Celebrate Diversity Month - Beer & Cider Brands You Should Know
- hopscotchandgrape
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
April is Celebrate Diversity Month, and there’s no better time to acknowledge the power of inclusivity in the craft alcohol industry. For far too long, the beer and cider world has been dominated by a narrow group, with many talented voices from marginalized communities going unheard.
This month, we’re spotlighting 10 incredible beer and cider brands that are pushing boundaries, celebrating diversity, and creating a more inclusive future. These brands aren’t just offering unique flavors—they’re building communities, supporting economic empowerment, and changing the face of the industry for the better. So, grab a glass and join us in celebrating diversity, one sip at a time.
Why Supporting Diversity in Beer Matters
The beer and cider industry, like many others, has historically lacked representation across race, gender, and culture. But as the world continues to evolve, so too must the industries that shape it. Supporting diverse-owned brands in beer and cider isn't just about trying something new—it's about elevating voices that have been overlooked and making a difference in both the industry and communities.
From empowering marginalized creators to providing economic opportunities and fostering creativity, every purchase and sip supports a more inclusive future. Let’s make sure our glasses are as diverse as the people who make the drinks.
Featured Brands to Try
7 Clans Brewing Located in Asheville, North Carolina, 7 Clans Brewing is a Native American-owned brewery that blends traditional Native American brewing influences with modern craft beer techniques. Their beers honor Native American heritage while creating innovative and flavorful brews.
Pairing: Enjoy with a hearty BBQ or grilled meats to complement the pale ale's balanced bitterness.
Black Beauty Brewery Located in Bowie, MD, Black Beauty Brewery is the first Black-owned brewery in Bowie and the second in Prince George's County. Their Bloody Orange saison, with natural blood orange and caramel malts, offers vibrant citrus flavors balanced with a light sweetness.
Pairing: Perfect with light seafood or salads to complement its refreshing, juicy flavors.
Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. Based in Albuquerque, Bow & Arrow Brewing is a women-owned brewery that takes pride in both their craft and their commitment to community engagement. Their Scenic West IPA packs a punch with bold hops and bright citrus notes.
Pairing: A great companion to spicy foods like buffalo wings or a tangy goat cheese salad.
Brown Girls Brew Founded by Christina Thomas, also known as "The Brew Mistress," Brown Girl's Brew is a beacon of empowerment in the craft beer community. Their "Carrot Cake Amber Ale" (6.1% ABV) is a flavorful blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, inspired by the rich essence of spiced carrot cake. It offers a nostalgic, smooth experience with a uniquely delightful twist.
Pairing: Enjoy with grilled pork chops or creamy butternut squash risotto for the perfect flavor combination.
Crafted Culture Brewing Located in Ohio, Crafted Culture Brewing is the state’s first Black-owned brewery, bringing authenticity and creativity to the craft beer scene. With a focus on inclusivity and community, they’re redefining what it means to brew with culture and passion.
Pairing: Explore a variety of their offerings and pair them with a range of foods, from spicy dishes to hearty BBQ.
Feather Falls Brewing Co. Feather Falls Brewing Co. is a Native American-owned brewery in California, dedicated to creating craft beer that reflects the rich heritage of the local tribes. Their Feather Falls Thunder Apricot Wheat is lightly hopped to allow the sweet fruitiness of apricot to balance with the smoothness of the wheat malt, offering a refreshing and smooth experience.
Pairing: Ideal with roasted chicken or grilled vegetables, providing a perfect balance to earthy flavors.
Dope Cider & Winery Based in Ohio, Dope Cider & Winery is the first Black and female-owned cidery in the state. Their That's My Jam blackberry cider is a deliciously refreshing drink with vibrant fruit flavors and a smooth finish, perfect for those who love a sweet, fruity sip.
Pairing: A perfect match with a cheese platter, highlighting the cider's bold berry notes and smooth finish.
Sincere Cider Sincere Cider is a woman-owned, small-batch cider company known for creating unique and innovative ciders. Their "Sincere Apple Cider" is a smooth, dry cider made with fresh apples and natural ingredients.
Seasonal Suggestion: Enjoy it chilled on a warm spring day or pair with a fresh fruit salad for a light and refreshing treat.
Drop Bear Beer Company Based in the UK and inspired by Australia, Drop Bear Beer Company is committed to sustainability and inclusivity. Their "Bonfire Stout" is a decadent, non-alcoholic stout with a smoked malt twist, offering rich notes of espresso, smoke, and dark chocolate for a smooth, smoky finish.
Pairing: Perfect with a hearty vegetable stew or a rich, creamy dessert to complement its deep flavors.
Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse Sea Cider is a family-owned and women-led cider company based on Vancouver Island, Canada. Their "Cherry Lane – Canadian Invasion Series" is a radiantly blush cider infused with sweet and sour cherries, creating a perfectly balanced semi-sweet sip. This cider celebrates the cherry blossoms of spring and supports the protection of natural areas to help native plant species thrive.
Pairing: Enjoy with roasted pork or a cheese platter to highlight the cider's sweet and tart cherry flavors.
How to Support Beyond the Bottle
Supporting these diverse beer and cider brands doesn’t stop at the bottle. Follow them on social media, tag them in your posts, and share their stories to help amplify their voices. Many of these brands also offer direct-to-consumer options via their websites, so you can make a more impactful purchase.
Look for local stockists, check out events where you can meet the brewers, and support community organizations that align with these brands’ missions. Voting with your dollar is one of the most powerful ways you can encourage a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable craft beverage industry.
Celebrate diversity, one sip at a time. Whether you're enjoying the crisp taste of Dope Cider’s Dry Cider or sipping on Crafted Culture’s Culture Shock IPA, every drink is an opportunity to support diverse creators. great beer, great cider, and a more inclusive industry!
Try something new today and be sure to tag us on social media @hopscotchandgrape to share your favorite finds.
Cheers to great beer, great cider, and a more inclusive industry!
Because Diversity is the taste of life®!
Remember to enjoy responsibly!
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