I know we’re responsible for a lot of things, but how is beer Black history?
BP: The earliest beer recipe comes from Black Sumerian women dating back to 3900 B.C. Mesopotamia. Egyptians learned from Sumerians and created a more sophisticated brewing system. Black people have owned breweries in the U.S. for decades and continue to push the craft beer culture forward.
KI: Quite simply because it originated in Mesopotamia. The earliest traces of beer in a jar date back to somewhere between 3500 and 3100 B.C. The Egyptians perfected the craft to make it more like the beer we drink today. Some may say China, but that version was made with rice, honey and fruit. This makes it more of a sake-like brew that differs from the cereal [and] grains used to create beer.
Given the different brands involved, is there a specific type or flavor of beer that is synonymous with this project?
BP: The collection represents all of the contributions of Black people to brewing, so in essence, it is synonymous with every type of beer. Without Black people, there would be no beer.
KI: Since we are a lifestyle brand, we not only work with all types and flavors of beer, we also highlight the rich contributions Black people are making in the craft beer industry. The various partners we worked with on this project were all in line with the same message. Beer is Black history, which includes all types and flavors.
