Creating My Own Beer

After being a craft beer journalist, influencer and ambassador for more than 20 years, I have been able to realize the dream of coming out with my own version in 2018 alongside one of the most prominent brewing companies in the world, New Belgium. Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, New Belgium invited me to consult with them on finding a way to racially diversify the craft beer industry from both an employee and customer perspective. Due to my vast experience, global travels, and yes, being one of the very few Black people with a prominent presence in the industry, I accepted the offer and flew out to their headquarters to provide my insight.
Sitting at the table with New Belgium’s executive team, we created a national diversity committee, set a date for a symposium in Atlanta, and proposed an idea that blew them away—craft a chocolate-vanilla imperial stout that would have everyone drinking together. I named it Piano Keys and they answered with an astounding “Yes!” followed by an incredibly delicious final product.
With this unprecedented collaboration, I continue to play an integral role in everything concerning Piano Keys from design to the marketing strategy, and we are now on the third version of it. The first two were launched predominately in Atlanta and Colorado with stellar results; this upcoming March release presented in stunning packaging will reach multiple states, raise funds for my BrewGether.org fund to address various inequities, and ultimately maintain the mission of bringing everyone together.

For more information, visit Alesharpton.com, Brewgether.org, and Newbelgium.com.