How Africa
Black Frog Brewery of Toldeo, Ohio
U.S. Army veteran Chris Harris took a leap of faith in 2014 by launching the Black Frog Brewery, one of the first minority-owned breweries to open in Toledo. The microbrewery produces a line of craft beers, which include a fan favorite cream ale called Cream of the Frog and an India Pale Ale called Flying Frog, created in honor of Harris’ father. Black Frog Brewery beer is sold at several locations around Toledo, including Anderson’s, Monnette’s Market and Joseph’s Beverage Center.
Website: http://www.blackfrogbrewery.com/
Cajun Fire Brewing Company of New Orleans
The Cajun Fire Brewing Company was founded on Halloween night 2011 by co-founders Jon Renthrope and Adam Dawson. According to their website, the duo was looking to bring a breath of fresh air to the festival capital of the world (New Orleans) by infusing the heritage of African-American, Creole and Houma Indians into a craft beer that was as equally unique as the city. The start-up microbrewery currently sells its beer locally at festivals in and around New Orleans.
Harlem Brewing Company of Harlem, New York
Shaw University graduate Celeste Beatty started her beer-making business in the confines of her Harlem apartment. Beginning with five-gallon batches of craft beer each day, the Harlem Brewing Company has since grown into a popular beverage line sold at various stores in the New York City area. The Harlem beer recently hit the shelves of 39 local New York Walmarts in February of this year, Atlanta Black Star reports. The line pays homage to African-American heritage and culture with beverage names like Sugar Hill Golden Ale, Harlem Renaissance Wit, and Strawberry Hard Cider.
Website: http://www.harlembrewing.com/
Harlem Blue Brewery of Harlem, New York
The Harlem Blue Brewery was founded by beer-maker and former contract attorney Julian Riley Jr. Riley launched his brewery in 2014 with the goal of tapping into Harlem’s underappreciated beer-making history. His line of brews features varieties like American Pale Wheat Ale, Black Lager, and Hectic IPA (Indian Pale Ale). Harlem Blue beers are also sold at various bars and restaurants around Harlem, Morningside Heights, the Upper West Side, Midtown West, Soho/West Village, the East Village, lower East Side, and Tribeca.
18th Street Brewery in Gary, Indiana
After a trip to Belguim sparked his interest in beer-making, Drew Fox stepped away from the world of food and hospitality to start his own brewing business. Fox began home brewing in 2008 and later launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise money for a brewery and taproom to house what came to be known as the 18th Street Brewery. According to the company website, 18th currently brews and bottles over 100 beers. Fox’s line of beverages can be found in several bars and liquor stores around Indiana, Chicago, Kentucky and Denmark.
Website: http://www.18thstreetbrewery.com/
