Beer is one of the oldest and most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. For centuries, it has been a go-to drink – even ancient Egyptian pharaohs were buried with it. But you don’t have to know anything about hops to be a beer lover. If you’re looking to try some refreshing new flavors and you want to support Black businesses, check out these Black-owned breweries around the country. 

18th Street Brewery 

18th Street Brewery started in co-owner Drew Fox’s home. Today, it’s the second-largest brewery in Northwest Indiana. If you’re in the area, check out one of their three Northwest Indiana brewpub locations to sample one of their classic flavors or limited seasonal selections.  www.18thstreetbrewery.com

Cajun Fire Brewing Company 

Founded in New Orleans in 2011, Cajun Fire Brewing Company is the first Black-owned brewery in Louisiana. They source local produce for their craft beers, Cajun Fire Honey Ale, and Big Chief Creme Stout. Besides making beer, the company gives back, donating money to local charities and non-profit organizations. Their mission statement is “Brewing for socioeconomic gains, one pint at a time.” www.drinkcajunfire.com

Crowns & Hops Brewing Company 

Beny Ashburn and Teo Hunter created Crowns & Hops because they wanted to put a new face on craft beer. And their “Black is Beautiful” Pecan Pie Stout and citrusy Hazy IPA are doing just that. The beer is currently available across California, and they will be opening an Inglewood, California brewpub soon. www.crownsandhops.com 

Green Bench Brewing Company 

In the early 1900s, African-Americans weren’t allowed to use the green benches on St. Petersburg, Florida’s streets, which were meant for people to stop and socialize. But the folks at Green Bench Brewing Company set out to change the narrative with a brand and a brewery that is inclusive of all. Head brewer and co-owner, Khris Johnson sources fresh, local ingredients for the beers on their menu. www.greenbenchbrewing.com

Montclair Brewery  

Leo Sawadogo brewed at home for friends and family before opening Montclair Brewery with his wife, Denise. The microbrewery is the first in their New Jersey town. In addition to traditional European flavors, their menu is loaded with a variety of creative craft beers inspired by their West African and Caribbean roots. www.montclairbrewery.com

Weathered Souls Brewing Company 

Co-Founder and Head Brewer, Marcus Baskerville began brewing in his garage, before partnering with Mike Holt to open their San Antonio, Texas brewery. In addition to the traditional pilsners, pale ales, and IPAs, their menu includes some innovative fruity flavors like Oops All Berry #2 and Peach Margarita. www.weatheredsouls.beer

Métier Brewing Co. 

Rodney Hines loves everything about beer, from the complex flavors to the social connections that happen over a cold one (or two!). The mission of his Seattle-area Métier Brewing Co. is “to brew damn good beer and build stronger community to inspire bigger dreams for all.” Their beers are diverse, from fruity pale ales to dark, creamy stouts. And Métier is holding up their commitment to the community by supporting non-profit organizations, including the Major Taylor Project, which assists disadvantaged youth. www.metierbrewing.com

Soul Mega 

Howard University graduates Elliott Johnson and Jahi Watts are behind this D.C. area brewery. The name, Soul Mega, means, “the embodiment of something great.” And as their Worldwide American Pale Ale generates a cult following around D.C. area events, the beer is living up to its name. www.soulmega.com

Rhythm Brewing Company 

Alisa Bowers-Mercado inherited her love of beer from her grandmothers. She took that love and opened the first Black-owned and woman-owned brewery in Connecticut. Her Rhythm lagers are brewed with South African hops, and you can find them at her New Haven, CT headquarters, as well as bars and stores around Connecticut. www.rhythmbrewingco.com