News Summary
Moor’s Brewing Company, a Black-owned brewery in Chicago, wins the Samuel Adams Brewer Experienceship competition, receiving vital financial aid and mentorship. Founded in 2021, the brewery aims to expand its retail presence and has launched Chicago’s first Black-owned taproom. With plans for a special release beer, Moor’s Brewing is dedicated to promoting diversity and supporting the community through events like the upcoming Emancipation Ball.
Chicago
Moor’s Brewing Company, a Black-owned brewery in Chicago, has achieved a significant milestone by winning the 14th annual Samuel Adams Brewer Experienceship competition. This prestigious award will provide the brewery with vital financial aid and mentorship, which will help it navigate the challenges of growth in the competitive craft beer market.
Founded in 2021 by Damon Patton, Jamhal Johnson, and Anthony Bell, Moor’s Brewing showcased its signature Kölsch beer during the competition held in New York. As the reigning champion, the brewery will receive exclusive mentorship from professionals at Samuel Adams, including insights from its founder, Jim Koch. The financial support will be directed towards the brewery’s expansion plans, which include the goal of doubling its retail footprint in the next five years.
Moor’s Brewing has already made significant strides, expanding its distribution to over 500 retailers nationwide. Notably, the brewery also launched Chicago’s first Black-owned taproom, Diversity House, located in Logan Square. This initiative not only reflects the company’s commitment to diversity but also aims to bridge the gap between premium craft beer and underserved demographics.
The collaboration with Samuel Adams will also include a special release beer in the coming months, further enhancing Moor’s Brewing’s visibility within the craft beer community. This special release is anticipated to garner attention and maintain the brewery’s momentum in the industry.
Philanthropic Support
Jim Koch’s philanthropic program, Brewing the American Dream, plays a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurs, particularly those often denied access to funding from traditional banks. Since its inception in 2008, the program has provided over $114 million in loans to more than 4,500 small food and beverage business owners. In addition to financial aid, the program has offered valuable mentorship to over 16,000 business owners, contributing to the creation and maintenance of over 12,000 local jobs.
In particular, Koch understands the hurdles faced by small business owners, having experienced similar challenges when he sought funding to start the Boston Beer Company out of his kitchen in 1984. The program boasts an impressive 98% repayment rate on loans, indicating its effectiveness in aiding local entrepreneurs.
Moor’s Brewing’s Impact
Moor’s Brewing’s foundation on Juneteenth symbolizes a commitment to addressing the disparities within the beer industry. The brewery’s branding features a design of a Black man wearing a gold crown, which serves as a powerful representation of diversity and inclusion within the craft beer sector.
The brewery’s product line includes seven distinct beer flavors, including its award-winning Kölsch, which is available in major retail outlets such as Whole Foods, Jewel-Osco, and Mariano’s, as well as in markets beyond Illinois. This distribution strategy supports the brewery’s goal of expanding its reach and impact on the craft beer community.
Community Engagement
Moor’s Brewing is also dedicated to community engagement and education. To celebrate its fourth anniversary, the brewery is hosting an Emancipation Ball, with proceeds benefiting the Care Moor Foundation for youth education. The event will feature catered offerings from local Black-owned restaurants and will include live music, further highlighting the culture and artistry of the community it serves.
As Moor’s Brewing continues to grow and expand its influence, its commitment to diversity, community support, and quality craft beer remains at the forefront of its mission.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC7 Chicago
- Google Search: Moor’s Brewing Company
- Crain’s Chicago Business
- Wikipedia: Craft Beer
- Fox Business
- Google News: Craft Beer Competition
