Starting in July, we will see the first releases from one of the largest brewers’ collaborations in the country.

The Black is Beautiful initiative was started by Weathered Souls Brewing of San Antonio, TX. The idea was hatched shortly after the George Floyd murder as a way to make positive contributions to each brewer’s local communities. Marcus B, Founder & Head Brewer, himself African-American, further explains their mission statement:

“Black is Beautiful is a collaborative effort amongst the brewing community and its customers, in an attempt to bring awareness to the injustices that many people of color face daily. Our mission is to bridge the gap that’s been around for ages and provide a platform to show that the brewing community is an inclusive place for everyone of any color. We are asking for all breweries and brewers far and wide to raise a glass with us in unison and participate in this collaboration.”

In the collaboration efforts, we would ask for participating breweries to do the following:

• Donate 100% of the beer’s proceeds to local foundations that support police brutality reform and legal defenses for those who have been wronged
• Choose their own entity to donate to local organizations that support equality and inclusion
• Commit to the long-term work of equality

The collaboration begins with a stout ale recipe formulated by Weathered Souls, but with each brewer encouraged to add their own creativity. A common label is offered, with space for local brewers’ logos should their beer be packaged.

The “Black Is Beautiful” beer collaboration with dozens of area brewers. also links to a recipe for the beer, which can be scaled for homebrewing.

As of June 30, 913 breweries in 50 states and 17 countries have signed on the collaboration.

As release dates for this project draw near, I will try to list them here and in my calendar of events.

Here’s the list of regional brewers, organizations supported, and release date, where known:

Illinois

Black Horizon Brewing Co., Willowbrook
Church Street Brewing Co., Itasca
Dry City Brew Works, Wheaton
Elder Brewing Co., Joliet
Elmhurst Brewing Co., Elmhurst • My Block * My Hood * My City & Chicago Urban League
Foreign Exchange Brewing Co., Aurora
Kinslahger Brewing Co., Oak Park
Liquid Love Brewing, Buffalo Grove
Marz Community Brewing, Chicago
Metal Monkey Brewing, Romeoville
Midwest Coast Brewing Co., Chicago
Miskatonic Brewing Co., Darien
More Brewing Co., Villa Park
MyGrain Brewing Co., Joliet
Noon Whistle Brewing, Lombard • Equal Justice Initiative • Releasing July 11
Obscurity Brewing & Craft Mead, Elburn
One Lake Brewing, Oak Park
Peckish Pig, Evanston
Pipeworks Brewing Co., Chicago
Revolution Brewing, Chicago
Sketchbook Brewing Co., Evanston
Solemn Oath Brewery, Naperville
Whiner Beer Co., Chicago
Whiskey Hill Brewing Company, Westmont

Indiana

2Tom’s Brewing, Ft. Wayne
Black Acre Brewing Company, Indianapolis
Burn ‘Em Brewing, Michigan City
Guggman Haus Brewing Co., Indianapolis
Haynie’s Corner Brewing Co., Evansville
Myriad Brewing Company, Evansville
Sun King Brewery, Indianapolis
Switchyard Brewing, Bloomington
Three Floyds Brewing Co., Munster

Michigan brewers include Bell’s Brewery, Kalamazoo, Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids, and
New Holland Brewing Co., Holland

Wisconsin brewers include 3 Sheeps Brewing Co., Sheboygan, Central Waters Brewing Co., Amherst, Hinterland Brewery, Green Bay, and Third Space Brewing, Milwaukee