Breweries owned by people of color

	By Molly O'Mera, Reporter, The Real Chi

Many would consider drinking alcohol to be a guilty pleasure. But it can be a little less so when you change your buying habits to drink a product that reinvests in your local community. Socially conscious beer drinkers suddenly have a new challenge at hand - to truly drink responsibly. 

Chicago was recently named the beer capital of America by the Brewers Association, home to more breweries than any other metropolitan area. Chicago is also home to the second largest black population in the U.S, however, there are no black-owned breweries within the city of Chicago. Vice District was the city’s only black-owned brewery up until 2016, when they shuttered their South Loop taproom. Since 2018, Englewood Brews, also mentioned on this list, has been marred with obstacles which has postponed their plans to open. 

Despite this, there are still plenty of folks in and around Chicago working to diversify the craft beer industry in lots of ways. The Chicagoland and surrounding areas are home to a handful of breweries owned by people of color. Some of them you can even find on shelves in Chicago stores, or are just a quick road trip away. Bottoms up!

1. Black Horizon Brewing Co.

Just a 30 minute drive from downtown Chicago in the suburb of Willowbrook you’ll find their taproom (currently pick-up only), which serves only in-house brews, as well as a hard cider that stays on tap year-round for the gluten free crowd. Black Horizon was one of many black-owned breweries who brewed their version of the Black is Beautiful draft - co-owner Charles St. Clair chose to make their rye & oat imperial stout. If you’re not feeling the drive out to the suburbs, you can also pick up their brews at Bitter Pops or Beermiscuous in Chicago.

Photo credit instagram

2. Cognito Brewery 

Cognito Brewery started with a group of homebrewers using an “incognito” garage brewing setup, and ended in a brewery which specializes in Belgian styles, such as dubbels, tripels and ales. As of now, Cognito Brewery is a small operation of a restaurant connected to a taproom where their original beer styles can be purchased on tap or in the can. But the owners have big ideas to expand into a local hub for artists and artisans (some of whom helped design the creative labels on the beers) and a performance space.

Photo credit: Cognito brewery website (cognitobrewery.com)

3. 5 Rabbit Cervecería

A three-time medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival, 5 Rabbit is known for it’s delicious beers, but also for its politics. 5 Rabbit used to brew a custom the Trump Tower bar, but cut ties with them after President Donald Trump made disparaging comments about Mexican immigrants - they continued brewing the beer under new names such as Chinga Tu Pelo (which translates to F*** Your Hair) or, currently, La Protesta. These events and aftermath inspired the 2019 documentary F*** Your Hair, which features acclaimed director and 5 Rabbit superfan Lilly Wachowski (who has since designed labels for the brewery).

Photo credit: 5 Rabbit Instagram

4. Alulu Brewery and Pub

Alulu is the only brewery on this list which is not owned by people of color. However, it is the home of the only black head brewer in Chicago, meaning it should be on the radar of any socially conscious local beer lovers. The head brewer (in this case, Jason James) is really the creative force behind all the drinks, and it's a good feeling to know exactly who made the beer in your hand. If you’re in Pilsen, south of 18th street, it’s hard to miss Alulu, as it looks like a large block party where all are welcome to enjoy a pint.

Photo credit: Alulu instagram

5. Englewood Brews 

Englewood Brews is not yet open - but when they do, they are set to be the only black-owned brewery in the city. Once fully realized, the vision for Englewood Brews is a business that is authentically local to the neighborhood - a philosophy which bleeds into all parts of the business, from selecting ingredients to hiring bar staff, to naming the beers. Englewood Brews is currently “in the process of creating a place and space” but actively working towards a debut. They plan to initially self-distribute to bars and stores initially, and are currently accepting suggestions of potential retailers through their website

Photo credit: englewoodbrews instagram 

6. Casa Humilde Cervecería

Casa Humilde does not shy away from it’s Mexican-American roots, as brothers Javier and Jose Lopez intended. The brewery proudly represents Chicago’s Mexican culture as well as specifically the culture of the Hermosa neighborhood, the Lopez’s brothers home. Jose got his start in the craft beer industry working at Hopewell (also on this list) before starting his own business. They are well known locally for their Michelada, a collaboration with Big Mich, available at many stores in Chicago. You can also find them at Open Produce, 57th Street Wines, or on tap at District Brew Yards.

Photo credit: Casa Humilde instagram

7. 18th Street Brewery  

The 18th Street referred to in this brewery name is not in Pilsen as some Chicagoans may assume, but located across the state border in Indiana. The beer is made in Hammond, Ind. but can be enjoyed at taprooms in Gary and Indianapolis, where they’ve become known for their wide selection of beer styles and eye-catching packaging. The owners have a focus on the surroundings of their Hammond home, having just announced a project to expand into an outdoor garden and residential lofts. 18th Street’s brews are available at liquor stores in the Chicagoland area, or for delivery online via Drizly.

Photo credit: 18th street brewery instagram 

8. Hopewell Brewing Company

Hopewell has been shaking things up in Chicago since they opened their Logan Square taproom in 2016. It’s a roster of fresh, modern beers which make you look twice (like their adorable 8 oz. Lil Buddy) that has earned Hopewell a cult following. Founded by three young college friends, all originally from Chicago, co-owner Samantha Lee’s background in non-profits gives the company it’s progressive, inclusive energy. Their mission emphasizes a dedication to brewing that is “balanced and accessible” and reminds us there is no i in beer.

Photo credit: Hopewell instagram

9. Soundgrowler Brewing Co.

Soundgrowler sets itself apart from other breweries not just with its diverse ownership, but also with the punk ethos it brews into its beers. From events like death metal yoga to beers such as Plague of the Locusts IPA, it’s safe to say they’re not your average taproom. Their tagline is “Beer. Tacos. Doom” and while the beer and doom may already be evident, the tacos are not to be slept on either - they were recently named some of the best in Illinois. Located a short drive outside of Chicago in Tinley Park, there’s few reasons not to visit ASAP.

Photo Credit: Soundgrower instagram