We recently had the absolute pleasure of attending the Barrel & Flow Festival in Pittsburgh, PA—an annual celebration of Black-owned craft beer that’s as vibrant and diverse as the community it honors. 🍻
From the moment we set up our table near the entrance, we could feel the buzz of excitement in the air. We kicked off the festivities with our DIY pretzel necklace station, where festival-goers could craft their own snack-worthy accessories. Our koozie necklaces for beer tasting glasses were a hit, too, keeping drinks cold and hands free for all the beer-loving fun!
The best part of the weekend, hands down, was getting to meet so many incredible people. We were especially stoked to finally connect in person with Sheldon & Brittany Goins from Black Beauty Brewery in Bowie, MD. Seeing the passion they pour into their craft was inspiring, and it was a joy to share some laughs and stories together. We also had the pleasure of catching up with the amazing Alisa Bowens-Mercado, the founder of Rhythm Brewing Co. in New Haven, CT. Alisa’s energy and dedication to her brand are truly unmatched, and it’s always a delight to see her in action.
Friday’s conference was packed with insightful panels and discussions. Jen Price from Crafted For Action led an amazing panel that had everyone buzzing, and we were so grateful to learn from the experts about the rich history of beer and the significant contributions of Black brewers throughout the years. It was also fantastic to reconnect with Terry Rostic from Black Calder Brewing, whose dedication to craft and community never ceases to impress.
A special shoutout to the Real Ale Sharpton and the Brewgether community for their presence and ongoing support—these trailblazers continue to inspire and unite us all. The festival was filled with so many memorable moments, and we left feeling energized and more connected than ever to the incredible network of Black-owned brands we’re so proud to support.
Barrel & Flow is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. We’re already counting down the days until next year’s event, and we can’t wait to see what new connections and experiences await us. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table and shared in the festivities with us—here’s to celebrating Black-owned craft beer all year long! 🍻✨
Cheers to celebrating Black excellence in craft beer and the amazing communities that make it all possible! 🍻✨
Because Diversity is the taste of life®!
Remember to enjoy responsibly.
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