Black-Owned Breweries in Washington D.C.

Introduction to Black-Owned Breweries in D.C.

If Washington, D.C. was slow to embrace craft beer, it has rapidly become an important player in terms of Black representation within the craft beer industry.

The Importance of Black Representation

The capital, which welcomed its first modern manufacturing brewery, DC Brau, in 2011, now boasts three Black-owned breweries, accounting for approximately 20% of the city’s total of 15 breweries, according to notable sources.

With the involvement of the Black Brew Movement, a D.C. organization working to connect Washington’s Black community with craft beer, these breweries such as Sankofa, founded in 2018, Soul Mega, and Urban Garden, are shifting the dynamics of the local beer scene.

Spotlight on Urban Garden

Consider Urban Garden, founded in 2021 by D.C. native Eamoni Tate-Collier. Its flagship brew, Chamomile, is a golden ale infused with chamomile and honey. This innovative approach results in a balanced and smooth beverage that diverges from the hop-heavy styles prevalent in American craft brewing.

“I like to incorporate herbs, spices, and fruits into my beers,” she explains. “My focus is on creating unique flavors that evoke the feeling of sipping an herbal tea.”

Community Engagement and Events

Tate-Collier aims to foster inclusivity within the craft beer community, aligning her vision with the founders of the Black Brew Movement. Since its inception in 2018, this organization has hosted events and initiated collaborative brewing efforts to draw more Black individuals into brewery taprooms.

“Our events are about creating an inviting atmosphere,” remarks Courtney Rominiyi, a sociologist and co-founder. “We curate music and experiences that appeal to our target audience, ensuring that everyone feels welcome. We’re observing a growing presence of Black attendees at our gatherings and taprooms, indicating positive progress.”

Future Aspirations for Black-Owned Breweries

Black-owned breweries are expanding in cities across the U.S., such as Crowns & Hops in Los Angeles and Hippin Hops in Atlanta. It is fitting that D.C., the first American city to have a Black majority population in 1957, holds a prominent position in this movement. Additionally, nearby breweries like Patuxent Brewing Company in Charles County, Maryland, are contributing to this enriching landscape.

While D.C.’s breweries may not yet have dedicated taproom spaces, they do participate in regular sales through various outlets, including the Heurich House beer garden, Metrobar, and Craft Beer Cellar on H Street, showcasing a range of local Black-owned brews.

Looking ahead, plans for Black-owned taprooms in D.C. are underway, as Tate-Collier envisions. Until then, events like Soul Mega’s MegaFest on Aug. 27 will celebrate Black-owned breweries, offering tastings of Soul Mega, Sankofa, Urban Garden, Patuxent, Black Viking, Liquid Intrusion, and Joyhound, all of which are rooted in or near Washington, D.C.