Montclair Brewery Launches New ‘Black History Beer’ For 2025

MONTCLAIR, NJ — When you get a taste of Heritage Barleywine Style Ale at Montclair Brewery this February, it isn’t just a “bold malt character” you’ll be imbibing – it’s Black history in action.

The town’s first microbrewery has racked up several awards for its tasty concoctions. Owned by the wife-and-husband team of Denise Ford Sawadogo and Leo Sawadogo, the brewery’s lineup is heavily influenced by their West African and Caribbean roots.

Each year, the Sawadogos have released a new beer in tribute to Black History Month, honoring luminaries such as Harriet Tubman, Maya Angelou, Thomas Sankara, Kobe Bryant, George Washington Carver, Chadwick Boseman and Larry Doby.

The brewery has also paid tribute to Montclair icons and institutions such as Aubrey Lewis Sr. and the Friends of the Howe House. And this year, they’re boosting another local icon: the Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation.

“With a bold malt character and warming strength of 8.5 percent alcohol by volume, this limited-edition brew pays tribute to the MAAHF’s mission of nurturing and celebrating Black entrepreneurs, community leaders and change-makers,” the Sawadogos said.

A portion of beer sales from Heritage Barleywine Style Ale will be donated to the foundation.

An official release event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21 at the brewery’s taproom at 101 Walnut Street. The event will include a live performance from Leah Jenea from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Rhythm & Ribz Smokehouse will be on site in the outdoor beer garden from 5 to 10 p.m.

“As a Black-owned brewery, it’s our mission to honor Black history not just in February, but year-round,” said Ford Sawadogo, the businesses’ chief brand officer.

“Black History Month allows us to highlight the stories, people, and flavors that have shaped our culture and community,” she added.

“For 35 years, the Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation has been dedicated to uplifting unsung heroes and recognizing the resilience of African American entrepreneurs in our community,” MAAHF marketing chair Cathy Stephenson Smith said.

“To be honored by Montclair Brewery is a profound moment—one that reaffirms our mission and the impact of our journey coming full circle,” Smith said.

The brewery will also be debuting its Bourbon Vanilla Stout, a “deep and malty” dark beer with roasted chocolate notes infused with Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans – delivering a nutty aroma and flavor notes.

Both beers will be available on draft and in cans as of mid-February for a limited time at the taproom and select distribution partners.

The two new beers are part of the brewery’s commitment to “storytelling through beer,” using flavors and ingredients that connect to the African diaspora, head brewer Leo Sawadogo said.

“Brewing runs deep in my West African heritage, and I take great pride in crafting beers that reflect that legacy,” he said.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS

This February, the Montclair Brewery taproom will also feature artwork from local Cameroonian artist, Sergeo Demefack, and host live music from the African diaspora such as jazz, R&B, Blues, Soul and Funk with artists and bands such as Nadine Simmons, Gangway, MPack, Leah Jenea and others.

The brewery will also be holding food collaborations with Black-owned Brixton Beef and Rhythm & Ribz.

Learn more about events at the Montclair Brewery here.

EAST ORANGE EXPANSION

The demand for products like Heritage Barleywine Style Ale has been a blessing – and a challenge – for Montclair Brewery, which recently announced plans to expand to a second location in East Orange.

The expansion will allow the brewery to triple its production capacity and open a second taproom – along with reaching a new customer base, the Sawadogos said.

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