BLACK HISTORY MONTH BEER SERIES
Each year we release a special beer series during Black History Month that are beers inspired by African culture and prominent black figures. Take a look at all of our Black History Month Brews throughout the years!
To view the Black History Month Series Tap List click the button below:
2021
NOBLE LIKE IT IS PORTER
Inspired by Gil Noble
This beer is in collaboration with the Harlem Brewing Company and is brewed with Jamaican pimento seeds, also known as allspice. The was developed to honor Noble’s Jamaican roots, as both of his parents were from Jamaica. Noble was a renowned journalist, pianist, producer, professor, news anchor and television host interviewed many famous African Americans, such as Nelson Mandela and Mohammed Ali. He was a 45-year resident of Montclair and taught media classes at various New Jersey schools, such as Saint Peter’s, Seton Hall, Rampo and New Jersey City University.
Click the button below to watch Leo and Denise, along with Celeste Beatty from Harlem Brewing Company interview Chris Noble, the son of Gil Noble.
BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL STOUT WITH BAOBAB AND PEANUT BUTTER
Inspired by George Washington Carver
This is a new twist on our version of the "Black is Beautiful" brew with the measured addition of the exclusive Baobab fruit during the boil and peanut butter added post fermentation. Peanut butter was selected as a homage to George Washington Carver, the African American agricultural scientist and inventor. He is often referred to as “peanut man” for developing more than 300 food, industrial and commercial products from peanuts.
BOSEMAN WILD ALE
Inspired by Chadwick Boseman
This beer is brewed with juniper berries to honor Chadwick Boseman. Boseman is a famous African American actor who is most known for his starring role in The Black Panther.
2020
DOBY MAJOR LEAGUES CARAMEL PALE ALE
Inspired by Larry Doby
Larry Doby was a former Negro League and American League baseball star. Doby was the 2nd player to break baseball’s color barrier-- 11 weeks after Jackie Robinson. In 1998, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame for his impactful contribution to baseball on and off the field. Doby settled in Montclair where he and his wife raised their children and where he later died in 2003.
TUBMAN RAILROAD STRAWBERRY PALE ALE
Inspired by Harriet Tubman
This beer was brewed to honor the courageous Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad that she and other abolitionists made famous during slavery. It is said that strawberries were Harriet Tubman’s favorite treat so we chose to make this brew with wild strawberry puree.
2019
PECAN PIE STOUT
Inspired by former African American slave, Antoine, and activist, Martin Luther King, Jr.
This brew incorporates the flavor of pecan, which is the only tree nut native to North America. A former African American slave in Louisiana known as Antoine was the first person to graft a wild pecan into seedling pecan stalks in 1876. Pecans also play a part in the life of one of America’s most revered activists: Martin Luther King, Jr. It has been reported that King’s favorite dessert was pecan pie.
THE MOTHERLAND
Inspired by Burkina Faso, Leo's home country in Africa
African tribes have been brewing forms of sorghum beer longer than is recorded in history books. This brew is inspired by the traditional African beer, aka “dolo”. This sorghum-based and gluten-free brew is a hazy and slightly spicy ale with grapefruit notes from the Cascade hopss.
THE KINGSTON PORTER
Inspired by Denise's Jamaican roots
This brew is named after, Kingston, the capital and largest city of the island of Jamaica. It was brewed to honor Denise's family heritage in Jamaica.
THE BAOBIERE
Inspired by the African Baobab tree
Brewed with the fruit of the legendary African Baobab tree - referred to as the Tree of Life, the baobab fruit is rich in vitamin C and is believed to have antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
GOLDEN BUDDHA PASSION FRUIT ALE
Inspired by Denise's Jamaican Roots
A light-bodied, golden ale flavored with passion fruit puree. The passion fruit gives a nice tropical aroma with a light fruit flavor that does not over power. The Golden Buddha is a refreshing drink for those wanting more than a traditional craft beer.
RUDD DAIRY MILK STOUT
Inspired by the Rudd Family
This brew honors Montclair legend John Herman Rudd, his brother Wyatt and their dairy business and ice-cream shop in the mid 1940s and 1950s located in the South-End. Rudd was the first African-American ice-cream shop owner and is the grandson of a former slave