National American Beer Day, celebrated on October 27, recognizes the tradition of dark beer brewed in the United States. This year, our focus is on the unmistakable influence of Black-led breweries. Black-owned craft breweries notwithstanding account for less than one percent of all US operationsBlack brewers are reshaping the conversation, creating distinctive brews, protecting heritage and championing justice in an industry built on community and craft. BLACK ENTERPRISE celebrates that excellence by showcasing the innovators, brands and movements that are cultivating culture and catalyzing change across the brewing landscape.
Harlem Brewing Company
Harlem Brewing Company opened its doors in November 2000 under the leadership of entrepreneur and brewer Celeste Beatty, who became the first black woman to own a brewery in the United States. The brand brews beers that echo Harlem’s history. Each pour contributes to the neighborhood’s cultural history. Although its headquarters are firmly based in Harlem, the operation has been pushed south with the launch of Harlem Brew South in North Carolina. At its core, the company seeks to redress the underrepresentation of black owners in the craft beer scene.
Cajun Fire Brewing Company
Cajun Fire Brewing Company (New Orleans, LA) appeared on the scene, thanksBlack and Native American entrepreneur John Ranthrop decided to put the South in the driver’s seat of his craft beer destiny. Their Honey Ale, along with a collection of unique brews, combines deep-rooted flavor with the inventive ingenuity of modern brewing, delivering both a mouth-watering sip and a purposeful pour. Although the taproom is located in the heart of New Orleans, the brand’s reach extends beyond the Crescent City, earning Cajun Fire a trailblazer on the national craft beer map. Filling a glaring representation void, the company also breathes life into East NOLA, raising the neighborhood’s community spirit and economic pulse.
Hippin hops
Hippin’ Hops, a brick-and-mortar brewery and taproom that has set up shop in Atlanta, serves up signature specials such as: confidently hop-forward “Baby Mama Drama” IPA and summer So Peachy tart, each alongside the restaurant’s extensive menu, which feels more like dining than bar snacking. The space pulses with a neighborhood vibe, earning its reputation as a cornerstone of Atlanta’s dark craft beer scene. Hippin’ Hops creates a communal, affluent gathering place around craft beer. It’s an oasis often missing from the more mainstream beer landscape.
Urban Garden Brewing Co.
Urban Garden Brewing Co., born in 2021 in Washington, D.C., from Eamonn’s vision, is on a mission to establish a large-scale, Black Brewery is a thriving beer scene in the capital. Currently produced by Urban Garden Brewing Co small batch craft beverages by contract. At the same time, laying the groundwork for a brick and mortar brewery.
Moor’s Brewing Company
Moor’s Brewing Company in Chicago, Illinois was founded by three friends, Damon Patton, Jamhal Johnson and Anthony Bell, right on Chicago’s South Side. The brewery already delivers its craft beer to more than 500 locations, and the owners expect a black-owned brewery to open in the city by 2025. Launching on June 19, 2021, Moor’s is a testament to ambition and cultural representation in the US.
Brown Girl’s Brew
Brown Girl’s Brew® operates out of New York and Chicago and was founded by Christina Thomas, a woman who connects craft beer, dessert-inspired flavors and Black women’s entrepreneurship in a space where women of color remain scarce. The drinks read like a dessert menu, featuring Carrot Cake Amber Ale, Lemon Pound Cake Lager and Banana Pudding Hefeweizen. It’s already making its way to New York, New Jersey and beyond.
Rhythm Brewing Co.
Located in the heart of New Haven, Connecticut, Rhythm Brewing Co. is the brainchild of Connecticut brewery owner Alyssa Bowens-Mercado. He blends the music-based name, The Rhythm Nation, with the timeless craft of brewing, turning every glass into a jam session. Since its 2018 release, Bowens-Mercado’s story has highlighted the barriers of race and gender that still stand in the world of craft beer. Bowens-Mercado also highlights how a sharp, niche-focused brand can serve as a foundation for black-owned breweries.
Full Circle Brewing Co.
Fresno, California’s Full Circle Brewing Co. proudly holds the title of Central Valley Brewery. It operates as both a large-scale production craft brewery and a live entertainment venue. The action spotlights brewing entrepreneurship and forays into emerging markets and craft beer regions traditionally off the map, while live events and community engagement are at the fore.
Vine Street Brewing Co.
Vine Street Brewing Co. is based in Kansas City, Missouri and proudly holds the distinction of being the state’s brewery. To that the relaxed, welcoming taproom offers a range of beers. Since opening its doors in 2023, Vine Street Brewing Co. has quietly highlighted how the craft beer capital movement is finally catching on in the Midwest, reminding its consumers and partners that ownership diversity is important, especially in markets that often go under the radar.
RELATED CONTENT: Publix Allegedly Drops Sponsorship of Black Book Bash and Denies Email Evidence
