Montclair Brewery Releases New Beer as a Tribute to Patrice Lumumba

Montclair Brewery has released Lumumba Smoked Ale, the newest addition to its annual Black History Month Beer Series, now available in the Montclair taproom and through select distribution partners. The series honors influential Black leaders, culture, history, and resilience through thoughtfully crafted beers. Lumumba Smoked Ale delivers a smooth malt profile layered with a refined smoky character, offering a distinctive yet approachable drinking experience.

Later this month, the Brewery will also bring back the Limited Edition Doby Caramel Pale Ale, which honors baseball icon and former Montclair resident Larry Doby and is another beer in the Black History Month series. A special Black History Month beer flight to-go containing a mixed pack of four beers, music, and art are also part of the month’s celebration.

The Lumumba Smoked Ale pays tribute to Patrice Lumumba, the Congolese nationalist leader widely recognized for helping end colonial rule in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lumumba became the country’s first Prime Minister in 1960 and was regarded as one of Africa’s most promising new leaders before his assassination in 1961 amid Cold War geopolitical tensions. Historians note that Lumumba’s left-leaning political positions caused him to fall out of favor with Western powers. His legacy continues to symbolize independence, sovereignty, and African self-determination.

Montclair Brewery decided to honor Lumumba following renewed global attention during the recent 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, when a devoted Congolese supporter gained international recognition for attending matches dressed as Lumumba and holding a frozen pose throughout all of the Congo games. The symbolic tribute sparked widespread media coverage and helped bring Lumumba’s historical significance back into global conversation. The beer can label features a photo of the well-known Lumumba statue located in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo and a small photo of the tournament’s biggest fan, Michel Nkuka Mboladinga.

“As a former football/soccer player, coach, and lifelong fan of the tournament, seeing that powerful tribute to Lumumba during the matches was incredibly moving,” said Leo Sawadogo, Co-owner and Head Brewer of Montclair Brewery. “Lumumba represents courage, leadership, and the pursuit of independence—values that deserve continued recognition. Creating this beer was our way of honoring that legacy while sharing an important story with our community.” Lumumba Smoked Ale delivers a smooth malt profile layered with a refined smoky character, offering a distinctive yet approachable drinking experience.

Later this month, Montclair Brewery will also release the Limited Edition Doby Caramel Pale Ale, another beer in the Black History Month series, which honors baseball great and former Montclair resident Larry Doby. Both Lumumba Smoked Ale and Doby Caramel Pale Ale will be available in the Montclair Brewery taproom and at select distributors and retail partners while supplies last, in both cans and on draught.

In addition to the beer releases, Montclair Brewery is celebrating Black History Month with a full calendar of curated programming throughout the month, including live performances by musicians connected to the African diaspora and an art exhibition featuring works by Sydnei Smith Jordan on display in the taproom. Learn more about Lumumba Smoked Ale, the upcoming Doby Caramel Pale Ale, and other selections in the Black History Month Beer Series by visiting our website.

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