In tribute to #NationalBeerDay today, here’s a look at five of the top African Americans in the brewery industry. From brewmasters to fermentation specialists, these business leaders and innovators really know their beer.
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1. Jason Pratt was the yeast and fermentation specialist for MillerCoors, and in 2010 he graced the cover of the Black Enterprise May issue due to his innovative drive and contributions in the STEM field. By combining his taste buds and strong knowledge of science, Pratt uses his expertise to assure taste and quality during the fermentation process of Miller and Coors suds. Five years ago when Pratt was featured in BE, he was one of the youngest professionals paving the way in math and science. Today, he continues to do the same as manager of beer education for Tenth and Blake Beer Co, the craft and import division of MillerCoors.
2. In December, BlackEnterprise.com interviewed Bed-Vyne Wine founders Rotimi Akinnuoye, Michael Brooks, Peter Medford and Ayo Akinnuoye. The Brooklyn winery was developed to embody an atmosphere that places the customer experience above all, with a warm and inviting vibe. The winery features an eclectic selection of wines, has been embraced by the community, and has produced great sales.
3. Garrett Oliver is the brewmaster at The Brooklyn Brewery Co., and has been brewing beer since 1994. Oliver is the 2014 recipient of the James Beard Award for Excellent Wine, Beer or Spirits Professional in 2014 and also served as editor to the Oxford Companion to Beer and published The Brewmaster’s Tale. The Brooklyn Brewery Co. encompasses beer that enhances the flavor of meals and provides customers with a taste of culture from the community being served.
4. Longtime Harlem brewmaster Celeste Beatty journeyed long and hard for Harlem Brewing Co. to become the company it is today–her first brews were created in her studio apartment. Beatty persisted and continued to brew, never giving up on perfecting her recipe, and attempting to open a local brewery. After facing obstacles, she took her home-grown recipes to Olde Saratoga Brewing Co., where she worked closely with two fine brewers. On June 19, 2001, Harlem Brewing Co. launched at the Studio Museum in Harlem, and her dream came true.
5. Born in Louisiana and raised in New Orleans, Cajun Fire Brewing Co. co-owner, Â founder, and brewmaster Jon Renthrope had a passion for beer, and began his career as a home brewer in 2008. In 2011, he teamed up with partners Adam Dawson, and Jomarque Renthrope to form Cajun Fire Brewing Co. on Halloween of 2011. The company aims to add diversification to the option of craft brewers that are available in the region, and is currently the only African American-owned-and-operated brewery in the U.S.