In the world of craft beer, there is a correction that needs to be made—a change in how we talk about and perceive Black people in the industry. Teo Hunter, co-owner of Crown and Hops Brewing Co. and a board member of the association, eloquently points out, “There’s a correction that needs to be made about how people talk about Black people in beer, as if it’s new. There have always been people of color, Black people, in the beer industry in the actual craftsmanship of beer.”
However, what the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) spotlighted this year is not just the presence of Black brewers but their active involvement in the business of beer. Hunter emphasized, “What we haven’t been able to see in recent years, or in the past actually, is the Black community actually being involved in the business of beer, and I think that’s what we’re able to show at the Great American Beer Festival this year.”
The festival’s dedicated section, featuring three beers from Hunter’s brewery, Crown and Hops Brewing Co., stands as a testament to this evolving landscape in an industry traditionally characterized by a lack of diversity.
Beny Ashburn, CEO of Crown and Hops and Hunter’s business partner, highlighted the importance of representation and visibility in such spaces. “When you’re in a space where there is very little representation of self,” she explained, “it is always important to show up and be seen and be heard and create opportunities for people to know that they themselves can also be in an industry like craft beer.”
Ashburn further emphasized that many Black brewers in the area had been in business for years but had never had the opportunity to attend the Great American Beer Festival. The festival provided a platform for these brewers to showcase their craft and connect with a wider audience.
Crown and Hops Brewing Co. is on a mission to address the existing void of diversity in the craft beer community. They are known for their BPLP Hazy IPA, which stands for “Black People Love Beer,” a movement they initiated seven years ago. The company is also in the process of creating a brick-and-mortar tasting room for their unique brews.
Hunter summarized their vision by saying, “Everybody’s palate is different, so the idea is to get more palates to the party. To get more palates to judge, to identify what they love, what they don’t like, so they can ultimately bring more products to this industry.” This commitment to diversity and inclusion promises to enrich the craft beer landscape, celebrating both the flavors of beer and the diverse voices behind it.
