New “Black is Beautiful” Beer Initiative in Michigan
A few weeks ago I told you about some new beers that are available for you this summer. Now have even more new brews with local breweries taking part in a "Black is Beautiful" initiative to raise awareness about social issues affecting Black people.
As of June 30, 913 breweries in 50 states and 17 countries have joined the collaboration to raise awareness and funds for police brutality reform and legal defense funds for those who have been wronged by these injustices.
Some of the breweries taking part in the state of Michigan include Arvon Brewing in Grandville, Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, City Built Brewing in Grand Rapids, Founders Brewing in Grand Rapids, New Holland Brewing Co. in Holland, Our Brewing in Holland, Speciation Artisan Ales in Comstock Park, Tulip City Brewstillery in Holland, and Unruly Brewing in Muskegon.
The base recipe for this initiative was created by Weathered Souls Brewing Company. It was designed to be a moderately high ABV stout to showcase the different shades of black. Breweries are encouraged to add their own twist or ideas to the beer.
Bell’s version of the recipe will be released in 6-pack bottles exclusively at Bell’s General Store in downtown Kalamazoo and Upper Hand Brewery Taproom in August. Bell’s will make donations to two local Black-led organizations: the Kalamazoo NAACP and Face Off Theatre. In the fall, another release will come from and celebrate Bell’s Black and African American employees.
Founders Brewing Company is proud to bring you Peanut Butter Fudge Stout. According to their website the beer features: "Chocolate malts, roasted barley and Golden Naked oats mingle with Nugget and Perle hops as semi-sweet chocolate and hints of roasted peanut team up to create a smooth, yet not overly sweet, experience – a peanut butter cup in a glass. 6.8% ABV." Founders will be donating $25,000 to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund from their corporate giving platform, The Big Pitcher. Beginning July 24, Peanut Butter Fudge Stout will be available in 6-pack bottles and on draft exclusively at their Grand Rapids and Detroit taprooms.
We will let you know as more Michigan breweries release their version of the "Black is Beautiful" beer in the coming weeks.