Jay C. Williams

If you’re searching for your next sip, look no further than this shortlist of Black-owned breweries. This is just the tip of the iceberg. To learn more about Black-owned breweries and other diverse beer-centric business across the U.S., here's a handy list compiled by Brandon Montgomery of Black Beer Travelers. 18th Street Brewery Founded by Drew Fox in 2010, 18th Street evolved from a homebrewery to the second-largest brewing operation in northwest Indiana. The 32,000-squre-foot warehouse in Hammond, IN produces saisons, pilsners, DIPAs and more, while the original location in Gary, IN is home to a 10-barrel open fermentation system, taproom and bar. In February 2020, 18th Street opened a taproom in Indianapolis, IN. Cajun Fire Brewing Company Established in 2011 by New Orleans native Jon Renthrope, Cajun Fire is the first Black-owned brewery in Louisiana and the South. Drawing inspiration from the city’s many cultural influences, its lineup includes Big Chief Creme Stout, created as a tribute to Chief Shaka Zulu of New Orleans. Since its inception, the brewery has raised more than $500,000 for local philanthropies and nonprofit organizations in the Orleans Parish community. Crowns and Hops Brewing Company Winners of the 2019 Brewbound Pitch Slam, this California brewery released its first beer, the BPLB hazy IPA, while still building its brewpub in Inglewood. Green Bench Brewing Company This St. Petersburg, FL, brewery specializes in lagers. It recently collaborated with Beer Kulture to create a keller Pils, Kulture Khronicles Volume II, to benefit Building Beds, a nonprofit that assembles and delivers beds and bedding to children in need. Métier Brewing Company Located in the winery-heavy town of Woodinville, WA, Métier first opened its doors in 2017 and has gone to produce award-winning beer, including its coconut porter, which won a silver medal at the 2018 Washington Beer Awards. Montclair Brewery Founded by Leo Sawadogo, a native of Burkina Faso, this New Jersey brewery uses West African ingredients like hibiscus and baobab as well as sorghum, which goes into a gluten-free ale inspired by some traditional African beers. Rhythm Brewing Company Known as “Lady Lager,” Alisa Bowens-Mercado is the first Black woman in Connecticut to own a brewery. The salsa-instructor-turned-brewer’s lineup includes her core Rhythm Lager and Blue, a light lager. Soul Mega In 2017, two friends decided to open a brewing company after years of homebrewing. The first beer they brought to market was Worldwide American Pale Ale, which draws inspiration from a variety of global beer styles. Union Craft Brewing This Baltimore brewery’s lineup includes the flagship Duckpin Pale Ale and spring seasonal Steady Eddie Wheat IPA, a tribute to Baltimore Orioles legend Eddie Murray. Weathered Souls Brewing Company Serving up lagers, IPAs and pastry stouts since 2016, this San Antonio brewery recently spearheaded the collaborative “Black is Beautiful” initiative, creating an open-source beer recipe with proceeds going to organizations that support anti-police brutality initiatives and legal defenses.