Montclair Brewery Toasts to Black History with Special Heritage Beer Honoring MAAHF

[Montclair, New Jersey, February 11, 2025—]

Montclair Brewery proudly presents its annual Black History Month beer series, celebrating Black culture, history, and resilience. This year’s highlight is the Heritage Barleywine Style Ale, crafted with African-inspired ingredients to honor the Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation (MAAHF) on its 35th anniversary. With a bold malt character and warming strength of 8.5% alcohol by volume, this limited-edition brew pays tribute to MAAHF’s mission of nurturing and celebrating Black entrepreneurs, community leaders, and change-makers. The official release takes place on Friday, February 21st, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Montclair Brewery’s taproom at 101 Walnut Street, followed by a live performance from acclaimed artist Leah Jenea from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Known for her soulful blend of R&B, hip-hop, and gospel, Leah has toured with Marsha Ambrosius and performed alongside Musiq Soulchild, Bilal, and Vivian Green. Rhythm & Ribz Smokehouse will also be on site in the outdoor beer garden from 5 to 10 p.m. with mouth-watering, award-winning and authentic Southern-smoked BBQ dishes. 

“As a Black-owned brewery, it’s our mission to honor Black history not just in February, but year-round,” says Denise Ford Sawadogo, Chief Brand Officer and co-owner of Montclair Brewery. “Black History Month allows us to highlight the stories, people, and flavors that have shaped our culture and community.” “For 35 years, the Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation has been dedicated to uplifting unsung heroes and recognizing the resilience of African American entrepreneurs in our community. To be honored by Montclair Brewery is a profound moment—one that reaffirms our mission and the impact of our journey coming full circle,” said Cathy Stephenson Smith, MAAHF Marketing Chair. 

Ibn Wallace, MAAHF Scholarship Co-Chair, adds, “We are truly honored that Montclair Brewery is celebrating our 35th anniversary with a special Heritage Beer. This recognition not only highlights the rich history and impact of the Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation but also reinforces the importance of preserving and uplifting Black heritage in our community. As we celebrate this milestone, we invite supporters to join us in our mission; your contributions help us continue our work in education, cultural preservation, and community empowerment for years to come.” A portion of beer sales from the Heritage ale will be donated to MAAHF. 

Alongside the Heritage Barleywine Style Ale, Montclair Brewery will also debut its Bourbon Vanilla Stout, a deep and malty dark beer with roasted chocolate notes infused with Madagascar bourbon  vanilla beans delivering a nutty aroma and flavor notes. These special releases exemplify the brewery’s commitment to storytelling through beer, using flavors and ingredients that connect to the African diaspora. Leo Sawadogo, head brewer and co-owner, adds, “Brewing runs deep in my West African heritage, and I take great pride in crafting beers that reflect that legacy. The Heritage Barleywine and Bourbon Vanilla Stout are brewed with intention, bringing history and culture into every sip.”

Montclair Brewery invites the community to celebrate Black History Month through these special releases and events. Learn more about the other beers from the series, such as the Baoboiere Golden ale, Black is Beautiful imperial stout and others throughout the years at montclairbrewery.com/black-history-month-beer-series. Both the Heritage Barleywine Style Ale and Bourbon Vanilla Stout will be available on draft and in cans as of mid-February for a limited time at the taproom and select distribution partners.

During the month the Montclair taproom will also feature, artwork from local Cameroonian artist, Sergeo Demefack, live music spanning various genres created by those from the African diaspora, such as jazz, R&B, Blues, Soul and Funk with artists and bands like, Nadine Simmons, Gangway, MPack, Leah Jenea and others and food collaborations with Black-owned Brixton Beef and Rhythm & Ribz. For more information, visit montclairbrewery.com or follow Montclair Brewery on social media.

ABOUT MONTCLAIR BREWERY

Montclair Brewery is a family-owned microbrewery and tasting room located in Montclair, New Jersey. Montclair Brewery has been dedicated to their mission to build a stronger community one beer at a time by offering craft beer styles for craft beer fans and those new to craft beer. Head Brewer Leo Sawadogo’s African and his wife and Chief Brand Officer, Denise’s African-American and Caribbean cultures are often infused into its product and event offerings. Montclair Brewery’s Baobiere Golden Ale has been included in Hop Culture’s “Top 10 Beers We Drank In August,” as well as Fragile Like A Bomb Golden Ale in their edition “The 37 Best Beers to Drink in Spring 2023”. Their taproom was named in The New Brewer: Journal of the Brewers Association as a taproom where “Culture is Front and Center”. Montclair Brewery has also been awarded best Craft Beer by Morris Essex Reader’s Choice, best Brewery/Distillery by Best of Essex Reader’s Choice Awards, and many titles in the New York International Beer Competition. Guests can order Montclair Brewery fresh brews on-site or by ordering online for pick up or delivery. A curated selection of its beers can be found at several New Jersey and New York bars, restaurants, grocery and liquor stores.  Learn more on montclairbrewery.com and connect with them on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.