Honor Black History Month By Drinking Beer In Montclair

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair’s first microbrewery is offering a unique way to honor Black History Month this year… by drinking it.

Throughout February 2019, the Montclair Brewery will be featuring several new and returning craft beers exclusively in their tap room at 101 Walnut Street. The lineup will include beer flavors and styles that are “connected to the African diaspora,” according to the wife-and-husband co-owners, Denise Ford Sawadogo and Leo Sawadogo.

“We are extremely excited to connect our culture to that of craft beer,” Denise Sawadogo said.

The Black History Month series will include styles such as “The Kingston Porter,” a dark and roasty porter named after the bustling capital of Jamaica, and “The Baobomb Sour,” which is made from the fruit of the African Baobab tree, also known as the “tree of life.”

The Black History Month beers will also include a variety dubbed “The Motherland,” a gluten-free beer made from sorghum.

“The traditional African beer is made from sorghum and my country, Burkina Faso, is known for making the best dolo, which is what it is called there,” said Leo Sawadogo, who also serves as the company’s head brewer.

According to the Sawadogos, the plan to pay tribute to Black History Month via beer has been in the works since last year.

“Last February we had just started construction on the building, but even then we were thinking of ways to celebrate this national holiday at the brewery once we were open,” Denise Sawadogo said.

• See related article: Married Couple Open Montclair's First Microbrewery

For those seeking to honor the holiday – but stay sober – the brewery will also offer non-alcoholic drinks, including a ginger beer popular in the West Indies and Africa. In addition to beverages, the brewery will host activities such as “Black History Month Trivia” and live music such as Cuban/Latin band “The Rumberos” on Friday, Feb. 15.

Learn more about this local business here.

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Photos: Montclair Brewery