African Influence On American Craft Brewing with Moors Beer, Montclair Brewing, Sankofa Beer, and BlaQ and Soul

African influence on commercial craft brewing has been small. But that is starting to change, right now among brewers of African heritage but possibly soon among the wider craft world. This episode, organised by The Chicago Brewseum brings together a panel to discuss the influence of African brewing and culture and its potential amongst American brewers.

How are traditional beers reflected in modern American beers?
How are traditional ingredients used or reflected?
How will traditional African beers reach beyond a niche market?

The Panelists:

Kofi Meroe is the founder of Washington DC brewery Sankofa. Sankofa is a word from the Ashanti/Akan people in Ghana and translates to “Go back and get” and Kofi brings this attitude to the beers they brew, getting inspiration from his own Ghanian heritage.

Jamhal Johnson is the founder of Moors, a new Chicago brewery directly and deliberately inspired by African brewing traditions.

Leo & Denise Sawadago are the founders of Montclair Brewery in New Jersey influenced by African heritage and traditions

Liz Garibay is the founder and Executive Director of The Chicago Brewseum. The Brewseum is a registered cultural non-profit focused on exploring the cultural side of beer and brewing. They host regular talks, tours and an annual Beer Culture Summit.

Toni Boyce is the co-founder of BlaQ & Soul a space centering Black LGBTQ+ folks through food and beverage, community activism, and lived experience-based education.