rainbows, agriculture, harvests, rain, and beer, and they believe using her image was a powerful statement.
“It pays homage to our history and the history of brewing,” explains Rostic. “We wanted to pay homage to our roots. We’re African American, Black, we identify as that, that’s who we are. … It’s strong. It’s proud.”
That’s why they’re also planning to collaborate with local restaurants like 40 Acres Soul Food Kitchen, in Grand Rapids, to pair their craft beers with various signature dishes. Rostic adds that the flavor profiles in soul food will continue to inspire their palates for upcoming beer releases.
“We’re going to be hitting those traditional, Southern foods we grew up with,” he continues. “My grandparents were from Mississippi, so I grew up eating a lot of great, Southern cuisines. … I’ve been thinking a lot lately about [producing] sweet potato stouts and sweet potato IPAs.”
Now, that is something for the culture.