.
Funkytown Brewery in Chicago continues its collaborative efforts. In August 2024, they teamed up with Black Beer Baron to create a new beer aimed at promoting inclusivity and funding scholarships. This followed another notable collaboration in May 2024, a "1984 Pale Lager" brewed with Samuel Adams, a result of Funkytown winning a collaboration contest. Most recently, Funkytown Brewery and Soul Mega from Virginia partnered with George Washington's Mount Vernon for a commemorative beer released at an event at the Beer Culture Center, crafted with historical ingredients to honor enslaved beer makers.
Industry Support and Event Spotlights
The National Black Brewers Association (NB2A), formed in May 2023, plays a pivotal role in supporting the growth and sustainability of Black-owned breweries. In a significant development in April 2024, Cajun Fire Brewing, New Orleans' federally recognized first Black/Native American-owned brewing company, was awarded a 20-barrel brewhouse through the NB2A's Equipment Donation Grant Program. This generous donation from Russian River Brewing Company will substantially increase Cajun Fire's production capabilities, representing a life-changing opportunity for the brand and its community.
Community events are also crucial in highlighting and celebrating Black excellence in craft beer. The Barrel & Flow Fest in Pittsburgh, recognized as America's top beer fest by USA Today readers, continues to be a beacon. The 2024 festival was celebrated as "Barrel & Flow Week" by city, county, and state proclamations, underscoring its impact as a platform for Black artistry, music, and business within the craft beverage industry. Similarly, California's largest Black beer festival, the Peoples Beer Festival, serves to amplify Black brewers and brands, with a portion of its proceeds benefiting the National Black Brewers Association. The 2024 festival notably featured a Rare Beer Tasting in collaboration with the NB2A at Urban Roots Brewery.
Looking Ahead
The landscape of Black-owned craft beer in the United States is dynamic and inspiring. From new breweries emerging in major cities to established brands expanding their reach through innovative collaborations and receiving vital industry support, the momentum is undeniable. At DISTRYB, we remain committed to documenting and celebrating these achievements, providing a platform for these exceptional brands to share their stories and continue their invaluable contributions to the broader beverage industry. The ongoing dedication to craft, community, and culture ensures a future where the richness of Black-owned beer, wine, and spirits is increasingly recognized and enjoyed by all.
Sources
- Get To Know These 13 Black-Owned Breweries & Wineries | News - BET
- Three New Black-Owned Breweries Diversifying the Texas Beer Scene - Hop Culture
- A Round With… Alisa Bowens-Mercado of Connecticut's Rhythm Brewing | Brewbound
- Cajun Fire and Montclair Brewing Awarded NB2A Equipment Grants | Brewbound
- Samuel Adams Selects Crowns & Hops Brewing Co. as 2024 Brewing & Business Experienceship Winner - Boston Beer Company
- Crowns & Hops decides to "walk away" from Inglewood space, and step away from Full Circle - BeerAdvocate
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